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

Orbit Program
The Orbit program displays the dynamics of multiple massive objects interacting gravitationally.  The default scenario shows the figure-eight orbit of three particles first discovered by Montgomery.   Additional particles and their initial positions and velocities can be specified.
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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

Phase Matters Package
The Phase Matters package is a self-contained file for the teaching of phase and time evolution in quantum mechanics.  The material focuses on when and how, for arbitrary quantum-mechanical states, the phase of the wave function matters.
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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

Newton’s Mountain Model
The EJS Newton's Mountain model illustrates the motion of a projectile launched from the top of a VERY tall mountain on Earth. The diagram shown in the simulation is taken from Newton's A Treatise on the System of the World, which he wrote after the Principia. Newton concluded that a projectile launched horizontally with sufficient speed would orbit Earth rather than crashing to Earth's surface.
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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.