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Combining Computational Physics with Video Analysis in Tracker
written by Douglas Brown
In Spring 2007, introductory mechanics students at Cabrillo College used Tracker to compare 2D particle models with videos of real-world motion. After doing a traditional motion video analysis lab, students used both analytic (position functions) and dynamic (force functions and initial conditions for numerical solvers) models to draw overlays directly on their captured videos. The video thus provided a "reality check" while students explored different models, parameters and algorithms. In addition to the visual overlays, the models generated "experimental data" for graphing and analysis just like experimental (student-marked) tracks. This paper will describe my own and my students' experiences with this first exposure to computational physics in the curriculum. Tracker is a JAVA video/image analysis tool developed by the Open Source Physics Project. The Open Source Physics project is supported in part by the National Science Foundation grants DUE-0126439 and DUE-0442481.
AAPT 2007 Summer Meeting
Greensboro, North Carolina: July 28-August 1, 2007
Subjects Levels Resource Types
Classical Mechanics
- Applications of Newton's Laws
- Motion in One Dimension
= Gravitational Acceleration
- Newton's Second Law
= Force, Acceleration
Education Practices
- Active Learning
= Modeling
- Technology
= Computers
Fluid Mechanics
- Dynamics of Fluids
= Viscosity
- Lower Undergraduate
- High School
- Upper Undergraduate
- Instructional Material
= Instructor Guide/Manual
- Reference Material
= Proceedings
- Tool
= Software
Intended Users Formats Ratings
- Educators
- Learners
- application/pdf
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© 2007 Douglas Brown
Keyword:
viscosity
Record Creator:
Metadata instance created December 1, 2009 by Douglas Brown
Record Updated:
August 10, 2020 by Lyle Barbato
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