Tools For Scientific Thinking
Applets for Motion Investigations
NOTE: These simulation require Java 1.1 with Java Script to applet communication, which some older MacIntosh systems do not support. Physlets run on the MAc using OSX Panther and the latest Safari browser. For more infomation go to: Physlets® These work with Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer browsers with Java support. Older versions of Netscape may generate some error messages. They have been tested with both MS and SUN Java
These are simulations designed to allow the student to perform TST labs at home. The Tools for Scientific Thinking Labs are written by Ronald K. Thornton and David R. Sokoloff. They are available from Vernier Software.
Wherever the lab talks about the detector, you place the ball on the positive axis. The positive axis is in front of the detector, and the negative axis is behind the detector. The detector would be at zero, so moving away is movement to the right. Moving toward, is movement toward zero or to the left.
Investigation 1: Distance-Time Graphs of
Motion
Investigation 2: Velocity-Time Graphs of
Motion
Investigation 3: Distance and
Velocity Graphs
The following are simulations which can be used as a lab to explore various
aspects of acceleration and forces. The modified Atwood simulation is a
realistic simulation of the forces and acceleration set up.
Constant Acceleration
Two constant velocities match - Match graphs
by selecting velocities
Constant Acceleration - match graphs
by selecting A, Vi, Xi
Constant Acceleration - match graphs by
writing equations
Constant Acceleration - match
motions by selecting a,v,x
Two constant accelerations - match graphs
by selecting acceleration graphs
Three constant accelerations - match
graphs by selecting acceleration graphs
Constant Vertical Acceleration
Multiple Constant Forces
Force Investigation using a Modified Atwood
Machine
Force Investigation using a
Modified Atwood Machine with friction
Frictional Forces
Motion of Cart with Friction force on a Ramp
Motion of Cart with Friction coefficient on a
Ramp
Motion of Cart with angled force and friction
force
Motion of Cart with angled force and friction
coefficient
Two cart collisions
Cart and Spring collision
Atwood machine
Spring Force
Spring Cart & Position
These simulations are designed to help you visualize what is happening
during the experiment.
• You can slow them down to see more details and get a more accurate picture of
the interactions.
• You can step forwards or backwards. When you do this the red ball shows you
the location on the graph that corresponds to the current position of the
object.
• You can adjust the variables by either moving the slider, or by typing in the
desired value. Some variable are limited in value.
• Quantities that are not shown on a graph can often be measured. For example
force vectors (arrows) are shown according to the selected scale. You can
measure the arrows to get a good estimate of their values.
• By clicking on the graph or the picture you are shown the value at the
cursor.
• By checking
• By checking
• By checking Keep current graph, the current data is saved, and new data is
plotted with a separate line.
• By checking Reverse allowed, the simulation allows the object to reverse
direction.
• Some quantities are shown by the color of the object. The coefficient of
friction and spring constant are visually shown this way.
• You are not allowed to change variables while the experiment is being run.
You must click reset before trying to change variables.
John M. Clement currently teaches at St. Pius X High School, 811 W Donovan,
You are welcome to transfer these simulations to local computers for educational use. These simulations are based on Physlets® by Wolfgang Christian at Davidson College. The Physlets code may not be sold or commercially distributed for profit without permission of the author.
July, 2000