New Physics Source collection resources

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Vector Addition- Integer components

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:56:14 EST

This simulation offers beginning students practice in two-dimensional vector addition. It is relatively simple, as the x and y components of each vector are integers. Given the magnitude and direction of two vectors, students must determine the x and y components, the length of each, and the resultant vector sum. Click on "Check Answers" to get immediate feedback; click on "Show Answers" to display all the correct responses. For a more advanced simulation on vector addition by the same author, SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Vector Addition

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:06:05 EST

This simulation gives students a chance to practice two-dimensional vector addition in an interactive format with immediate feedback. The magnitude and direction of two vectors are given; the students' task is to determine x and y components, length of the two vectors, and the resultant sum. Users may select "Check Answers" to find out if their response is correct, or select "Show Answers" to see the correct values displayed. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a simpler version of this simulation, in which the vector components are all integers.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Free Body Diagrams

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:16:12 EST

This simulation offers students the opportunity to sketch free-body diagrams relating to a one-dimensional situation. Two boxes are stacked one atop the other. The bottom box rests on the floor of an elevator, which may be at rest, moving with constant velocity, or accelerating. The task for the student is to sketch free-body diagrams for the top box, the bottom box, and the two-box system. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Collisions in One Dimension

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:11 EST

In this interactive simulation, students collide two balls traveling along a line to investigate whether momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in the collision. Values for mass, initial velocity, and elasticity can be controlled by sliders. Students must calculate and enter the momentum and kinetic energy of each ball after the collision. Answers may be checked for immediate feedback. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Uniform Circular Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:16:41 EST

This interactive simulation offers a way for students to explore the connection between uniform circular motion and simple harmonic motion. The display shows two blocks on springs oscillating horizontally, and two balls traveling in uniform motion in a circular path. The user sets initial values for the blocks: amplitude, mass, and spring constant. The two balls are automatically set to the same values. Students are able to see that the circular motion of each ball corresponds to the motion of the blocks. To extend the learning, users can set values for the phase angles of each block. Also included by the author is a set of suggested activities to accompany the simulation. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Block on a Spring

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:44:06 EST

This interactive simulation models the motion of a block attached to an ideal spring that oscillates horizontally. Students can set the mass of the block, the initial position, spring constant, and damping. Motion graphs plot the block's position, speed, and acceleration as a function of time, and energy bar graphs are also displayed. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Simple Pendulum

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:05:45 EST

This interactive simulation models the motion of a simple pendulum. Users can change length, initial angle, and mass. Adjust the acceleration due to gravity to simulate pendulum motion on another planet. Graphs of angular position, angular velocity, and angular acceleration may be displayed, as well as energy bar graphs and free-body diagrams. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Two Springs and a Pendulum

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:17:44 EST

This interactive simulation allows students to explore the motion of two blocks oscillating on two horizontal springs, and compare those motions to that of a simple pendulum. Users can set a variety of values: mass, initial position, length and initial angle of the pendulum, and damping strength. Motion may be stepped or paused. Real-time graphs of motion, energy, and forces may be viewed or hidden. The author also provides a set of suggested activities to accompany the simulation. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Trigonometric Relations (Cosine)

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:11:16 EST

This item is a Physlet-based simulation allowing students to practice calculating the cosine value for various right angle triangles. It is part of a larger collection of Physlets developed by the same author. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Electric Field in 1D

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:06:49 EST

In this simulation, students investigate the electric field at various points along a line. They can activate one or two charged particles and set the charge from -30 to 30 nC. A graph showing the electric field as a function of position may be viewed or hidden. Net electric field is calculated at the bottom of the screen. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Electric Field in Two Dimensions

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:28:24 EST

This interactive simulation allows students to explore the concept of electric field in a 2-dimensional situation. Users can place one to five charged particles on the field and move a test charge around the plane. A grid of field vectors can also be activated to show the direction of the electric field produced by each point charge. Also included is a set of activities and a worksheet to accompany the simulation. This resource may be viewed online or freely downloaded as an xml or jar file. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Electric Field and Potential in One Dimension

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:21:31 EST

In this interactive simulation, students investigate the connection between electric field and electric potential at various points along a line. Users can select one or two charged particles, positive or negative charge, and location in reference to the test charge. Tables are provided to display the values of the electric field and potential at the position of the point charge. Graphs can be displayed that show both the electric field and electric potential as a function of position. This item may be opened online, or can be freely downloaded in xml format or as a JAR file. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Electric Field and Potential in Two Dimensions

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:29:14 EST

In this interactive simulation, students can explore the concepts of electric field and electric potential in a two-dimensional situation. The user can display 1 to 5 charged particles and move a test charge around the plane to explore both the electric field and the electric potential produced by the particles at various points. The sign and magnitude of the charges can be adjusted, and a grid of field vectors can also be turned on. This item may be freely downloaded in xml format or as a JAR file. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Magnetic Force- Three Wires

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:53:56 EST

This interactive Java simulation is a ranking task exercise involving three parallel current-carrying wires. Students can investigate the force between the three wires as they click and drag the wires around the screen. Arrows are displayed on each wire to represent the net force acting on it. Each wire carries a current of different magnitude, directed either into or out of the page. The student's task is to rank the wires based on the magnitude of their currents, from largest to smallest. Included are tabs to check answers and get extra help. This item may be freely downloaded in xml format or as a JAR file. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Vector Components

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:47:30 EST

This interactive Java simulation allows students to practice vector components in two modes: "Find Components" and "Find Magnitude and Direction". Included are tabs to check answers and hints if the user needs extra help. This item may be downloaded in xml format or as a JAR file. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations, a code-generating tool that allows users without formal programming experience to develop computer simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Vector Addition- Patterns

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:47:46 EST

This item is a Java applet that illustrates the tail-to-tip method of adding vectors. As users adjust lengths and angles of two vectors, the resultant vector and components are displayed. Users may also set rotation rates and watch the vectors spin, tracing out interesting patterns on the screen. It may be downloaded in xml format or as a JAR file. This applet was created with EJS, Easy Java Simulations,, a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for a link to the full index of Andrew Duffy's EJS simulations.

Seat Activities

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:47:23 EST

This web site provides a collection of classroom activities for use in large introductory college physics classes on the topics of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. The activities include "pencil and paper" questions meant for student discussion, problems formulated specifically for whiteboards, and low cost experiments for student investigations. Solutions are provided for the problems and the questions raised in the experiments.

The Humanized Physics Project

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:52:48 EST

This web site contains an algebra-based introductory college physics curriculum with physics concepts motivated by human physiology applications. It contains a collection of modules covering a wide range of topics in physics using biological examples. Modules include Biomechanics and Modeling Human Motion, Circulatory and Respiratory System, Modeling Human Speech and Hearing, Modeling Human Vision, Physics of Imaging, and more. Additional resources available to users include flash animations of motion in one and two dimensions, ultrasound imaging techniques, and human motion video clips. These materials are based on an interactive pedagogy and include use of multimedia and mathematical modeling. These resources have been tested in classes and assessed.

RELATE real-world problem index

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:57:33 EST

This is a collection of introductory mechanics problems that feature authentic data in real-world scenarios. The problems were crafted to be challenging enough that students must think critically about problem-solving strategies and, often, search independently for relevant data. Problems are given a difficulty rating based on the scheme developed by the University of Minnesota for use with Context-Rich Problems. Topics include 1-D kinematics, projectiles, energy, force, momentum, work, and simple harmonic motion. SEE RELATED MATERIALS on this page to link to the web site for the PER-based Context Rich Problems archive and further information about creating and using context-rich problems in the introductory physics classroom.

Intuitive Quantum Physics

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:34:39 EST

This web site provides small-group learning materials for teaching wave physics and modern physics to non-science majors. Adapted from Physics Education Research methods, these materials were designed to include observation, qualitative analysis, and graphical representations at the level of students with limited math proficiency. Course goals include a broadened understanding of energy and probability, bound states, spectroscopy, modeling of molecules, and tunneling.