Simulations and computer modeling
This page was something I prepared for the IB. I was asked to review the new subject guide and make a note of any places where simulations could be used effectively. There are quite a few places so I ended up with a long page.
Kinematics
GeoGebra
Students use GeoGebra to construct a simulation to plot graphs for a body with constant acceleration.
PhET moving man
This one isn't HTML5 yet so can't be embedded
Open the simulation below and play with the controls under the "charts" tab.
Algodoo
Students can plot graphs of motion for a variety of situations.
LoggerPro
Video analysis is an excellent way of connecting graphs to motion.
PhET Projectile motion
Very easy to use but not very revealing.
GeoGebra
Or get the students to make their own based on the equations of motion.
Excel iterative model
It's possible to make animations in Excel using sliders.
Forces and momentum
Algodoo
In Algodoo you can show forces.
PhET Forces and motion
This one gets across the basic idea.
Algodoo
Collisions work well in Algodoo.
as does circular motion
Rigid body mechanics
Algodoo
You can add axles and apply torques. Algodoo also calculates moment of inertia for complex shapes.
PhET Balancing act
Test your calculation
Galilean and special relativity
GeoGebra
My favourite GeoGebra simulation of a space time diagram. I made this one but I get my students to make their own.
Work energy and power
Thermal energy transfers
Excel iterative model
Models the heating of a kettle including heat loss.
Greenhouse effect
PhET Black body spectrum
See how the peak changes with temperature.
PhET Greenhouse effect
Not good if you're colour blind, not HTML5 either.
Gas laws
PhET Gas properties
This one is great....
Algodoo
But much better to build your own so you understand the assumptions.
Thermodynamics
GeoGebra
The adiabatic transformations are particularly difficult to draw by hand (examiners take note).
GeoGebra
So are Carnot cycles.
Current and circuits
PhET Battery resistor circuit
I love the fairies doing all the work (sorry cropped sloppily).
PhET circuit construction kit
This is good but looks a bit childish.
Paul Falstad circuit simulator
This one is more serious and versatile.
Simple harmonic motion
LoggerPro
Good to start with a bit of video analysis
Algodoo
Reveals the forces.
Excel iterative model
Show that if the acceleration is proportional to the displacement but in the opposite direction sinusiodal motion results.
PhET Masses and springs
This one is great...
PhET pendulum lab
So is this.
GeoGebra
See how the equation is related to the motion.
Wave model
PhET Wave on a string
A great introduction to waves. I love the open window.
PhET Wave interference
Or this one for 2D waves
Falstad ripple tank
This is incredibly versatile, a must have.
GeoGebra
Build your own to show how phase difference between oscillators gives a wave (just showing off with this 3D version).
GeoGebra
Demonstrates how horizontal displacement leads to a longitudinal wave.
Wave phenomena
GeoGebra
Huygens' construction gives refraction.
GeoGebra
Two slit interference with diffraction.
GeoGebra
Wavelets add to give diffraction pattern.
Standing waves and resonance
GeoGebra
Waves in a pipe. There is an open one too.
Algodoo
Build a resonating system.
Doppler Effect
Falstad ripple tank
Can vary velocity of source.
GeoGebra
Useful to show how the equations are derived.
Gravitational fields
Excel model
It is possible to show how Kepler's 3 laws are a consequence of Newton's law but it's not easy.
Algodoo
Masses can be sent into orbit with G conveniently set to 1. Can also measure gravitational PE. Add air resistance and the mass spirals in.
Electric and magnetic fields
Algodoo
You can make G negative to get repulsive force and pretend gravity is electric force between charges
PhET Charges and Fields
This is great for visualising field lines and equipotentials.
Motion of a charge in a B field
GeoGebra
In this one you can get the charges to follow a helical path.
Induction
PhET Faradays Law
Lot's you can do with this one.
Structure of the atom
GeoGebra
Plot Bohr orbits.
Plot Bohr energy levels
Quantum Physics
PhET Photoelectric effect
A classic but not HTML5.
Radioactive decay
Excel model
Uses the random function to model decay.
Fission
PhET
There are lots of good resources for nuclear physics but none are HTML5