PHOTO-REALISTIC LAB SIMULATIONS
AIRTRACKS BALLISTIC LAUNCHER DYNAMICS CARTS
AIR TABLE SPRINGS FRICTION WORK/INCLINE
STANDING WAVES SIMPLE PENDULUM FREEFALL
NEWTON'S MAZE CENTRIPETAL FORCE CALORIMETRY
THIS PROJECT SUPPORTED BY A GRANT FROM AMERITECH
WINDOWS (1024x768 RESOLUTION OR GREATER--WILL RUN IN A WINDOW AT HIGHER RESOLUTIONS)
MAC VERSIONS (OS-X needs the Classic Environment--otherwise run Windows Versions in emulator mode) (1024x768 RESOLUTION OR GREATER)
These are separate modules in a new series of laboratory simulations designed to serve as both pre and post lab tools. In the AIRTRACK module, several experiments can be simulated (measuring velocity, measuring acceleration, collisions, Newton's 2nd Law, and kinetic/potential energy conversions). Typical data can be generated and analyzed.
The second module deals with the Pasco Projectile Launcher. Two main experiments are covered. The first is an exercise in experimental design. The second is a more complex experiment to attempt to model the launcher through an equation and using spreadsheet analysis to develop the equation and then to check it against the equipment.
A third module simulates the Pasco dynamic carts (using the Pascar units). The experiments here are similar to the airtrack ones.
The fourth module simulates air-table experiments. A variety of two-dimensional collisions can be created and analyzed. Data collection is simulated in three ways, but the analysis of the data is left to the student.
A fifth module deals with springs and Simple Harmonic Motion. The student can measure spring constants using Hooke's Law and then compare the period of oscillation of masses on the spring to the SHM theory.
The sixth module is a friction simulation where students can measure the coefficients of static and kinetic friction for a wooden block sitting on two different surface areas. The block can be weighted down to increase the normal force.
The seventh module uses an inclined plane and a cart to study simple machines, mechanical advantage, work and energy, and efficiency.
STANDING WAVES ON A STRING' provides a simulation of the standard vibrator, string, tension lab where several standing wave patterns can be achieved. No video files are included in this package.
SIMPLE PENDULUM: Here students can study the period dependence on length, bob mass, and amplitude of swing is a pseudo real-time mode. Animations of a pendulum can be timed using an on-screen stop-watch. This package has no video and a fast machine and video card are recommended. Mac performance is marginal because of the animation techniques.
NEWEST ADDITIONS:
FREEFALL: This simulation uses the Pasco time of flight apparatus to time vertically falling balls--a small golf ball or a large, light, plastic ball. Timing is done with the Pasco smart timer. This experiment is designed to familiarize students with the concepts of acceleration by having them plot height versus time data.
NEWTON'S MAZE: This is a 'computer game' but one that can be setup and done as a 'live' exercise. The idea is to move a ball around a maze in the shortest possible time by applying short impulses to the ball. A good working understanding of Newton's Laws will help a lot. This can be turned into a contest.
CENTRIPETAL FORCE: Based on the most common equipment setup, this animation follows the basic experimental procedures for determining the rotational parameters for measuring centripetal force. This animation is more of a 'cartoon' than most of the others (rotational animations are difficult) but the apparatus is reasonably well created.
CALORIMETRY: This module includes three experiments--specific heat, heat of fusion, and heat of vaporization. The module is very graphic oriented and therefore is quite large. The animations are limited (use of a triple beam balance) but the inclusion of this module helps to round out the offerings to cover first semester labs.
A complete set of all 12 modules WITHOUT the videos is now available for download--DOWNLOAD SIMLAB_LITE. (CALORIMETRY EXCLUDED DUE TO SIZE OF FILE)
Included video files require REALPLAYER to be installed (available free), but videos can be disabled and are not necessary for effective use of the software.
REQUIREMENTS: Win 95/98/ME/NT4.x/2000/XP, a Pentium level processor (1 GHz or faster is recommended), a video card displaying at 1024x768 screen resolution and in high-color (15-16 bit) or true-color (24-32 bit) color depths. Memory requirements of 32-64 Megs are recommended.
MAC VERSIONS
REQUIREMENTS: G3 or higher machines, running 1024x768 resolution and millions of colors. NOTE: Due to limitations in True Basic, the Mac versions run slower than the Windows versions so that the Animations are not as smooth or lifelike, although still very usable. OS-X requires the Classic Environment (or run Windows emulation and Windows versions of this software).