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Standard Level · physics-sl · Interactive simulations

IB Physics SL Simulation Lab

548 unique simulations19 lessons6 sources

Every simulation here runs the real model — the applets a teacher would put on the board, from PhET, 3JCN Physics and 4 other sources, not a video of one. Pick a topic, open a card inside its lesson to run it next to the notes, or jump straight to the source. A simulation that fits several lessons is listed under each of them (596 cards in all). Back to the IB Physics SL course →

596 in all

A · Space, time and motion

3 lessons · 209 sims

A.1Kinematics

86 sims
80 more simulations for this lesson

A.2Forces and momentum

94 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Forces and Motion: Basics

    F = ma: net force, not applied force, sets acceleration; zero net force means constant velocity.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 19702 3.1 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Free-Body Diagrams

    Construct free-body diagrams for 12 situations: select up-down-right-left force types and tap the arrows to set their magnitudes

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • PhETStart here · 29702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Collision Lab

    Elastic and inelastic collisions in 1D and 2D with live momentum and kinetic energy.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 39702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Uniform Circular Motion

    Change the mass, speed or radius and see the velocity, acceleration and net force on an object moving in a circle

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 49702 3.1 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Advanced Static & Kinetic Friction

    Increase applied force on a block to see static friction give way to kinetic friction

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • oPhysicsStart here · 59702 4.3 · IB A.2

    Buoyancy

    Adjust fluid density, object density and viscosity; run to see sinking, floating and the buoyant force

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
88 more simulations for this lesson
  • PhET9702 3.1–3.2 · IB A.2

    Forces in 1 Dimension

    Push a crate or fridge with a chosen applied force; read friction, net force, and the acceleration and velocity graphs.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 3.1–3.2 · IB A.2

    Forces and Motion

    Push a crate or fridge across a surface with chosen friction; see the free-body diagram and the force, velocity and acceleration graphs.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 5.1 · 3.1 · 4.2 · IB A.3 · A.2

    The Ramp

    Push objects up a ramp; vary the angle, friction and mass and read the work done, energy bar charts and force graphs.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • oPhysics9702 1.4 · IB A.1 · IB A.2

    Vector Addition

    Drag the tips of two vectors; see their resultant by triangle or parallelogram method

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 1.4 · IB A.1 · IB A.2

    Vector Components

    Enter a vector magnitude and direction; see its x and y components graphically and numerically

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.1 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Friction: Pulling a Box on a Horizontal Surface

    Pull a box with a rope at adjustable tension/angle; explore static vs kinetic friction and normal force

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.1 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Static and Kinetic Friction on an Inclined Plane

    Vary incline angle (0-90) and friction coefficients; see weight, normal and friction vectors and the motion

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Inclined Plane with Friction, Two Masses, and a Pulley

    Atwood-style system: mass on a rough incline linked over a pulley to a hanging mass; run to see the motion

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · IB A.2

    Momentum & Energy: Elastic and Inelastic Collisions

    1D collision of two masses: set masses, velocities and elasticity; compare momentum and KE before/after

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Momentum & Energy: Explosive Collisions

    Two boxes pushed apart by an explosive charge; set masses, initial velocity and explosion energy

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · IB A.2

    The Ballistic Pendulum

    Ballistic pendulum: set bullet/block masses and bullet speed; see inelastic collision then rise height

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · IB A.2

    Ballistic Pendulum "Quiz"

    Ballistic pendulum quiz: given masses and rise height, compute the bullet speed and check it

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Center of Mass: Person on a Floating Raft

    Person walks along a floating raft; adjust masses and watch raft recoil so the centre of mass stays fixed

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysicsIB A.4 · 9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Shooting Bullets Vertically into Blocks

    Two bullets fired upward into identical blocks, one at centre, one off-centre; compare heights reached

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 4.1 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.4

    Equilibrium Problem: Bar with Axis Supported by a Cable

    Uniform bar hinged at one end, held by a cable, with a movable mass; find cable tension and hinge force

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 4.1 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Stability, Equilibrium, and Center of Mass

    Tilt objects to explore stability, equilibrium and where the centre of mass must sit over the base

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 4.3 · IB A.2

    Density Lab Using Buoyancy

    Lab: weigh an object in air and submerged in a known fluid, compute its density and check

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    The Conical Pendulum

    Conical pendulum: adjust radius and view; see tension and weight resolving to give centripetal force

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Conical Pendulum: 3D

    3D conical pendulum: adjust string length, velocity and view angle; relate speed to cone angle

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.1 · 9702 4.2 · 9702 5.1

    Inclined Plane Simulation

    Set the angle, mass, initial velocity and coefficients of static and kinetic friction; observe the forces, motion and energy changes

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Atwood's Machine 2D

    Newton's second law with one or two objects in one or two dimensions; add each nuance step by step and compare the acceleration

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Egg Drop

    Explore which variables give a safe landing or a broken egg: drop height and the landing surface

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Force

    Push a box across a surface; alter the applied force, the mass and the friction and investigate the acceleration

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.1 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Free-Body Diagrams…The Sequel

    Twelve new situations for building free-body diagrams: select the force types and tap the arrows to set their magnitudes

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.1 · 9702 3.2 · IB A.2

    Rocket Sledder

    Vary the sledder's mass, the parachute size, the applied force and the friction; speed, acceleration and force values display as it moves

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Elevator Ride

    Ride an elevator and explore the physics of weightlessness and weightiness as it starts and stops

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Atwood's Machine

    Hang two objects over a pulley or build a modified Atwood's machine; change the mass on either object and introduce friction

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.2 · IB A.2 · IB A.1

    Falling Bodies - 1D

    A numerical model of a fall with air resistance: set the mass, initial height, initial velocity, profile area, drag coefficient and air density

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.2 · IB A.2

    Skydiving

    An object falls with air resistance; force arrows and values, a speedometer and the height are shown as it falls

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    The Cart and The Brick

    A brick drops onto a moving cart; use the position-time data to find speeds before and after and compare the momentum totals

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Fish Catch

    A big fish catches a smaller one; explore how the relative masses predict the post-collision speed

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Exploding Carts

    Two carts on a low-friction track push apart with a spring-loaded plunger; vary the relative mass and compare the speeds

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Collision Carts

    Slam carts together on a track, or explode them apart with a firecracker; change the mass and velocity and read the before-and-after data

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Two-Dimensional Collision Simulation

    Collide objects in two dimensions and analyse momentum conservation in each direction

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Collision Mania

    Eight collision scenarios; manipulate the variables and look for patterns in the outcomes

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.3 · IB A.4 · IB A.2

    Collisions and Rotation

    Collide two boxes or two cylinders; modify a mass, a linear speed or the angular motion and watch the outcome

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 4.2 · 9702 1.4 · IB A.2

    Balance It!

    Balance an angled force with forces that lie along the x- and y-axes; the Help page walks through resolving it into components

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Go for the Gold!

    Add gold coins to a bag hanging from ropes without breaking them; the rope angles set the tension, and levels get harder

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Equilibrium

    Drag out a force vector to balance the given one, then level up to balancing two and then three force vectors

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 4.3 · IB A.2

    Buoyancy Sim

    Place an object in a fluid and see the forces at play; set its density to decide whether it floats or sinks

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Horizontal Circle Simulation

    A ball on a string, a car on a banked turn and a plane in a horizontal circle; change a variable and observe its effect

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Vertical Circle Simulation (Pendulum Motion)

    A ball on a light string, a rigid rod or a loop wall moves in a vertical circle; change a variable and observe the tension and speed

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 12.2 · 9702 5.2 · IB A.2

    Roller Coaster Design

    Change the design parameters of a coaster and investigate its safety and thrill: hill height, loop radius and speed

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • SimuPhysics9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Conservation of Momentum

    Elastic and inelastic collisions run side by side with momentum and kinetic energy totalled before and after

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 12.1 · IB A.2

    Angle and Arc Simulation

    An angle at the centre of a circle is tied to the arc it cuts, showing that arc divided by radius is the angle in radians

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Circular Motion Simulation

    The velocity and acceleration vectors are drawn as an object circles at steady speed

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Atwood Machine Experiment

    Set two Atwood masses and measure acceleration; compare with theory

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Atwood Machine Problem

    Atwood machine worked problem with adjustable masses

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Elevator

    Ride an accelerating elevator and read apparent weight on the scale

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Force, Static & Kinetic Frictions Problem

    Force and friction problem on a block with adjustable coefficients and pull angle

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.2

    Measure Static Friction Coefficient

    Tilt a ramp until a block just slips; compute the static friction coefficient from the angle

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Newton's Second Law

    Adjust applied force and mass on a cart; read acceleration and compare with F = ma

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Newton's Second Law Problem

    Newton's second law worked problem with adjustable force, mass and friction

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · 9702 1.4 · IB A.2

    Normal Force

    Place a block on a tilted surface and watch the normal force component change with angle

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2

    Pulley System

    Hang loads on a pulley system; see mechanical advantage and tensions

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.2 · IB A.2

    Viscosity

    Drop spheres through fluids of different viscosity; see terminal velocity

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2

    Ballistic Pendulum

    Fire a bullet into a hanging block; use swing height to find the bullet speed

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Collision Exercise 1D

    Solve a 1D collision exercise with your own masses and velocities

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Collision Exercise 2D

    Set up a 2D billiard-ball collision and resolve momentum in two directions

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Conservation of Momentum

    Fire a bullet into a block; vary masses and speed and confirm momentum is conserved

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Elastic & Inelastic Collisions

    Collide two carts with adjustable masses, speeds and elasticity; read momentum and KE before and after

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Newton's Cradle - CoE - CoM - Collision

    Lift and release Newton's cradle balls; see momentum and energy pass through the chain

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Perfect Elastic Collision Problem

    Perfectly elastic collision problem with adjustable masses; check both momentum and KE conservation

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 4.2 · 9702 4.1 · IB A.2

    Static Equilibrium Problem 1

    Static equilibrium problem 1: adjust forces and solve for unknown tensions

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 4.2 · 9702 4.1 · IB A.2

    Static Equilibrium Problem 2

    Static equilibrium problem 2 with a hinged beam and cable

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 4.2 · 9702 4.1 · IB A.2

    Static Equilibrium Problem 3

    Static equilibrium problem 3 with multiple supports

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · 9702 3.1

    A Disk on a Turntable

    Spin a turntable with a disk on it; find the speed at which friction can no longer hold it

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Car on a Banked Road Problem 1

    Drive a car on a banked curve; find the speed at which no friction is needed (banked up)

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Car on a Banked Road Problem 2

    Second banked-road case with the friction direction reversed

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Centripetal Force

    Swing a mass in a horizontal circle; vary radius, speed and mass and read the centripetal force

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Centripetal Force Problem

    Solve a net-inward-force problem with adjustable radius, speed and mass

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Drone in a Circular Tunnel

    Fly a drone around a circular tunnel and inspect velocity and acceleration vectors

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · 9702 5.1

    Loop The Loop

    Release a cart from a chosen height into a vertical loop; find the minimum height to stay on track

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhysicsHub9702 1.4 · 9702 4.2 · IB A.1

    Vector Operations Calculator

    Drag two 2D vectors (or set magnitude, angle, scalar multiplier, operation) and see sum, difference, dot product, components, magnitude and direction

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhysicsHub9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · IB A.2

    1D Collision Simulation

    Two bodies collide on a line; set each mass and initial velocity plus the coefficient of restitution and read momentum and kinetic energy before and after

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhysicsHub9702 4.2 · 9702 3.1 · 9702 1.4

    Inclined Plane

    Block on a ramp; set mass, plane angle, static and kinetic friction coefficients, applied force and g; find the angle where static friction fails (tan θ = μs)

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhysicsHub9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    Circular Motion

    Object in uniform circular motion; set radius, tangential speed, mass and size and watch the velocity (tangent) and centripetal acceleration (inward) vectors

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhET9702 4.3 · IB A.2

    Buoyancy: Basics

    Compare blocks of different mass and density in a pool: which float, which sink, and how much fluid each displaces.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 3.2 · 16.1 · IB A.2 · B.1

    Friction

    Rub two books together and watch the atoms at the surfaces jiggle faster as the thermometer rises.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhETIB A.2

    Under Pressure

    Fill a tank with a fluid of chosen density, change gravity and depth, and read the pressure with a movable gauge.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 3.1 · 4.2 · 5.1 · IB A.2 · A.3

    Ramp: Forces and Motion

    Push objects up a ramp of adjustable angle and friction; see the forces, the work done and the energy bar charts.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · 9702 17.1 · IB A.2

    Dropping a Mass on an Oscillating Mass

    Drop a second mass onto an oscillating spring-mass at equilibrium or max displacement; compare amplitude/period changes

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · IB A.2

    Falling Spring with Attached Masses

    Release a vertical spring with masses at both ends; watch the counter-intuitive fall

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics Classroom9702 12.1 · IB A.2

    Race Track

    Drive a car round an oval using force buttons to accelerate, decelerate and turn; stay on the track in as few moves as possible

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 12.2 · IB A.2

    The Barrel Ride

    Design the spinning barrel: modify its parameters so the riders stay pinned to the wall when the floor drops

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • PhysicsHub9702 2.1 · 9702 3.3 · IB A.1

    Bouncing Ball

    Ball at constant velocity rebounding off walls; set mass, diameter, gravity and coefficient of restitution and watch one velocity component flip at each wall

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhysicsHub9702 2.1 · 9702 3.1 · IB A.1

    Ball Acceleration

    Ball accelerates toward the cursor; set acceleration, max speed and diameter to see velocity and acceleration vectors pointing in different directions

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhysicsHub9702 3.3 · IB A.2

    Pi From Collisions

    Two blocks and a wall, perfectly elastic; set the mass ratio (powers of 100), initial velocities and block sizes and count collisions to reveal digits of π

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub

A.3Work, energy and power

29 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Energy Skate Park: Basics

    Show the bar graph and release the skater: kinetic and potential energy trade places while the total stays level. Add friction and thermal energy takes the rest.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhETStart here · 19702 6.2 · IB A.3

    Hooke’s Law

    Stretch a spring and watch the area under the force–extension graph become stored energy.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 29702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · IB A.3

    Kinetic Energy

    Relate the work done on an object to the kinetic energy it acquires, and see what friction changes

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 39702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · IB A.3

    It's All Uphill

    Drive a car up a gently-sloped hill and a steep hill to the same summit and compare the work and energy

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 49702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · IB A.3

    Stopping Distance

    Skid a car to a stop from different speeds and compare the stopping distances

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 59702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · IB A.3

    CoE on an Inclined Ramp

    Slide a block down a ramp with chosen height and friction; track energy transfers

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
23 more simulations for this lesson
  • PhET9702 5.1 · IB A.3

    Energy Skate Park

    Build a track, drop a skater and watch kinetic, potential and thermal energy trade places.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 5.1 · 3.1 · 4.2 · IB A.3 · A.2

    The Ramp

    Push objects up a ramp; vary the angle, friction and mass and read the work done, energy bar charts and force graphs.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · IB A.2

    Momentum & Energy: Elastic and Inelastic Collisions

    1D collision of two masses: set masses, velocities and elasticity; compare momentum and KE before/after

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · IB A.2

    The Ballistic Pendulum

    Ballistic pendulum: set bullet/block masses and bullet speed; see inelastic collision then rise height

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · IB A.2

    Ballistic Pendulum "Quiz"

    Ballistic pendulum quiz: given masses and rise height, compute the bullet speed and check it

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · 9702 17.2

    Conservation of Mechanical Energy: Mass on a Vertical Spring

    Mass oscillating on a vertical spring with live KE / GPE / EPE bar graphs; adjust mass and spring constant

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics Classroom9702 3.1 · 9702 4.2 · 9702 5.1

    Inclined Plane Simulation

    Set the angle, mass, initial velocity and coefficients of static and kinetic friction; observe the forces, motion and energy changes

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 5.1 · IB A.3

    Chart That Motion

    Build work-energy bar charts that show what happens to the total energy of an object and how its form changes

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 5.2 · 9702 5.1 · IB A.3

    Roller Coaster Model

    Build a first drop, a loop, or dips and hills and study the coaster's energy and speed along the track

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 12.2 · 9702 5.2 · IB A.2

    Roller Coaster Design

    Change the design parameters of a coaster and investigate its safety and thrill: hill height, loop radius and speed

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • SimuPhysics9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · IB A.3

    Work-Energy Theorem

    Apply a force over a distance and track the work done and the kinetic energy as the motion proceeds

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2

    Ballistic Pendulum

    Fire a bullet into a hanging block; use swing height to find the bullet speed

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · 9702 4.1

    Antigravity?

    Roll a double cone up a diverging V-track; see why its centre of mass actually falls

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · IB A.3

    Conservation of Energy (CoE)

    Drop or launch an object and watch KE, PE and total energy bars update in real time

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · 9702 17.1

    Energy Conservation Demonstration

    Swing a pendulum and watch PE convert to KE and back through the cycle

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · 9702 3.1

    Work-Energy & Friction Floor

    Push a block across a rough floor; compare work done by force and by friction with the KE change

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 6.1 · 9702 6.2 · 9702 5.1

    Elastic Energy

    Compress or stretch a spring and watch the stored elastic energy change with extension

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 6.1 · 9702 6.2 · IB A.3

    Hooke's Law

    Hang masses on a spring and plot force against extension to find k

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 12.1 · 9702 12.2 · 9702 5.1

    Loop The Loop

    Release a cart from a chosen height into a vertical loop; find the minimum height to stay on track

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhysicsHub9702 2.1 · 9702 3.2 · 9702 5.2

    Ball Gravity

    Ball falls and bounces; adjust g, mass, wind acceleration, friction coefficient and restitution to compare free fall, weight vs mass and energy loss per bounce

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhysicsHub9702 3.3 · 9702 5.1 · IB A.2

    1D Collision Simulation

    Two bodies collide on a line; set each mass and initial velocity plus the coefficient of restitution and read momentum and kinetic energy before and after

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhET9702 3.1 · 4.2 · 5.1 · IB A.2 · A.3

    Ramp: Forces and Motion

    Push objects up a ramp of adjustable angle and friction; see the forces, the work done and the energy bar charts.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 5.1 · IB C.1

    The Pendulum

    Simple pendulum: adjust length, initial angle and g; examine forces, acceleration, velocity and energy

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics

B · The particulate nature of matter

4 lessons · 83 sims

B.1Thermal energy transfers

17 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Energy Forms and Changes

    Heat iron and brick on the same burner, then lower them into water: the temperature changes follow Q = mcΔT until everything reaches equilibrium.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 19702 14.3 · 9702 14.1 · IB B.1

    Water Phases

    Heat ice to steam and see the temperature plateau at each phase change

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 29702 14.3 · 9702 14.1 · IB B.1

    Mix Ice & Water

    Mix ice and water at chosen masses and temperatures; find the final temperature

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhETStart here · 39702 14.3 · 16.1 · IB B.1

    States of Matter

    Heat or cool neon, argon, oxygen or water and watch the particles melt, boil and freeze.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 49702 14.3 · 9702 14.1 · IB B.1

    Heat Transfer (metal)

    Heat one end of a metal rod and watch conduction spread along it

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • SimuPhysicsStart here · 59702 14.1 · IB B.1

    Heat Transfer Simulation

    Three benches: conduction along a metal bar to steady state, convection rolls in a heated fluid layer, and radiation

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
11 more simulations for this lesson

B.2Greenhouse effect

5 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Greenhouse Effect

    Raise the greenhouse gas concentration: more infrared photons are absorbed and re-emitted downward, and the surface temperature settles higher.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 19702 25.2 · 9702 25.1 · IB B.2

    Black Body Radiation

    Change the temperature of a black body and watch the spectrum shift (Wien, Stefan)

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhETStart here · 2IB B.2 · 9702 7.4

    Molecules and Light

    Shine microwave, infrared, visible or UV light at CO₂, H₂O, N₂, O₂ and other molecules and see which absorb and vibrate.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhETStart here · 3IB B.2

    Blackbody Spectrum

    Compare the Sun’s spectrum (visible) with the Earth’s (infrared) on one axis.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • SimuPhysicsStart here · 49702 25.2 · IB B.1 · IB B.2

    Emissivity & Absorptivity Simulation

    Surfaces of different emissivity radiate and absorb side by side

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics

B.3Gas laws

12 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Gas Properties

    Fix the temperature and halve the volume: pressure doubles (Boyle). Fix the volume and heat the gas: pressure rises in step with kelvin temperature.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 19702 15.2 · 9702 15.3 · IB B.3

    Ideal Gas Behavior

    A gas cylinder with piston, thermometer, pressure gauge, volume and number of moles; set an initial state and change it

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 29702 14.1 · 9702 14.2 · 9702 15.2

    Measure Abs Zero T

    Measure absolute zero by plotting pressure against temperature for a gas

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 39702 15.3 · IB B.3

    Brownian Motion

    Watch a pollen grain jostled by invisible gas molecules; change temperature

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 49702 15.3 · 9702 14.3 · 9702 14.1

    Heat Transfer (gas)

    Heat a gas and watch molecules speed up; relate temperature to KE

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
7 more simulations for this lesson

B.5Current and circuits

49 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Circuit Construction Kit: DC

    Wire the same two resistors in series, then in parallel: read each arrangement with the ammeter and voltmeter and compare the total current.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhETStart here · 19702 9.3 · IB B.5

    Resistance in a Wire

    Change a wire’s resistivity, length and cross-sectional area; see the resistance update.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhysicsHubStart here · 29702 10.2 · 9702 10.1 · 9702 9.2

    Kirchhoff's Circuit Laws

    Four DC circuits; set each EMF, internal resistance and the three resistances, drag a voltmeter and ammeter on; watch the KCL and KVL sums balance to zero

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • oPhysicsStart here · 39702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5

    Electric Circuit with Four Identical Lightbulbs

    Combination circuit with four identical bulbs and three switches; predict then test brightness and current

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 49702 10.2 · IB B.5

    Equivalent Resistance

    Given a series, parallel or combination circuit, choose resistor values that produce a target equivalent resistance

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 59702 9.2 · 9702 9.3 · IB B.5

    Ohm's Law

    Vary voltage and resistance; read current and plot V-I

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
43 more simulations for this lesson
  • PhET9702 10.1 · IB B.5

    Circuit Construction Kit: DC — Virtual Lab

    A real-looking bench: build a circuit, then measure with a non-ideal battery and meters.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 9.1 · 9.3 · IB B.5

    Battery-Resistor Circuit

    Vary the battery voltage and the resistance; watch electrons move through the resistor and the resistor heat up.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Signal Circuit

    Close a switch on a long loop of wire and watch every electron start moving at once while each one drifts slowly.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • The Physics Classroom9702 9.1 · 9702 9.2 · 9702 10.1

    DC Circuit Builder

    A virtual circuit board: add resistors, bulbs, wires and ammeters, use a voltmeter, and build series, parallel and combination circuits

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Charge Carriers in Different Materials

    A metal, an electrolyte, a semiconductor and an ionised gas side by side, each with its own carriers moving inside

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · 9702 11.2 · IB B.5

    Charge is Quantised — Q = Ne

    Dial in a charge and watch it divided by the elementary charge; a whole number shows that many electrons, a fraction shows what cannot exist

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Conventional and Electron Current Directions

    Switch between the conventional picture and the electron picture and the four-cell table shows the direction inside and outside the source

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Current, Charge and Time — the Tap and the Bucket

    Two taps fill two buckets against two stopwatches; hold the time and double the charge, or hold the charge and double the time

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Current Graphs — Slope and Area

    Three graphs on draggable axes: the slope of Q–t, the slope of N–t and the area under I–t

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Current is the Same at Every Cross-Section

    One wire with three thicknesses and a counter at each; squeeze the middle section and watch the carrier speed and the three counters

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Inside a Conductor — Random Motion to Drift

    Free electrons in a copper loop move at around 10⁶ m/s with no net motion; switch the field on and a slow drift appears on top

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    What an Ampere Is

    Count the charge crossing a marked section of wire and divide by the time; the same flow reads in coulombs per second and electrons per second

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.2 · IB B.5

    Electric Power and Energy

    A 3D bench of appliances: read each rating plate, work out R from V²/P, and compare the three power formulae, including the motor

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.2 · 9702 10.3 · IB B.5

    Potential Difference and the Earthed Point

    A 3D circuit with an earth rod and a landscape of potential above it; move the earth clip and the landscape slides without any difference changing

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.3 · 9702 10.1 · IB B.5

    Ohm's Law Lab — 3D Experiment

    A 3D Ohm's law bench: switch, rheostat, ammeter and resistor in series, voltmeter across the resistor; each setting adds a V–I point

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.3 · IB B.5

    Resistance, Collisions and Temperature

    Inside a 3D copper sample an electron zig-zags between vibrating ion cores with its collisions counted; raise the temperature and watch R

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.3 · IB B.5

    Circuit Symbols and the Voltage Divider

    Real components on a bench: click any one to see its symbol, slide the rheostat to share out the 12 V, and push the current through

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 10.1 · IB B.5

    Interactive Resistors Simulation

    Build resistor networks and watch the live current and voltage readings update as you go

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5

    Parallel Connections: Wires and Nodes

    Eight drawings of parallel resistors: gather every starting end at node a and every finishing end at node b and check each branch

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 9.2 · 9702 9.3 · 9702 10.1

    Ohm's Law - Resistors in Parallel

    Ohm's law applied to resistors in parallel with meters

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 9.2 · 9702 9.3 · 9702 10.1

    Ohm's Law - Resistors in Series

    Ohm's law applied to resistors in series with meters

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 9.3 · IB B.5

    Resistance & Resistivity

    Vary wire length, area and material; read resistance and resistivity

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 9.3 · IB B.5

    Resistance in a Wire

    Change dimensions of a wire and see resistance update

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5

    DC Circuit Construction Kit

    Construct DC circuits with batteries, bulbs and meters

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5

    Resistor Combination Construction Kit

    Build resistor combinations and compute the equivalent resistance

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5

    Resistors in Parallel

    Resistors in parallel: see voltage shared and current divided

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5

    Resistors in Series

    Resistors in series: see current shared and voltage divided

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhET9702 9.2–9.3 · IB B.5

    Ohm’s Law

    Slide voltage and resistance; the current readout and formula resize live.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 9.2 · IB B.5

    Battery Voltage

    Turn the battery voltage up and down and watch charges separate onto the two terminals.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • The Physics Classroom9702 9.3 · IB B.5

    The Four Band Resistor

    Decode the coloured bands on a resistor to read its resistance and tolerance

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Atoms and Shells — the Lone Outer Electron

    Copper's electron shells fill 2, 8, 18, then one lone electron in the outer shell; see why the smallest nudge sets it free

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Charge in a Circular Orbit

    A single charge circling a loop is a current; change the radius and the speed and watch the equivalent current, with a Bohr hydrogen preset

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Egg Carton Analogy — Conventional vs Electron Current

    Eggs hop one cup at a time along a carton with a single empty cup; watch the eggs go one way and the gap walk the other

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · 9702 9.2 · IB B.5

    Electric Circuit Analogy

    A water circuit runs alongside an electric one: pumps for cells, narrow pipes for resistors, flow rate for current

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · 9702 9.3 · IB B.5

    Inside a Solid Conductor — Copper

    A 3D copper lattice: Cu⁺ cores vibrate about fixed sites while free electrons move in the gaps between them

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Net Current from Mixed Carriers

    Positive and negative carriers cross the same section at once; each negative carrier has its sign and direction flipped before being added in

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Rain Collector Analogy

    Rain falls into collectors and drains through pipes to build a mental model of charge, current and potential difference

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Why the Lamp Lights at Once

    Close the switch and the field sweeps round the loop near light speed while the electrons barely crawl

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 10.1 · IB B.5

    Resistors Connection Toll Gate Analogy

    Traffic passing through toll gates replaces the algebra: see why adding a parallel resistor lowers the total resistance

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 9.1 · IB B.5

    Electron Charge via Electrolysis

    Measure the electron charge from mass deposited in electrolysis

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 9.3 · IB B.5

    Heat Resistance

    Heat a resistor and watch resistance change with temperature

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 9.3 · IB B.5

    Resistor - Introduction

    Introduction to resistors and colour codes

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 10.2 · IB B.5

    Resistor Combination 3

    Resistor combination problem 3

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics

C · Wave behaviour

5 lessons · 159 sims

C.1Simple harmonic motion

35 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Masses and Springs

    Time the oscillations with the stopwatch, then hang a heavier mass: the period grows with √m but does not change with amplitude.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 19702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · IB C.1

    Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

    Set mass, spring constant and amplitude; watch x, v, a graphs and the energy exchange of a block on a spring

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 29702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · 9702 12.1

    Circular Motion & SHM Relationship

    Run uniform circular motion beside its projection to see SHM as a shadow of circular motion

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 39702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · IB C.1

    Simple Pendulum

    Set length and amplitude of a simple pendulum; read the period and compare with the formula

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhETStart here · 49702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Pendulum Lab

    Swing a pendulum; vary length, mass, gravity and amplitude, with a period timer and energy graph.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 59702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · 9702 1.3

    SHM for Lab

    Timed mass-spring oscillator for lab: change mass and k and measure the period

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
29 more simulations for this lesson
  • oPhysics9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · 9702 17.2

    Conservation of Mechanical Energy: Mass on a Vertical Spring

    Mass oscillating on a vertical spring with live KE / GPE / EPE bar graphs; adjust mass and spring constant

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.1

    Simple Harmonic Motion, Circular Motion, and Transverse Waves

    Link SHM, uniform circular motion and a transverse wave side by side with sliders and checkboxes

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · IB C.1

    Simple Harmonic Motion: Mass on a Spring

    Mass on a horizontal spring: set initial displacement, mass and k; step through motion with x, v, a graphs

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Oscillation Graphs Quiz

    Quiz: match or interpret displacement/velocity/acceleration graphs of an oscillator

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Simple Harmonic Motion Tutorial

    Step-by-step tutorial on SHM with embedded interactive panels (Next/Back navigation)

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Oscillations

    SHM related to uniform circular motion with x-t, v-t and a-t graphs toggled by checkbox

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.1

    Oscillations and Phase Shift

    Compare two SHM oscillators / waves with an adjustable phase shift between them

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics Classroom9702 7.1 · 9702 17.1 · IB C.2

    Transverse Sine Wave Maker

    A marker on a turntable oscillates one cycle per turn and traces a sine wave, with 3D viewing

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · 9702 6.2

    Vibrating Mass on a Spring

    Place a mass on a spring, or different masses on two springs, press Start and measure the height over time

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • SimuPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · IB C.1

    Mass-Spring Simple Harmonic Motion

    A mass on a spring bounces while displacement is plotted against time and energy shifts between kinetic and potential

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Simple Pendulum Simulation

    Change the length and the mass, time the swings, and track the energy exchange through each cycle

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 17.3 · IB C.4 · IB C.1

    Resonance in Harmonic Oscillator

    Drive an oscillator at a frequency you choose and plot the amplitude response as you sweep through resonance

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 5.1 · 9702 5.2 · 9702 17.1

    Energy Conservation Demonstration

    Swing a pendulum and watch PE convert to KE and back through the cycle

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 17.1 · IB A.4 · IB C.1

    Physical Pendulum

    Swing a rigid physical pendulum; change pivot position and mass distribution

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 17.1 · 9702 3.3 · IB C.1

    Dropping Mass on Oscillating Mass

    Drop an extra mass onto an oscillating mass; see the change in amplitude and period

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · 9702 5.1

    Simple Pendulum Problem

    Set length, mass and release angle of a pendulum; step through a worked period and speed problem

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhysicsHub9702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · 9702 17.3

    Spring Mass System Simulator

    Vertical mass on a spring; student sets bob mass, spring constant, damping, rest length and gravity and reads period/frequency and decay in real time

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhysicsHub9702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · 9702 17.3

    Simple Pendulum Simulation

    Pendulum bob; set length, mass, gravity, damping and initial angle, read period and frequency, and push the amplitude to break the small-angle approximation

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhysicsHub9702 17.1 · 9702 17.2 · 9702 6.2

    Horizontal Spring

    Mass on a frictionless horizontal surface tied to a wall by a spring; drag the mass to set amplitude and set mass, spring constant, damping and rest length

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub
  • PhET9702 17.1 · 6.1 · IB C.1

    Masses and Springs: Basics

    Hang masses on springs, measure the stretch with the ruler and time the period with the stopwatch.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • oPhysics9702 3.3 · 9702 17.1 · IB A.2

    Dropping a Mass on an Oscillating Mass

    Drop a second mass onto an oscillating spring-mass at equilibrium or max displacement; compare amplitude/period changes

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 5.1 · IB C.1

    The Pendulum

    Simple pendulum: adjust length, initial angle and g; examine forces, acceleration, velocity and energy

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Simple Harmonic Motion Optical Illusion

    Orange balls each in SHM; guess the shape of the overall path (optical illusion)

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Pendulum Wave in Two Dimensions

    Pendulum-wave animation in a 2D array of pendulums

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics Classroom9702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Spring Quiz

    Step through a vibrating mass on a vertical spring problem with hints and feedback

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • SimuPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.1

    Interactive Sin Graph

    A slider each for amplitude, frequency and phase; isolate the effect of one at a time on a sine curve

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Unit Circle Simulation

    A point walks round the unit circle while its coordinates are plotted, showing where sine and cosine waves come from

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 17.1 · IB C.1

    Torsion Pendulum

    Twist a disc on a wire and measure torsional oscillation period

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhysicsHub9702 17.1 · 9702 7.1 · 9702 21.1

    Trigonometric Circle

    Draggable angle on the unit circle; choose the function, rotation speed, initial angle, amplitude A, angular frequency ω and phase φ; see A·sin(ωθ+φ) plotted

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub

C.2Wave model

39 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Waves Intro

    Amplitude and frequency are independent; speed is fixed by the medium.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • oPhysicsStart here · 19702 7.1 · 9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Longitudinal and Transverse Wave Basics

    Side-by-side longitudinal and transverse waves; adjust amplitude and frequency and read off wavelength

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • PhETStart here · 29702 7.1 · IB C.2

    Wave on a String

    Shake a string by hand, pulse or oscillator; set tension, damping and frequency.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhETStart here · 39702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Sound Waves

    Watch pressure fronts leave a speaker; move a listener and show the pressure graph.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • SimuPhysicsStart here · 49702 7.1 · IB C.2

    Displacement vs. Distance and Time

    Displacement against distance and displacement against time are drawn together for the same wave

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 59702 7.4 · IB C.2

    Electromagnetic Spectrum Infographic

    Explore an interactive version of the classic 1944 electromagnetic spectrum infographic

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
33 more simulations for this lesson
  • PhET9702 7.4 · IB C.2

    Radio Waves & Electromagnetic Fields

    Oscillate the electron in a transmitting antenna, by hand or sinusoidally, and watch the radiated electric field reach the receiver.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • oPhysics9702 7.1 · 9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Waves Basics & Types of Waves

    Tutorial page (GIF animations, no applet): definitions of wave, medium, transverse vs longitudinal

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 7.1 · IB C.2

    Wave Characteristics & Terminology

    Tutorial with applet: period, frequency, amplitude, wavelength and v = f lambda on a travelling wave

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 7.2 · 9702 8.1 · IB C.2

    Longitudinal Waves

    Longitudinal travelling or standing wave; adjust speed and amplitude; see compressions and rarefactions

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 7.4 · IB C.2

    Electromagnetic Waves

    Animated EM wave with oscillating E (green) and B (red) field vectors perpendicular to propagation

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.1

    Simple Harmonic Motion, Circular Motion, and Transverse Waves

    Link SHM, uniform circular motion and a transverse wave side by side with sliders and checkboxes

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.1

    Oscillations and Phase Shift

    Compare two SHM oscillators / waves with an adjustable phase shift between them

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics Classroom9702 7.1 · 9702 17.1 · IB C.2

    Transverse Sine Wave Maker

    A marker on a turntable oscillates one cycle per turn and traces a sine wave, with 3D viewing

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 7.1 · IB C.2

    Simple Wave Simulator

    A virtual wave machine: watch the periodic motion of the rods and the wave travelling along them

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 7.1 · 9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Slinky Lab

    Wiggle a particle on a string; change the wiggle frequency, the amplitude and the damping and watch the disturbance travel

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 7.2 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.2

    The Particle Wave

    Sixty particles connected by springs; vibrate the first one at a regular rate and explore the wave that results

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • SimuPhysics9702 7.1 · 9702 8.2 · IB C.2

    Wavefronts 3D Simulation

    Waves spread as expanding surfaces in 3D; place obstacles and boundaries and watch the wavefronts reflect and refract

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 7.1 · 9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Wave Motion Simulation

    Choose transverse or longitudinal, set the frequency and amplitude, and watch the wave carry energy without carrying the medium

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Longitudinal Wave

    Individual particles are tracked so you can see them oscillating in place while the compressions move along

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Sound Wave Simulation

    Air molecules bunch and spread while the pressure trace a microphone would record is drawn; change the frequency and amplitude

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Wave Types in a Spring

    Transverse and longitudinal waves run along the same spring so the particle motions can be compared directly

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 7.4 · 9702 7.5 · IB C.2

    Electromagnetic Waves

    The electric and magnetic field vectors of a wave are drawn in 3D as it propagates

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 7.4 · 9702 7.1 · 9702 7.2

    Electromagnetic Waves

    Watch oscillating E and B fields propagate as an electromagnetic wave

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhET9702 7.1 · 8.1 · IB C.2 · C.4

    Fourier: Making Waves

    Set the amplitude of each sine harmonic and watch the summed waveform build; a wave-packet screen goes further.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 7.4 · IB C.2

    Microwaves

    Send microwaves at water molecules and watch them rotate; view the oscillating electric field as arrows or a curve.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • oPhysics9702 7.1 · 9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Surface Waves

    Surface (water) wave with adjustable amplitude, wavelength and speed; show the circular particle motion

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Sound Waves

    Tutorial page (text only): sound as a longitudinal wave, speed of sound in air

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.4

    Wave Pulse Reflection (Free & Fixed Ends)

    Pulse reflecting from a fixed or free end; toggle incident/reflected components and phase inversion

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4 · IB C.2

    Reflection

    Tutorial with applet: transmission, reflection and inversion at a boundary between media

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics Classroom9702 7.1 · IB C.2

    Audio Analyzer

    Capture sound from your microphone and display the wave with an estimated pascal pressure and time readout at any point

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics Classroom9702 7.1 · IB C.2

    Sound Spectrum Viewer

    Capture sound from any source and display its spectrogram and FFT over time

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • SimuPhysics9702 7.1 · 9702 7.2 · IB C.2

    Tuning Fork Waves in a Spring

    A tuning fork's vibration is coupled to a spring so the resulting travelling wave can be measured

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 17.1 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.1

    Interactive Sin Graph

    A slider each for amplitude, frequency and phase; isolate the effect of one at a time on a sine curve

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 7.1 · IB C.2

    Sound Intensity

    Move away from a source and read intensity versus distance

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 7.4 · IB C.2

    Heinrich Hertz's Experiment

    Spark a transmitter and detect the EM wave at a receiving loop, as Hertz did

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 7.4 · IB C.2

    Huygen measured the speed of light

    Reproduce Romer/Huygens' speed-of-light estimate from Jupiter's moons

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • 3JCN Physics9702 7.4 · IB C.2

    Measure Speed of Light

    Measure the speed of light with a rotating mirror or chopper wheel

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhysicsHub9702 17.1 · 9702 7.1 · 9702 21.1

    Trigonometric Circle

    Draggable angle on the unit circle; choose the function, rotation speed, initial angle, amplitude A, angular frequency ω and phase φ; see A·sin(ωθ+φ) plotted

    Open in lessonOpen on PhysicsHub

C.3Wave phenomena

54 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Wave Interference

    On the Slits screen, narrow the gap: the wave spreads more as the gap nears one wavelength. Two slits give fringes where the path difference is nλ.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhETStart here · 1IB C.3

    Bending Light

    Aim a laser at a boundary; read the angles, change the materials and find total internal reflection.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 29702 8.3 · IB C.3

    Ripple Tank Simulator

    Two point sources vibrate in a ripple tank; view the pattern and find the nodal and antinodal lines

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 39702 8.3 · IB C.3

    Young's Experiment

    Make a few simple measurements on a two-slit pattern and calculate the wavelength of light

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • oPhysicsStart here · 49702 8.4 · IB C.3

    Diffraction Grating Laser Lab

    3D laser + diffraction grating lab: place the grating, measure spot positions, deduce wavelength or slit spacing

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • SimuPhysicsStart here · 59702 8.2 · 9702 8.3 · IB C.3

    Ripple Tank Simulation

    Place barriers, gaps and different depth regions in a ripple tank and watch waves reflect, refract and diffract

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
48 more simulations for this lesson

C.4Standing waves and resonance

27 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Wave on a String

    Choose a fixed end and no damping, then tune the oscillator until the nodes stand still: each harmonic adds one more half-wavelength loop.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 19702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Standing Wave Maker

    Two waves travel in opposite directions; use the pre-set conditions or set your own and view the standing wave

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 29702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Standing Wave

    Drive a string at chosen frequency; see nodes and antinodes form

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • oPhysicsStart here · 39702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Air Column Resonance

    Sound resonance in open/closed air columns: see incident and reflected waves build a standing wave

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysicsStart here · 49702 17.3 · IB C.4 · IB C.1

    Resonance

    Tutorial with applet: driving a swing at its natural frequency; resonance and amplitude build-up

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics ClassroomStart here · 59702 8.1 · IB C.3 · IB C.4

    Boundary Behavior of Waves

    View incident, reflected and transmitted pulses and see how their speed, wavelength and amplitude depend on the density of each medium

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
21 more simulations for this lesson
  • oPhysics9702 7.2 · 9702 8.1 · IB C.2

    Longitudinal Waves

    Longitudinal travelling or standing wave; adjust speed and amplitude; see compressions and rarefactions

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · 9702 8.3 · IB C.4

    Superposition of Transverse Waves

    Two transverse waves travelling in opposite directions; adjust speed/wavelength and see the resulting standing wave

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Standing Waves

    Standing waves on a string or in open/closed air columns; show the two travelling components and particle motion

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Standing Waves on Strings

    Standing waves on a string: vary driving frequency, linear density and tension to hit harmonics

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · 9702 7.2 · IB C.4

    Air Column Resonance with Longitudinal Waves

    Air-column resonance shown with longitudinal particle displacement and pressure representations

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · 9702 8.3 · IB C.4

    Interference & Standing Waves

    Tutorial with applet: oppositely travelling waves of equal wavelength form a standing wave

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Standing Waves on Strings (tutorial)

    Tutorial page (GIF animations, no applet): first three harmonics on a string, wavelength-length relations

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Open Air Column Resonance

    Tutorial page (GIF animations, no applet): harmonics in an open-open air column

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Closed Air Column Resonance

    Tutorial with applet: harmonics in a closed-open air column (odd harmonics only)

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Standing Waves Simulation

    Tutorial with applet: explore standing waves in air columns interactively

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Standing Waves on Strings 2

    Tutorial with applet: wave speed on a string from tension and linear density; harmonic frequencies

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • The Physics Classroom9702 8.3 · 9702 8.1 · IB C.3

    Wave Addition

    Two waves travel through the same medium; see the interference and the resultant at each point

    Open in lessonOpen on The Physics Classroom
  • SimuPhysics9702 8.1 · 9702 17.3 · IB C.4

    Acoustic Resonance

    A standing wave forms in an air column; change its length to hear and see the resonant frequency shift

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Standing Waves Simulation

    A wave is sent along a string and reflected back; nodes and antinodes form where the two waves superpose

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 17.3 · IB C.4 · IB C.1

    Resonance in Harmonic Oscillator

    Drive an oscillator at a frequency you choose and plot the amplitude response as you sweep through resonance

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • PhET9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Normal Modes

    Excite the first few modes of a string of masses and see each standing-wave shape.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhET9702 7.1 · 8.1 · IB C.2 · C.4

    Fourier: Making Waves

    Set the amplitude of each sine harmonic and watch the summed waveform build; a wave-packet screen goes further.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.4

    Wave Pulse Reflection (Free & Fixed Ends)

    Pulse reflecting from a fixed or free end; toggle incident/reflected components and phase inversion

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4 · IB C.2

    Reflection

    Tutorial with applet: transmission, reflection and inversion at a boundary between media

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4

    Fourier Series - Square Wave

    Harmonics are added one at a time and the flat tops of a square wave emerge from the accumulating sine curves

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • SimuPhysics9702 17.3 · 9702 21.1 · IB C.4

    Wireless Radio Tuning

    Several stations broadcast at once; tune the LC circuit and only the station matching its natural frequency comes through

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics

C.5Doppler effect

4 sims
  • 3JCN PhysicsIn the lesson

    Doppler Effect

    Set the source moving toward the observer and watch the wavefronts bunch up ahead of it — the observed frequency rises; reverse the motion and it falls. Compare a moving source with a moving observer: the two cases give different f′ (C.5).

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • oPhysicsStart here · 19702 7.3 · IB C.5

    The Doppler Effect & Sonic Boom

    Set source and observer speeds; watch wavefront bunching, frequency shift and the sonic-boom cone

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • oPhysicsStart here · 29702 7.3 · IB C.5

    The Doppler Effect

    Tutorial with applet: moving source/observer, apparent frequency shift and sonic boom

    Open in lessonOpen on oPhysics
  • SimuPhysicsStart here · 39702 7.3 · IB C.5

    Doppler Effect Simulation

    Wavefronts bunch ahead of a moving source and stretch out behind it; set the source speed and watch

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics

D · Fields

3 lessons · 114 sims

D.1Gravitational fields

25 sims
19 more simulations for this lesson

D.2Electric and magnetic fields

59 sims
54 more simulations for this lesson

D.3Motion in electromagnetic fields

30 sims
24 more simulations for this lesson

E · Nuclear and quantum physics

4 lessons · 31 sims

E.1Structure of the atom

11 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Rutherford Scattering

    Fire alpha particles at the Rutherford atom, then the plum-pudding one: only a small dense nucleus sends a few back through large angles.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 19702 22.4 · IB E.1

    Energy Levels of Hygrogen

    Click between hydrogen energy levels and see the emitted photon wavelength

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhETStart here · 29702 22.4 · IB E.1–E.2

    Models of the Hydrogen Atom

    Shine light on a hydrogen atom in each historical model and see which produces line spectra.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 39702 22.4 · IB E.1

    Atomic Emission Spectra

    View emission spectra of elements; relate lines to energy level transitions

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • PhETStart here · 49702 11.2 · IB E.1

    Build an Atom

    Drag protons, neutrons and electrons into an atom; read element, charge and mass number.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • SimuPhysicsStart here · 59702 22.4 · IB E.1

    Atomic Model & Hydrogen Spectrum Simulation

    Excite the atom and watch electrons drop between levels, producing the matching spectral line each time

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
5 more simulations for this lesson

E.3Radioactive decay

8 sims
  • PhETIn the lesson

    Radioactive Dating Game

    On the Half Life tab, add a bucket of nuclei: each decays at random, yet the number left halves in every equal interval — the half-life.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhETStart here · 1IB E.3

    Build a Nucleus

    Build any nuclide and watch which decay it undergoes; follow the chart of nuclides.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • PhETStart here · 29702 23.2 · IB E.3

    Alpha Decay

    Watch a polonium-211 nucleus, or a custom one, emit an alpha particle; the timing chart shows when each decay happens.

    Open in lessonOpen on PhET
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 39702 23.2 · 9702 11.1 · IB E.3

    Beta Decay

    Watch a neutron become a proton with beta and antineutrino emission

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
  • SimuPhysicsStart here · 49702 23.2 · IB E.3

    Probability Simulator

    Run coin tosses in bulk and watch the experimental fraction close in on the theoretical value

    Open in lessonOpen on SimuPhysics
  • 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 59702 23.2 · 9702 11.1 · IB E.3

    Gamma Decay

    See an excited nucleus de-excite by emitting a gamma photon

    Open in lessonOpen on 3JCN Physics
2 more simulations for this lesson

E.4Fission

4 sims

E.5Fusion and stars

8 sims
3 more simulations for this lesson

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