Simulations

OSP Simulations are compiled programs on specific topics. The models can be used for concept building, exploring physical systems that are not accessible otherwise, or as a basis for other student exercises.

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Featured Simulation

Polarizer Program
The Polarizer program displays the effect of a plane polarizer on an incident electromagnetic wave.   The default electromagnetic wave is plane polarized but this polarization can be changed using the input fields.  The slider can be used to rotate the polarizer to change its orientation.
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Curriculum

OSP Curriculum packages combine computer simulations with tutorial materials and student worksheets. Packages can be modified to meet the needs of faculty and students

Browse curriculum resources by topic and learn how to customize packages

Featured Curriculum

Modeling Physics with Easy Java Simulations: TPT Package
This Java archive contains a collection of simple Easy Java Simulations (EJS) programs for the teaching of computer-based modeling.  The materials and text of this resource appeared in an article of the same name in The Physics Teacher.
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EJS Modeling

Student modeling, the guided exploration of physical systems and concepts, is a powerful approach to engaged learning. Easy Java Simulations provides the computational tools for students and faculty to explore physics without the need for learning details of java programming.

Learn more about EJS

Featured EJS Model

Platform on Two Rotating Cylinders Model
The Ejs Platform on Two Rotating Cylinders model displays the model of a platform resting on two equal cylinders are rotating with opposite angular velocities.  There is kinetic friction between each cylinder and the platform.    The separation between the cylinders and the coefficient of kinetic friction can be changed via textboxes.
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Programming

Open Source Physics provides an extensive resources for computational physics and physics simulations. Included are:

• An Eclipse environment for OSP
• OSP Source Code Libraries
• OSP best practices
• Documentation

Access programming resources

Tools

OSP provides several general applications for physics teaching, student activities, and curriculum distribution. These are:

• Launcher – Simulation packages.
• Tracker – Video analysis.
• EJS – Easy Java Simulations.
• Data Tool – Data analysis.