Physics and the Internet

John A. MacKinnon

Concordia University, Montreal, Canada, H3G 1M8

1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West

Physics and the Internet

Computer Simulations in Three Dimensions for Teaching

Physics

Abstract

Physics is the cornerstone of technological development. Training of physicists, engineers, and technologists is of prime importance to a modern industrial society. Computer simulations for the teaching of physics and technology are a quantum leap in the way the ideas of physics can be presented. A list of the simulations available is shown at the web site address:

http://www.sonetis.com/~htran/physics.html

1. at home 2. on a network

3. in the class room with an overhead projector 4. on the internet. The programs are easily

portable between the different teaching and learning environments. Exercise books with solved problems are available. The theory used in the simulations is briefly sumarized in the theory section (Dos versions) and in the pull down window (Win 95 versions). All the Dos versions of the programs can be downloaded from the internet.

Solar system kinematics (Win95) can also be downloaded.

Introduction

http://www.sonetis.com/~htran/physics.html

All simulations are in three dimensions, and the axes can be rotated so that the trajectory or graph can be viewed from any direction. Dos versions and Windows 95 versions are available. Each technology has its advantages and disadvantages. In the Dos versions the screen image can be sent to the printer by activating the screen capture software (c:\graphics laserjetii (see the comand format for the printer you are using)) and pushing the 'print screen' key. In the Windows 95 versions the screen image is copied to the clipboard and then printed. Acetates for overhead screen projection can be prepared from the screen dumps. The simulations can be used in several different teaching and learning environments. These are: 1. at home 2. on a network 3. in the class room with an overhead projector 4. on the internet.The programs are easily portable between the different teaching and learning environments. Exercise books with solved problems are available. The theory used in the simulations is briefly sumarized in the theory section (Dos versions) and in the pull down window (Win 95 versions). All the Dos versions of the programs can be downloaded from the internet. Solar system kinematics (Win95) can also be downloaded.

Simulations

The following simulations are available:

1. Kinematics

2. Rotational kinematics

3. Solar system kinematics

4. Electric field

5. Coulomb's law

6. Magnetic field

7. Motion of electrons and

positrons in electric and

magnetic fields

8. Charge and electric

potential

9. Simple harmonic motion

10.Newton's universal law of

gravitation

11.Newton's laws of motion

(one,two,three)

12.Rutherford atom

13.Bohr atom

14.Vectors (addition and

subtraction)

15.Velocity( average and

instantaneous)

16.Work and energy

Once the basic format is developed all topics in physics and other areas of science in which models are required can be cast in this mold. All simulations have a theory section, a screen in which the simulation parameters can be selected, a screen in which the simulation takes place (figure 1), and a screen where the simulation graph or trajectory can be rotated (In Win 95 versions the simulation screen and the rotation screen are the same).

figure 1

Potential in XY plane for four

charges in the XY plane.

Conclusions

Computer simulations for the teaching of physics and technology are a quantum leap in the way the ideas of physics can be presented. Simulations animate physical theories and provide a bridge to the world of computer science which is so necessary in the modern work place. There is much work to be done in the area of simulations for teaching introductory physical concepts and these simulations presented here no doubt will provide the basis for continuing work.