Computers can be exceedingly helpful when it comes to performing simulations. Simulations are very helpful when appropriate equipment is not available, or a demonstration of some physical principle is too difficult, time consuming, or dangerous to perform. Indeed, sometimes even good demonstrations move too fast or are too small for students to make good and meaningful observations.
In this activity you will encounter Interactive Physics, a simulation program that can be used to allow all students to get an up close look at physical phenomena, and to manipulate variables (initial conditions) associated with those phenomena in order to observe the outcomes. This program focuses on the areas of mechanics, gravitation, and electrostatics.
1. Obtain a copy of Interactive Physics Student Edition. See your instructor for details.
2. Load Interactive Physics Student Edition on your computer. Follow the guidebook's "Chapter 1 -- Getting Started" if you need assistance in this matter.
3. Familiarize yourself with Interactive Physics Student Edition by following "Chapter 2 -- Guided Tour" in the guidebook provided with the application.
4. Complete your familiarization by reading through the remaining chapters of the guidebook. Work with the application as you move through the various sections. This should take about one hour of time if you read quickly and only those sections that provide meaningful information. (Who needs to learn how to "open," "save," or "print" in this day and age?)
5. Borrow a copy of the course instructor's Interactive Physics Player Workbook. Examine carefully the many activities found therein. Practice creating "player" versions of complex simulations, demonstrations, and experiments found therein.
Your evaluation will consist of a demonstration interview followed by an informal test of your "programming" skills. The demonstration interview will consist of the following:
Following your demonstration interview, your instructor will give you the task of creating from scratch a "player" simulation dealing with one of the following areas of physics:
Specific criteria for the selected simulation will be provided
you at the time the task is given. Successful completion of the
demonstration interview and creation task leads to credit for
this project.