This page contains links to several Interactive Physics simulations.  Clinking on the link will load Interactive Physics, and load the simulation described beneath each link.  To get back here, you must quit Interactive Physics.

The simulations are set up so that you can change some aspects of the systems shown, but you cannot edit them.

The simulations are related to specific laboratory exercises.  You may find it helpful to look at the simulations before and after you come to the lab to do each exercise.

Simulation of a Force Board - Experiment 2 Equilibrium of Forces
A system of four weights, strings, and pulleys is set up.  Try to establish equilibrium, then determine if the displayed Force vectors are correct.

Simulation of a 1-Dimensional Collision - Experiment 7 Conservation of Momentum in 1-Dimension
Change the masses and initial velocities of two carts on an air track to simulate a perfectly inelastic collision.  Is momentum conserved?  Is Kinetic Energy conserved?

Simulation of a 2-Dimensional Collision - Experiment 9II Conservation of Momentum in 2-Dimensions
Try to set up a collision in which one puck is initially at rest.  Is momentum conserved?  Is Kinetic Energy conserved?  How does this collision differ from the one in the simulation described above?

Simulation of an accelerated mass - Experiment 8 Acceleration in 1-Dimension
Adjust the mass of the cart and the hanging weight to determine whether there is a relation between applied force, and resulting acceleration.