Forces+and+motion

Simulations of the forces of motion and gravity

A **//simulation//** is a representation of a system of interconnected components that interact together when things happen in the system.

Scientific simulations are used when doing the real thing (usually an experiment) is either too expensive, impractical or unrealistic.

Most simulations are now constructed by writing special programmes for computers that have the relevant scientific laws written into their code.

Scientists use computer simulations to test theories that help us understand the world around us.

Simulations of the forces of motion (classical mechanics) use theories and laws developed by scientists like Galileo and Newton over the past 400 years.

For a list of web sites with physics simulations and virtual physics experiments go to the resources page.

The simulations below demonstrate how forces effect the motion of objects larger than atoms according to Newton's laws of motion.

__** Simulation 1: The walking man **__

This simulation shows how we can represent motion in one dimension using concepts such as **//velocity//** (speed in a certain direction), //**acceleration**// and distance (//**displacement**//). This motion can be represented by graphs. Make sure you have the graphs on the screen when you start changing the variables of velocity and acceleration. Do this by clicking on the charts tab at the top of the screen. Change one variable at a time by some measured amount and see what happens to the other variables. e.g. keep acceleration at zero and alter the numbers you enter for velocity. When you have got used to the simulation answer the questions below.

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__**Simulation 2: The Pendulum**__ media type="custom" key="9985325" align="center"

__**Simulation 3: Energy Skate Park**__ media type="custom" key="9985133" align="center"

__**Simulation 4: Forces in 1 Dimension**__

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__**Simulation 5: Forces and Motion**__

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__**Simulation 6: The Collision Lab**__

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__**Simulation 7: Masses and Springs**__

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__**Simulation 8: Gravity and Orbits**__

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