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This Java simulation allows users to build their own system of heavenly bodies and watch the gravitational ballet. With this orbit simulator, the user can set initial positions, velocities, and masses of 2, 3, or 4 bodies, and then see them orbit each other. It was designed to help learners understand how a planet's orbit is affected by its mass, velocity, and distance from its sun.
This resource is accompanied by a collection of labs and lessons for learners from middle school through undergraduate. This is part of a larger collection of research-based simulations developed by the Physics Education Technology project (PhET). The activities promote interactive exploration of key concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science. Please note that this resource requires Flash, or Java Applet Plug-in.
Next Generation Science StandardsMotion and Stability: Forces and Interactions (MS-PS2)
Students who demonstrate understanding can: (6-8)
Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions (HS-PS2)
Students who demonstrate understanding can: (9-12)
Disciplinary Core Ideas (K-12)
Forces and Motion (PS2.A)
Types of Interactions (PS2.B)
Relationship Between Energy and Forces (PS3.C)
Crosscutting Concepts (K-12)
Cause and Effect (K-12)
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity (3-12)
Systems and System Models (K-12)
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (K-12)
Developing and Using Models (K-12)
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)1. The Nature of Science
1A. The Scientific Worldview
4. The Physical Setting
4A. The Universe
4F. Motion
4G. Forces of Nature
11. Common Themes
11B. Models
This resource is part of 2 Physics Front Topical Units.
Topic: Kinematics: The Physics of Motion
Unit Title: Planetary Motion With this orbit simulator, you can set initial positions, velocities, and masses of 2, 3, or 4 bodies, and then watch them orbit each other. The simulation is especially effective at helping students understand how distance and mass are related to orbit. Scroll down on the page for related lesson plans developed by middle school and high school teachers. Requires Flash Link to Unit:
Topic: Astronomy
Unit Title: Astronomy Resources for the K-8 Classroom Build your own system of heavenly bodies and watch the gravitational ballet! This orbit simulator lets users set initial position, velocity, and masses for up to 4 planets. It was designed to help students form deeper understanding of how a planet's orbit is affected by its mass, speed, and distance from its sun. Link to Unit:
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Record Link
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=6093">PhET. PhET Simulation: My Solar System. Boulder: PhET, November 15, 2010.</a>
AIP Format
(PhET, Boulder, 2007), WWW Document, (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/my-solar-system).
AJP/PRST-PER
PhET Simulation: My Solar System (PhET, Boulder, 2007), <https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/my-solar-system>.
APA Format
PhET Simulation: My Solar System. (2010, November 15). Retrieved December 14, 2024, from PhET: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/my-solar-system
Chicago Format
PhET. PhET Simulation: My Solar System. Boulder: PhET, November 15, 2010. https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/my-solar-system (accessed 14 December 2024).
MLA Format
PhET Simulation: My Solar System. Boulder: PhET, 2007. 15 Nov. 2010. 14 Dec. 2024 <https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/my-solar-system>.
BibTeX Export Format
@misc{
Title = {PhET Simulation: My Solar System},
Publisher = {PhET},
Volume = {2024},
Number = {14 December 2024},
Month = {November 15, 2010},
Year = {2007}
}
Refer Export Format
%T PhET Simulation: My Solar System %D November 15, 2010 %I PhET %C Boulder %U https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/my-solar-system %O application/java
EndNote Export Format
%0 Electronic Source %D November 15, 2010 %T PhET Simulation: My Solar System %I PhET %V 2024 %N 14 December 2024 %8 November 15, 2010 %9 application/java %U https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/my-solar-system Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. This resource is stored in 21 shared folders. You must login to access shared folders. PhET Simulation: My Solar System:
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