Standard Level · physics-sl · Interactive simulations
IB Physics SL Simulation Lab
531 unique simulations19 lessons6 sources
Every simulation here runs the real model — the same PhET, GeoGebra and physics-lab applets a teacher would put on the board, 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 →
A · Space, time and motion
A.1Kinematics
86 sims- The Physics ClassroomIn the lesson
Kinematic Graphing
The gradient of the position-time graph equals the value shown on the velocity-time graph.
- The Physics ClassroomStart here · 19702 2.1 · IB A.1
Graph That Motion
Match 11 animated motions to their position-time and velocity-time graphs
- oPhysicsStart here · 29702 2.1 · IB A.1
1D Kinematics: Velocity vs. Time Graph
Shape a straight-line v-t graph by dragging points; read off displacement, acceleration and motion
- PhETStart here · 3IB A.1
Projectile Motion
Launch at any speed and angle; trace the path and show velocity and acceleration vectors.
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 49702 2.1 · IB A.1
Projectile Motion: Hunter & Monkey
Fire a dart at a monkey that drops at the instant of firing; vary speed and see why it always hits
- The Physics ClassroomStart here · 59702 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
- PhET9702 12.1–12.2 · 1.4 · IB A.1
Motion in 2D
Drag an object, or pick circular or elliptical motion, and watch the velocity and acceleration vectors.
- 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
- oPhysics9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Vector Addition and Subtraction
Set magnitude/direction of two vectors with sliders; toggle to show sum or difference vector
- 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
- oPhysics9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Vector Addition and Subtraction Practice
Practice worksheet: draw the sum or difference of two given vectors, then check the answer
- oPhysics9702 1.4 · 9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Relative Velocity: Boat Crossing a River
Set boat heading, boat speed and river speed; watch the resultant path across the river
- oPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Uniform Acceleration in One Dimension: Motion Graphs
Adjust initial position, velocity and acceleration; watch the motion and its x-t, v-t, a-t graphs together
- oPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Position, Velocity, and Acceleration vs. Time Graphs
Slide points on a v-t graph; the x-t and a-t graphs update to match the motion
- oPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Kinematics Graphs: Adjust the Acceleration
Set initial position/velocity then adjust acceleration; see x-t, v-t and a-t graphs of the object
- oPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Uniform Acceleration in One Dimension
Adjust x0, v0 and a for a car under uniform acceleration; run and watch the resulting motion and data
- oPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Kinematics in One Dimension: Two Object System
Two cars with independent x0, v0 and a; run to see when and where they meet
- oPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Projectile Motion
Change launch speed, angle and height; watch the trajectory, velocity components and range
- oPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Exploring Projectile Motion Concepts
Compare four projectiles launched at 20/30/45/60 degrees over level ground; toggle vectors and paths
- The Physics Classroom9702 1.4 · 9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Vector Walk
Three short animated motions; work out the distance travelled and the overall displacement for each
- The Physics Classroom9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Vector Addition
Drag up to three vectors onto the canvas, turn each arrowhead to set its direction, guess the resultant, then tap to draw it
- The Physics Classroom9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Vector Walk in Two-Dimensions
Watch a person hike a two-dimensional path, then give the distance and the displacement (magnitude and direction); pass levels to progress
- The Physics Classroom9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Name that Vector
Twelve challenges: add three of the 25 vectors shown on the grid by components and name the resultant
- The Physics Classroom9702 1.4 · 9702 2.1 · IB A.1
The Riverboat Simulator
Cross a river in a boat: set the boat speed, the river speed and the heading, then watch the resulting motion and read the crossing time
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Name That Motion
Match 11 animated motions to their verbal descriptions by identifying the direction of the velocity and acceleration vectors
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Pace Tracer 1
Print the ArUco marker, point your phone at it and walk; your position is plotted live so you can match a position-time graph
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Pace Tracer 2
Walk in front of the printed ArUco marker and match 15 velocity-time graphs plotted live from your motion
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Motion Graph Matching Sim
Given a position-time graph, pick the matching velocity-time graph, acceleration-time graph and motion diagram
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Graphs and Ramps
Build a ramp so a rolling ball reproduces a given position-time or velocity-time graph; the motion is plotted live as the ball rolls
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Two Stage Rocket
Simulate a two-stage rocket and watch its position-time and velocity-time graphs drawn in real time
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Two Dimensional Motion Simulator
Set the x- and y-velocity and acceleration components separately and watch the resulting diagonal motion
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · 9702 3.2 · IB A.1
Trajectory
Projectile motion with air resistance: set the launch and drag parameters and compare the trajectory with the no-drag case
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Projectile Simulator
Modify the launch height, launch angle and launch speed and observe the effect on the trajectory
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
ProjectileSim by KirbyX
Launch a projectile at an angle over level ground, horizontally or at an angle from a cliff, or from the ground towards a cliff
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Hit the Target
A cannon fires horizontally from a cliff; determine the cliff height, the launch speed or the target location so the ball hits
- SimuPhysics9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Crosswind Landing - Crab Angle Simulation
A 747 lands with the wind blowing across the runway; the nose is held at a crab angle and the three velocity vectors are drawn as they add
- SimuPhysics9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Vector Addition and Subtraction Simulation
Drag vectors around and see the resultant form head to tail, with the component breakdown shown alongside
- SimuPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
1-D Motion Simulation
An object moves along a line while position, velocity and acceleration graphs are drawn together; change the motion and all three update
- SimuPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Bomb Drop from a Moving Plane
A jet in level flight releases a bomb; the parabola seen from the ground and the vertical line seen by the pilot are drawn side by side
- SimuPhysics9702 2.1 · 9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Combining Two Perpendicular Motions
A pen runs straight along a ruler while the paper is pulled away at right angles; the slanted line is drawn as it happens
- SimuPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Free Fall Simulation and Graphs
Drop objects of different masses together with no air resistance while position, velocity and acceleration are plotted in real time
- SimuPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Kinematics Graph Simulation
Manipulate any one of the position, velocity or acceleration graphs and watch the other two update to stay consistent
- SimuPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Projectile Motion Simulation
The horizontal and vertical components are plotted alongside the trajectory; change the launch angle and watch the range respond
- SimuPhysics9702 2.1 · 9702 3.2 · IB A.1
Uniform and Non-Uniform Velocity
Objects moving uniformly run alongside objects whose velocity changes, with graphs that make the distinction precise
- 3JCN Physics9702 1.4 · 9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Boat Rescue Problem
Set boat speed and heading against a river current to reach a drowning swimmer; compare routes and times
- 3JCN Physics9702 1.4 · 9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Relative Velocity - Boat Crossing a River
Point a boat across a flowing river; adjust heading to find the resultant velocity
- 3JCN Physics9702 1.4 · 9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Relative Velocity 2D
Relative velocity in two dimensions with adjustable vectors
- 3JCN Physics9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Vector Addition
Drag two vectors and see their head-to-tail sum and components
- 3JCN Physics9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Vector Subtraction
Subtract vectors graphically and read the resulting components
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Ballistic Cart
Launch a ball vertically from a moving cart and see it land back in the cart
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Changing Motion
Step through motion with changing acceleration and watch the x, v, a graphs
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Galileo's Inclined Plane Experiment
Tilt Galileo's inclined plane and release a ball; collect distance-time data to show constant acceleration
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Kinematic Equations - Boat Braking
Brake a boat with chosen deceleration and find the stopping distance
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Kinematic Equations - Runway Takeoff
Set thrust and takeoff speed; compute runway length from the SUVAT equations
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Linear Motion – Graphs of x, v, and a
Set velocity and acceleration for linear motion; read x-t, v-t and a-t graphs
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · 9702 3.2 · IB A.1
Projectile Motion
Set launch angle, speed, height, gravity and drag; trace the path and inspect range, time and height
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Projectile Problem Calculator
Enter launch parameters and solve a full projectile problem with worked numbers
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Relationship between Position, Velocity, and Acceleration
Drag a moving object and see linked position, velocity and acceleration graphs
- 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
- 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
- PhysicsHub9702 2.1 · 9702 3.2 · IB A.1
Projectile & Parabolic Motion
Launch a projectile; set launch speed, angle, start height, g, quadratic drag and wind; read range, max height and time of flight against the drawn trajectory
- PhETIB A.1
Vector Addition
Resolve displacement and velocity vectors into components and add them tip-to-tail.
- PhET9702 2.1 · 3.2 · IB A.1
Calculus Grapher
Draw a function with the pen and watch its derivative and integral curves update live.
- PhET9702 2.1 · 1.3 · Paper 5 · IB A.1
Projectile Data Lab
Fire many projectiles from one launcher and analyse the landing positions with histograms, the mean and the spread.
- PhET9702 1.4 · 2.1 · IB A.1
Ladybug Motion 2D
Drag a ladybug across the screen and see its velocity and acceleration vectors drawn as it moves.
- PhET9702 2.1 · 1.4 · IB A.1
Maze Game
Steer a ball through a maze by controlling its position, velocity or acceleration vector.
- oPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Projectile Motion: Tranquilize the Monkey
Classic monkey-hunter: aim the dart at a monkey that drops when fired; shows why aiming directly works
- The Physics Classroom9702 1.4 · IB A.1
Vector Guessing Game
Two random vectors appear; decide the size and direction of the resultant before the 20-second timer runs out
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Motion Detector
Use your device camera as a motion detector: track an object and plot its position against time in real time
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Graph Mouse
Drag out a motion path with your mouse or finger and view the x-position and y-position as functions of time
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Accelerometer
Use your mobile device as an accelerometer and plot its acceleration against time
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Frame By Frame Video Analyzer
Record or upload a video, mark an object's path frame by frame and read off velocities, accelerations and data points
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Turd the Target
Stop Birdman with projectile problem-solving: the height sets the fall time and the horizontal speed sets where the drop lands
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Turd the Target 2
Birdman's Turd-a-Pault launches at an angle; use projectile problem-solving on the launch speed and angle to stop the landing
- The Physics Classroom9702 2.1 · IB A.1
The Monkey and the Zookeeper
Aim a banana cannon at a monkey that drops from the tree the moment you fire; set the aim and the launch speed
- SimuPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
3D Motion Diagram Simulation
A motion diagram builds as an object moves in three dimensions; rotate it freely to compare the velocity and acceleration directions
- SimuPhysics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Types of Motion Simulation
Uniform, accelerated, oscillatory and circular motion run side by side so their graph traces can be compared
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Drone in a Wavy Tunnel
Steer a drone through a wavy tunnel; relate path curvature to required acceleration
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Fun Game: Shooting an Alien Object
Aim a cannon at a moving alien target; a projectile-motion game
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Relative Velocity - Boat Racing
Race two boats with different frames; compare relative speeds
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Relative Velocity - Car & Speed Boat Racing
Car and speedboat racing: compare relative velocity along parallel paths
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1 · IB A.5
Relative Velocity - Truck Ejection
Eject a man from a moving truck; compare velocities in ground and truck frames
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Relative Velocity 1D
Relative velocity in one dimension with two moving objects
- 3JCN Physics9702 2.1 · IB A.1
Soccer Free Kick
Set kick speed, angle and spin on a free kick; watch the curved trajectory
- 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
- 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
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.
- 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
- PhETStart here · 29702 3.3 · IB A.2
Collision Lab
Elastic and inelastic collisions in 1D and 2D with live momentum and kinetic energy.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- oPhysics9702 12.2 · IB A.2
Conical Pendulum: 3D
3D conical pendulum: adjust string length, velocity and view angle; relate speed to cone angle
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- The Physics Classroom9702 3.3 · IB A.2
Two-Dimensional Collision Simulation
Collide objects in two dimensions and analyse momentum conservation in each direction
- The Physics Classroom9702 3.3 · IB A.2
Collision Mania
Eight collision scenarios; manipulate the variables and look for patterns in the outcomes
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2
Atwood Machine Experiment
Set two Atwood masses and measure acceleration; compare with theory
- 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2
Atwood Machine Problem
Atwood machine worked problem with adjustable masses
- 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2
Elevator
Ride an accelerating elevator and read apparent weight on the scale
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2
Newton's Second Law Problem
Newton's second law worked problem with adjustable force, mass and friction
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 3.1 · IB A.2
Pulley System
Hang loads on a pulley system; see mechanical advantage and tensions
- 3JCN Physics9702 3.2 · IB A.2
Viscosity
Drop spheres through fluids of different viscosity; see terminal velocity
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · IB A.2
Collision Exercise 1D
Solve a 1D collision exercise with your own masses and velocities
- 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · IB A.2
Collision Exercise 2D
Set up a 2D billiard-ball collision and resolve momentum in two directions
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 3.3 · IB A.2
Perfect Elastic Collision Problem
Perfectly elastic collision problem with adjustable masses; check both momentum and KE conservation
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 4.2 · 9702 4.1 · IB A.2
Static Equilibrium Problem 2
Static equilibrium problem 2 with a hinged beam and cable
- 3JCN Physics9702 4.2 · 9702 4.1 · IB A.2
Static Equilibrium Problem 3
Static equilibrium problem 3 with multiple supports
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
A.3Work, energy and power
29 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Energy Skate Park
Explore “Energy Skate Park” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- PhET9702 5.1 · IB A.3
Energy Skate Park
Build a track, drop a skater and watch kinetic, potential and thermal energy trade places.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
B · The particulate nature of matter
B.1Thermal energy transfers
17 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Energy Forms and Changes
Explore “Energy Forms and Changes” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- SimuPhysics9702 25.2 · IB B.1 · IB B.2
Emissivity & Absorptivity Simulation
Surfaces of different emissivity radiate and absorb side by side
- 3JCN Physics9702 14.1 · 9702 14.2 · 9702 15.2
Absolute Zero Temp.
Cool a gas at constant volume and extrapolate the P-T line to absolute zero
- 3JCN Physics9702 14.1 · 9702 14.2 · 9702 15.2
Measure Abs Zero T
Measure absolute zero by plotting pressure against temperature for a gas
- 3JCN Physics9702 14.1 · 9702 14.2 · IB B.1
Thermometer
Calibrate a liquid-in-glass thermometer between fixed points
- 3JCN Physics9702 14.3 · 9702 14.1 · IB B.1
Heat Transfer (liquid)
Heat a liquid from below and watch convection currents form
- 3JCN Physics9702 15.3 · 9702 14.3 · 9702 14.1
Heat Transfer (gas)
Heat a gas and watch molecules speed up; relate temperature to KE
- PhET9702 16.1 · IB B.1
Atomic Interactions
Drag two atoms apart and watch the Lennard-Jones force and potential-energy curves change with separation and atom pair.
- 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.
- PhET9702 14.3 · 16.1 · IB B.1
States of Matter: Basics
Heat or cool neon, argon, oxygen or water and watch the particles move through solid, liquid and gas.
- 3JCN Physics9702 14.3 · IB B.1
Newton's Cooling Law
Vary initial temperature and ambient temperature; watch the exponential cooling curve of a hot object
- 3JCN Physics9702 14.3 · IB B.1
Supercooling
Cool water below 0 C without freezing, then nucleate it; observe latent heat release
B.2Greenhouse effect
5 sims- PhETIn the lesson
The Greenhouse Effect
Explore “The Greenhouse Effect” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- 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)
- 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.
- PhETStart here · 3IB B.2
Blackbody Spectrum
Compare the Sun’s spectrum (visible) with the Earth’s (infrared) on one axis.
- SimuPhysicsStart here · 49702 25.2 · IB B.1 · IB B.2
Emissivity & Absorptivity Simulation
Surfaces of different emissivity radiate and absorb side by side
B.3Gas laws
12 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Gas Properties
Explore “Gas Properties” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 39702 15.3 · IB B.3
Brownian Motion
Watch a pollen grain jostled by invisible gas molecules; change temperature
- 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
- SimuPhysics9702 15.3 · 9702 14.1 · IB B.3
Brownian Motion
Invisible molecules collide with a smoke particle from every side; the imbalance at any instant moves it
- 3JCN Physics9702 14.1 · 9702 14.2 · 9702 15.2
Absolute Zero Temp.
Cool a gas at constant volume and extrapolate the P-T line to absolute zero
- 3JCN Physics9702 15.2 · 9702 15.1 · IB B.3
Ideal Gas
Vary P, V, n and T of an ideal gas and watch the equation of state balance
- PhET9702 15.2 · IB B.3
Gases Intro
A simpler gas box: change the number of particles, heat them, and read the pressure.
- PhET9702 15.3 · IB B.3
Diffusion
Two gases separated by a divider — remove it and watch them mix by random motion.
- PhET9702 15.2 · 4.3 · IB B.3
Balloons & Buoyancy
Heat the gas inside a balloon, a rigid box or a hot-air balloon and watch it rise or sink in the heavier gas around it.
- 3JCN Physics9702 15.3 · IB B.3
Diffusion
Release gas molecules on one side of a barrier and watch diffusion
B.5Current and circuits
49 sims- PhETIn the lesson
PhET Circuit Construction Kit (DC)
Explore “PhET Circuit Construction Kit (DC)” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- SimuPhysics9702 10.1 · IB B.5
Interactive Resistors Simulation
Build resistor networks and watch the live current and voltage readings update as you go
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 9.3 · IB B.5
Resistance & Resistivity
Vary wire length, area and material; read resistance and resistivity
- 3JCN Physics9702 9.3 · IB B.5
Resistance in a Wire
Change dimensions of a wire and see resistance update
- 3JCN Physics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5
DC Circuit Construction Kit
Construct DC circuits with batteries, bulbs and meters
- 3JCN Physics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5
Resistor Combination Construction Kit
Build resistor combinations and compute the equivalent resistance
- 3JCN Physics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5
Resistors in Parallel
Resistors in parallel: see voltage shared and current divided
- 3JCN Physics9702 10.1 · 9702 10.2 · IB B.5
Resistors in Series
Resistors in series: see current shared and voltage divided
- PhET9702 9.2–9.3 · IB B.5
Ohm’s Law
Slide voltage and resistance; the current readout and formula resize live.
- PhET9702 9.2 · IB B.5
Battery Voltage
Turn the battery voltage up and down and watch charges separate onto the two terminals.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 9.1 · IB B.5
Electron Charge via Electrolysis
Measure the electron charge from mass deposited in electrolysis
- 3JCN Physics9702 9.3 · IB B.5
Heat Resistance
Heat a resistor and watch resistance change with temperature
- 3JCN Physics9702 9.3 · IB B.5
Resistor - Introduction
Introduction to resistors and colour codes
- 3JCN Physics9702 10.2 · IB B.5
Resistor Combination 3
Resistor combination problem 3
C · Wave behaviour
C.1Simple harmonic motion
35 sims- PhETIn the lesson
PhET Mass & Springs Simulation
Explore “PhET Mass & Springs Simulation” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- oPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1
Oscillation Graphs Quiz
Quiz: match or interpret displacement/velocity/acceleration graphs of an oscillator
- oPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1
Simple Harmonic Motion Tutorial
Step-by-step tutorial on SHM with embedded interactive panels (Next/Back navigation)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 17.1 · IB A.4 · IB C.1
Physical Pendulum
Swing a rigid physical pendulum; change pivot position and mass distribution
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- oPhysics9702 17.1 · IB C.1
Pendulum Wave in Two Dimensions
Pendulum-wave animation in a 2D array of pendulums
- The Physics Classroom9702 17.1 · IB C.1
Spring Quiz
Step through a vibrating mass on a vertical spring problem with hints and feedback
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 17.1 · IB C.1
Torsion Pendulum
Twist a disc on a wire and measure torsional oscillation period
- 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
C.2Wave model
39 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Waves Intro
Amplitude and frequency are independent; speed is fixed by the medium.
- 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
- 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.
- PhETStart here · 39702 7.2 · IB C.2
Sound Waves
Watch pressure fronts leave a speaker; move a listener and show the pressure graph.
- 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
- The Physics ClassroomStart here · 59702 7.4 · IB C.2
Electromagnetic Spectrum Infographic
Explore an interactive version of the classic 1944 electromagnetic spectrum infographic
- 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.
- 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
- oPhysics9702 7.1 · IB C.2
Wave Characteristics & Terminology
Tutorial with applet: period, frequency, amplitude, wavelength and v = f lambda on a travelling wave
- oPhysics9702 7.2 · 9702 8.1 · IB C.2
Longitudinal Waves
Longitudinal travelling or standing wave; adjust speed and amplitude; see compressions and rarefactions
- oPhysics9702 7.4 · IB C.2
Electromagnetic Waves
Animated EM wave with oscillating E (green) and B (red) field vectors perpendicular to propagation
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 7.4 · 9702 7.1 · 9702 7.2
Electromagnetic Waves
Watch oscillating E and B fields propagate as an electromagnetic wave
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- oPhysics9702 7.2 · IB C.2
Sound Waves
Tutorial page (text only): sound as a longitudinal wave, speed of sound in air
- 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
- oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4 · IB C.2
Reflection
Tutorial with applet: transmission, reflection and inversion at a boundary between media
- 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
- The Physics Classroom9702 7.1 · IB C.2
Sound Spectrum Viewer
Capture sound from any source and display its spectrogram and FFT over time
- 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
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 7.1 · IB C.2
Sound Intensity
Move away from a source and read intensity versus distance
- 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
- 3JCN Physics9702 7.4 · IB C.2
Huygen measured the speed of light
Reproduce Romer/Huygens' speed-of-light estimate from Jupiter's moons
- 3JCN Physics9702 7.4 · IB C.2
Measure Speed of Light
Measure the speed of light with a rotating mirror or chopper wheel
- 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
C.3Wave phenomena
54 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Wave Interference
Explore “Wave Interference” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- PhETStart here · 1IB C.3
Bending Light
Aim a laser at a boundary; read the angles, change the materials and find total internal reflection.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- PhET9702 22.3 · 8.3 · IB E.2 · C.3
Quantum Wave Interference
Send photons, electrons or neutrons through single or double slits one at a time and watch the interference pattern build.
- oPhysics9702 8.3 · 9702 7.1 · IB C.3
Wave Pulse Interference and Superposition
Two wave pulses pass through each other; adjust heights/widths and watch the superposed sum
- oPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Wave Pulse Interference and Superposition 2
Two pulses on one string in opposite directions; the bottom string shows their point-by-point sum
- oPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Wave Pulse Superposition Practice
Draw or pick two pulse shapes, predict the superposition and then check it
- oPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Wave Interference in 3D
Two-source surface-wave interference in 3D; adjust frequency, source separation and amplitude
- oPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Interference & Superposition 1
Tutorial with applet: superposition of overlapping pulses, constructive and destructive interference
- oPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Interference & Superposition 2
Tutorial with applet: superposition patterns of two continuous waves travelling the same direction
- oPhysics9702 8.3 · 9702 8.2 · IB C.3
Double Slit Diffraction and Interference
Double slit: vary wavelength, slit separation, slit width and screen distance; see fringe pattern and intensity
- oPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Double Slit Interference
Double slit with wavefronts: adjust slit separation and wavelength; show maxima and scale
- oPhysicsIB C.3
Reflection and Refraction
Ray at a boundary: adjust n1, n2 and angle; see reflected and refracted rays and total internal reflection
- oPhysicsIB C.3
AP Physics 2 Refraction Problem
Recreation of a 2015 AP Physics 2 refraction problem with real indices; adjust the ray and read angles
- The Physics Classroom9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Two Point Source Interference Patterns
Change the wavelength or the distance between two sources and explore the resulting interference pattern
- 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
- The Physics ClassroomIB C.3
Refraction
Shine a laser from air into water, oil, glass or diamond; change the laser angle and switch to the other side of the boundary
- The Physics ClassroomIB C.3
3D Refraction Simulation
Set the ray angle and the refractive indices of two media and see the reflection and refraction in 3D
- 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
- SimuPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Two-Source Wave Interference
Two sources vibrating in step produce a fixed pattern of reinforcement and cancellation; move the sources apart and watch the fringes
- SimuPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Young's Double-slit Interference Simulation
Vary the slit spacing and the wavelength while the fringe pattern on the screen adjusts in real time
- SimuPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Double-slit Interference Simulation
Young's experiment for waves in general: vary the slit spacing and wavelength and watch the fringe pattern on the screen
- SimuPhysics9702 8.3 · 9702 8.1 · IB C.3
Wave Superposition Simulation
Overlap two waves you control and watch the resultant, from total cancellation to doubled amplitude
- SimuPhysicsIB C.3
Coin Refraction Simulation
A coin hidden by the rim of a cup reappears when water is poured in; the rays are traced
- SimuPhysicsIB C.3
Reflecting Prism
Trace a ray into a right-angled prism and watch it turn through 90° or 180° by total internal reflection
- SimuPhysicsIB C.3
Refraction Analogies
A marching band crossing from tarmac to sand, or wheels rolling onto rough ground, shows why a speed change at an angle turns the path
- SimuPhysicsIB C.3
Refraction Simulation
Send a ray into glass, water or any refractive index you choose and watch the refracted ray swing as you vary the angle of incidence
- 3JCN Physics9702 8.2 · 9702 8.4 · IB C.3
Light Diffraction
Change slit width and wavelength to see the single-slit diffraction pattern
- 3JCN Physics9702 8.3 · 9702 22.3 · IB C.3
Taylor's Photon Double-Slit Experiment
Send photons one at a time through a double slit and watch fringes build up
- 3JCN Physics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Water Interference
Two point sources in a ripple tank; see constructive and destructive interference
- 3JCN Physics9702 8.3 · 9702 7.1 · 9702 7.2
Wave Interference
Overlay two travelling waves with adjustable frequency and phase
- 3JCN Physics9702 8.3 · IB C.3 · IB E.2
Young's Double-Slit Experiment
Change slit separation and wavelength; see the double-slit fringe pattern
- 3JCN PhysicsIB C.3
Internal Reflection
Increase the incident angle until total internal reflection occurs
- 3JCN PhysicsIB C.3
Refraction 3 Layers
Trace a ray through three media with different refractive indices
- 3JCN PhysicsIB C.3
Snell's Law
Change incident angle and refractive indices; trace the refracted ray per Snell's law
- oPhysics9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Interference: Beats
Tutorial page (GIF + binaural audio demo, no applet): beats from two close frequencies
- oPhysicsIB C.3
Dispersion of Light
White light through a prism: adjust indices and incidence; see dispersion into a spectrum
- oPhysicsIB C.3
Plane Mirrors
Plane mirror image formation: move the object and ray points; see virtual image construction
- oPhysicsIB C.3
Rainbow Formation
Single raindrop: trace a sunlight ray through refraction, internal reflection and dispersion
- oPhysicsIB C.3
Rainbow Formation 3D
3D view of where a rainbow appears for an observer; rotate the scene and vary sun angle
- The Physics Classroom9702 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
- The Physics Classroom9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Young's Experiment (Legacy Version)
Legacy version: make a few simple measurements on a two-slit pattern and calculate the wavelength of light
- The Physics Classroom9702 8.3 · IB C.3
Beat Patterns
Two tones of slightly different frequency combine; hear and see the beat pattern
- The Physics ClassroomIB C.3
Least Time Principle
A lifeguard runs on sand and then swims; choose the entry point that reaches the swimmer in the least time
- SimuPhysicsIB C.3
Mirror Rotation
Turn the mirror while the incident ray stays fixed and track both angles
- SimuPhysicsIB C.3
Reflection in Variable-Angle Mirrors
Close and open a pair of mirrors while counting the images that appear
- 3JCN Physics9702 8.2 · IB C.3
Huygen's Prin.
Watch wavelets build the new wavefront after refraction or diffraction
- 3JCN PhysicsIB C.3
Fermat Principle
Fermat's principle: light takes the path of least time
- 3JCN PhysicsIB C.3
Lifeguard & Victim
A lifeguard chooses the fastest route to a swimmer: the refraction analogy
- 3JCN PhysicsIB C.3
Newton Prism
Pass white light through a prism and see dispersion into a spectrum
- 3JCN PhysicsIB C.3
Plane Mirror
Position an object before a plane mirror and locate its image
C.4Standing waves and resonance
27 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Waves on a String
Explore “Waves on a String” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- 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
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 29702 8.1 · IB C.4
Standing Wave
Drive a string at chosen frequency; see nodes and antinodes form
- 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
- 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
- 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
- oPhysics9702 7.2 · 9702 8.1 · IB C.2
Longitudinal Waves
Longitudinal travelling or standing wave; adjust speed and amplitude; see compressions and rarefactions
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4
Open Air Column Resonance
Tutorial page (GIF animations, no applet): harmonics in an open-open air column
- oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4
Closed Air Column Resonance
Tutorial with applet: harmonics in a closed-open air column (odd harmonics only)
- oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4
Standing Waves Simulation
Tutorial with applet: explore standing waves in air columns interactively
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- PhET9702 8.1 · IB C.4
Normal Modes
Excite the first few modes of a string of masses and see each standing-wave shape.
- 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.
- 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
- oPhysics9702 8.1 · IB C.4 · IB C.2
Reflection
Tutorial with applet: transmission, reflection and inversion at a boundary between media
- 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
- 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
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).
- 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
- oPhysicsStart here · 29702 7.3 · IB C.5
The Doppler Effect
Tutorial with applet: moving source/observer, apparent frequency shift and sonic boom
- 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
D · Fields
D.1Gravitational fields
25 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Gravity and Orbits
Explore “Gravity and Orbits” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- PhETStart here · 19702 13.1–13.2 · IB D.1
Gravity Force Lab
Two masses on a rule — drag them apart and read the gravitational force on each.
- The Physics ClassroomStart here · 29702 13.3 · IB D.1
The Value of g
Explore how g varies with location around the globe and with altitude
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 39702 13.3 · 9702 13.2 · 9702 2.1
Newton's Cannon
Increase a cannonball's launch speed from a mountain until it orbits Earth
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 49702 13.3 · 9702 13.2 · IB D.1
Kepler's Third Law
Change orbital radius and read the period; verify T^2 proportional to r^3
- The Physics ClassroomStart here · 59702 13.4 · IB D.1
Escape Velocity
Throw a rock upward at increasing speeds and see whether it escapes the planet's gravitational pull
- PhETIB D.1 · 9702 13.1–13.2 · 12.2
My Solar System
Set the masses, positions and velocities of up to four bodies and watch their gravitational orbits unfold.
- oPhysics9702 13.2 · 9702 13.3 · IB D.1
Elliptical Orbits & Kepler's 2nd Law
Planet orbiting a sun: set initial speed, distance and masses; see elliptical orbit and equal-area sweeps
- The Physics Classroom9702 13.2 · 9702 13.1 · IB D.1
Orbital Motion
Investigate elliptical orbits and Kepler's laws by changing the satellite's starting speed and position
- The Physics Classroom9702 13.2 · IB D.1
Gravitation
Change the masses and the separation and observe the gravitational force values
- The Physics Classroom9702 13.3 · IB D.1
The Value of g on Other Planets
Compare the value of g on other planets from each planet's mass and radius
- SimuPhysics9702 13.2 · 9702 13.1 · IB D.1
N-Body Gravity Simulator
Place any number of masses, give them initial velocities and watch the gravitational interactions, slingshots, captures and ejections
- SimuPhysics9702 18.5 · 9702 13.4 · IB D.2
Potential Energy and Electric Potential
A ball lifted through height contours beside a charge moved through equipotential rings; drag either and change its size
- 3JCN Physics9702 13.2 · 9702 13.1 · IB D.1
Gravity Force
Change two masses and their separation; read the gravitational attraction between them
- 3JCN Physics9702 13.2 · 9702 13.1 · IB D.1
Newton's Gravity
Move two masses closer or farther and see how the gravitational force vector scales
- 3JCN Physics9702 13.3 · 9702 13.1 · 9702 2.1
Newton's Gravity: Jumping on Planets
Jump on different planets; compare jump height and hang time against surface gravity
- 3JCN Physics9702 13.3 · 9702 13.2 · IB D.1
Sun and Earth
Vary Earth's orbital speed around the Sun and see circular, elliptical or escape trajectories
- PhET9702 13.3 · IB D.1
Kepler’s Laws
Drag a planet’s orbit and watch equal areas sweep in equal times; compare T² with a³.
- PhET9702 13.2 · IB D.1
Gravity Force Lab: Basics
Drag two large masses and change them; read the gravitational force on each and watch the force arrows.
- The Physics Classroom9702 13.3 · IB D.1
Your Weight on Other Planets
Hop on the scales on other planets and see how your weight changes with location
- 3JCN Physics9702 13.3 · IB D.1
Gravitational Assist - Sling Shot
Fly a probe past a moving planet to gain speed via gravitational assist
- 3JCN Physics9702 13.3 · IB D.1
Kepler's First Law
Adjust eccentricity of a planet's orbit and watch the Sun sit at a focus of the ellipse
- 3JCN Physics9702 13.3 · IB D.1
Kepler's Second Law
Watch a planet sweep equal areas in equal times as orbital speed changes
- 3JCN Physics9702 13.3 · IB D.1
Orbital Quadrature
Trace Mercury's orbit using numerical quadrature; see the orbital path build step by step
- PhysicsHub9702 13.2 · 9702 13.1 · IB D.1
Three Body Problem
Three masses under mutual Newtonian gravity; student picks a starting configuration, body mass, G, body size and randomness and sees chaotic divergence
D.2Electric and magnetic fields
59 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Charges and Fields
E ∝ 1/r² but V ∝ 1/r; E points down the potential gradient.
- PhETStart here · 19702 18.3 · IB D.2
Coulomb’s Law
Two charges on a rule — slide them, change their sign and size, and read the force.
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 29702 18.2 · IB D.2 · IB D.3
E Field of 2 Parallel Charged Metal Plates
Electric field between two parallel charged metal plates
- PhETStart here · 39702 20.1 · IB D.2
Magnet and Compass
Move a compass around a bar magnet and show the field as arrows or lines.
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 49702 20.4 · 9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Magnetic Field Solenoid Mapping
Map the field inside and around a solenoid
- oPhysics9702 18.1 · 9702 18.5 · 9702 18.4
Electric Field & Potential
Drag +1 nC / -1 nC point charges; see field lines and the electric potential map update
- oPhysics9702 18.2 · 9702 11.1 · IB D.3
The Millikan Oil-Drop Experiment
Simplified Millikan oil-drop: adjust plate voltage to balance a charged droplet and deduce its charge
- oPhysics9702 18.3 · IB D.2
Coulomb's Law with Two Charged Objects
Two charged objects: set charges and positions; see Coulomb force vectors and magnitudes
- oPhysics9702 18.3 · IB D.2
Coulomb Forces on Three Charged Objects
Three charged objects: set charges and positions; see each pairwise force and the resultant
- oPhysics9702 18.5 · 9702 18.4 · IB D.2
Equipotentials & Electric Field of Two Charges
Two charges: set charge and position; plot equipotential lines and electric field around them
- The Physics Classroom9702 18.1 · IB D.2
Electric Field Lines
Drag positive or negative charges onto the space and observe the electric field lines
- The Physics Classroom9702 18.1 · 9702 18.4 · IB D.2
3D Electric Field Mapping
Drag source charges onto the workspace, see the lines of force, and tap any point for the field vector; 3D view
- The Physics Classroom9702 18.3 · IB D.2
Coulomb's Law
Change the charge values and the separation and observe the force
- The Physics Classroom9702 18.4 · 9702 18.5 · IB D.2
Electric Two-Shell Analysis
Two concentric charged shells: see how field strength and potential vary inside the inner shell, between the shells and outside
- The Physics Classroom9702 18.5 · IB D.2
Electrostatics Landscapes
Place two charges on the conductive paper, tap Start and watch the potential landscape form
- The Physics Classroom9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Magnetic Fields
Drag a compass needle through the space around a bar magnet and observe the magnetic field
- The Physics Classroom9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Bar Magnets
Drag, flip and orient six bar magnets and observe their attractions, repulsions and the surrounding field
- The Physics Classroom9702 20.4 · IB D.2
Electromagnet
Build an electromagnet and explore what increases the strength of its magnetic field
- SimuPhysics9702 18.1 · IB D.2
Electric Field Lines
Field lines traced from the computed field; drag the test charge around and flip its sign to see it pushed along the lines
- SimuPhysics9702 18.3 · IB D.2
Coulomb's Law Sandbox
Place charges anywhere on the canvas and drag them around while the force arrows resize in real time
- SimuPhysics9702 18.5 · 9702 13.4 · IB D.2
Potential Energy and Electric Potential
A ball lifted through height contours beside a charge moved through equipotential rings; drag either and change its size
- SimuPhysics9702 20.4 · IB D.2
Circular Coil into a Solenoid 3D
A solenoid is built one circular loop at a time in 3D so you can watch the field evolve
- SimuPhysics9702 20.4 · 9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Compass Above and Below Wire
Compasses sit above and below a current-carrying wire; they point in opposite directions because the field wraps round the wire
- SimuPhysics9702 20.4 · IB D.2
Field due to a Straight Wire
Field lines are plotted around a straight wire; probe the strength at any distance
- SimuPhysics9702 20.4 · IB D.2
Neutral Point Between Two Parallel Wires
Two parallel wires each produce a circular field; find the neutral point and see how it shifts when the currents change
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.1 · 9702 18.4 · IB D.2
Electric Field of a Spherical Shell
Electric field inside and outside a charged spherical shell
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.1 · 9702 18.4 · IB D.2
Electric Field of Charged Particles
Place positive and negative charges; see field lines and field vectors
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.2 · IB D.2 · IB D.3
Charge in Electric Field
Launch a charge into a uniform electric field and watch the parabolic deflection
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.2 · 9702 4.2 · 9702 4.1
Charge on a String in Electric Field
Hang a charged ball on a string in a uniform field; find the deflection angle
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.2 · 9702 18.4 · IB D.2
E Field of an Infinite Charged Sheet
Electric field of an infinite charged sheet
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.2 · 9702 11.1 · IB D.2
Milikan's Oil Drop Exp
Suspend oil drops between charged plates to find the electron charge
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.3 · IB D.2
Coulomb's Law
Change two charges and their separation; read the Coulomb force
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.3 · IB D.2
Coulomb's Law 3 Charges
Three-charge Coulomb problem: find the net force on each charge
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.3 · IB D.2
Coulomb's Law 4 Charges
Four-charge Coulomb problem in a square arrangement
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.3 · 9702 1.3 · 9702 Paper 5
Coulomb's Law for Lab
Coulomb's law for lab: collect force-distance data and fit the inverse square
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.5 · 9702 18.1 · 9702 18.4
Electric Field & Equipotential Mapping
Probe a 3D field and plot equipotential lines around configured charges
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.5 · IB D.2
Equipotential Surfaces 2 Points
Equipotential surfaces around two point charges
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.5 · 9702 18.2 · IB D.2
Equipotential Surfaces Capacitor
Equipotential surfaces between capacitor plates
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.5 · IB D.2
Equipotential Surfaces Point & Plate
Equipotentials between a point charge and a plate
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.5 · IB D.2
Equipotential Surfaces Point & Shell
Equipotentials between a point charge and a conducting shell
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Compass in Magnetic Field
Move a compass through a field and see it align with field lines
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Magnetic Field Bar Magnet Mapping
Map the field lines around a bar magnet with a probe
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Magnetic Field U-shape Magnet Mapping
Map the field between poles of a U-shaped magnet
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.4 · 9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Axial Magnetic Field inside Solenoid
Probe the axial field inside a solenoid; vary turns and current
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.4 · 9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Orsted's Compass
Switch on a current and see a compass deflect, as Oersted did
- PhET9702 18.1 · IB D.2
Balloons and Static Electricity
Rub a balloon on a sweater to transfer electrons, then see it attract the sweater or cling to a wall.
- PhET9702 18.1 · IB D.2
John Travoltage
Rub John’s foot on the carpet to build up charge, then move his hand toward the doorknob for a spark.
- PhET9702 18.1–18.2 · IB D.2
Electric Field of Dreams
Add point charges and an external field; watch each charge accelerate along the field.
- PhET9702 18.1 · 18.3 · IB D.2
Electric Field Hockey
Place fixed positive and negative charges to steer a moving puck into the goal using electrostatic force.
- The Physics Classroom9702 18.1 · IB D.2
Aluminum Can Polarization
Bring a charged object near a metal can on a table and watch what the can does
- The Physics Classroom9702 18.1 · IB D.2
Charging
See the movement of charges when a balloon is rubbed on wool and brought near other objects
- The Physics Classroom9702 18.1 · IB D.2
Name That Charge
Seven electrostatic charging situations; determine the resulting charge on each object
- The Physics Classroom9702 18.1 · 9702 18.2 · IB D.2
Put the Charge in the Goal (Electric Field Hockey)
Place charges to steer a puck around obstacles and into the goal
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.1 · IB D.2
Electrostatic Repulsion
Charge pom-poms on a Van de Graaff and see like charges repel
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.1 · IB D.2
Faraday Cage
Place a charge inside a conducting cage and see the field cancel inside
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.1 · IB D.2
Van de Graaff Generator
Charge a Van de Graaff generator and see sparks jump
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Bar Magnet Interaction
Bring two bar magnets together and feel attraction and repulsion
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.1 · IB D.2
Horseshoe Magnet Interaction
Interaction between horseshoe magnets
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.4 · IB D.2
Electric Bell - Electromagnet
Operate an electric bell driven by an electromagnet
D.3Motion in electromagnetic fields
30 sims- 3JCN PhysicsIn the lesson
Charge in Magnetic Field
r = mv / (qB): faster charges make bigger circles and stronger fields make smaller ones.
- The Physics ClassroomStart here · 19702 20.2 · IB D.3
Magnetic Field Sim (Kirby)
Adjust the current, conductor length, field strength and orientation and see the force on the wire
- SimuPhysicsStart here · 29702 20.2 · IB D.3
3D Fleming's Left Hand Rule
Rotate a hand model in 3D together with the field, current and force vectors until the rule makes sense
- The Physics ClassroomStart here · 39702 20.3 · IB D.3
The Mass Spectrometer
Fire ions down the chamber through the charge accelerator, velocity selector and detector; analyse each section
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 49702 20.2 · IB D.3
DC Motor
Run a DC motor; see the force couple and commutator reversal
- oPhysicsStart here · 59702 18.2 · IB D.3
Charged Particle in an Electric Field
Shoot a charged particle into a uniform electric field; adjust charge, mass, speed and field; see parabolic path
- oPhysics9702 18.2 · 9702 11.1 · IB D.3
The Millikan Oil-Drop Experiment
Simplified Millikan oil-drop: adjust plate voltage to balance a charged droplet and deduce its charge
- oPhysics9702 20.2 · IB D.3 · IB D.2
DC Motor
DC motor: adjust voltage, field strength and number of turns; see force on the coil and rotation
- oPhysics9702 20.3 · IB D.3 · IB E.1
Electron Charge to Mass Ratio Lab
Thomson e/m experiment: balance electric and magnetic deflection of an electron beam and compute e/m
- oPhysics9702 20.3 · IB D.3
Charged particle in a Magnetic Field
Shoot a charged particle into a uniform magnetic field; vary q, m, v and B; see the circular path and radius
- oPhysics9702 20.3 · IB D.3
Charged Particle in a Magnetic Field 3D
3D charged particle in a magnetic field with velocity components along and across B; see helical motion
- SimuPhysics9702 18.2 · 9702 20.3 · IB D.3
Cathode Ray Tube
An electron gun, accelerating anode and deflecting plates; drive the glowing spot around the screen
- SimuPhysics9702 20.2 · IB D.3
Force on a Straight Wire
A current-carrying wire in a magnetic field; vary the angle between current and field and watch the force vector
- SimuPhysics9702 20.2 · IB D.3
Torque on a Current-Carrying Rectangular Coil
The forces on each side of a rectangular coil in a uniform field are isolated in 3D; rotate the coil while watching the arrows
- SimuPhysics9702 20.3 · 9702 18.2 · IB D.3
Electron and Photon Field Effect
Fire an electron and a photon into the same electric and magnetic fields and see which one bends
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.2 · IB D.2 · IB D.3
Charge in Electric Field
Launch a charge into a uniform electric field and watch the parabolic deflection
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.2 · 9702 4.2 · 9702 4.1
Charge on a String in Electric Field
Hang a charged ball on a string in a uniform field; find the deflection angle
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.2 · IB D.2 · IB D.3
E Field of 2 Parallel Charged Metal Plates
Electric field between two parallel charged metal plates
- 3JCN Physics9702 18.2 · 9702 11.1 · IB D.2
Milikan's Oil Drop Exp
Suspend oil drops between charged plates to find the electron charge
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.2 · 9702 20.4 · IB D.3
Forces on current-carrying wires
Run parallel currents in two wires; see attraction or repulsion
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.2 · IB D.3
Laplace Force Law (LFL)
Place a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field; vary I, B and angle and read the force
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.3 · IB D.3
Charge to Mass Ratio Electron
Bend an electron beam in a known B field to measure e/m
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.3 · IB D.3
Helical Electron
Launch an electron at an angle to a B field and see its helical path
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.3 · 9702 18.2 · IB D.3
J.J. Thomson's Experiment
Balance electric and magnetic deflection of a cathode ray, as J.J. Thomson did
- SimuPhysics9702 20.2 · IB D.3
3D Galvanometer
A moving-coil galvanometer in 3D: rotate the view to see the coil in the field of the curved pole pieces and watch the pointer settle
- SimuPhysics9702 20.2 · IB D.3
3D Galvanometer 2
Explore the coil, magnet and spring in 3D and see how the motor effect turns a current of a few microamps into a deflection
- SimuPhysics9702 20.2 · IB D.3
DC Motor
Follow the current path through the coil, the forces on each side, and the moment the split ring reverses the connection
- SimuPhysics9702 20.2 · IB D.3
DC Motor - Multiple Coils
Add coils around the armature and compare the torque trace with the single-coil version
- 3JCN Physics9702 1.4 · 9702 20.3 · IB D.3
Vector Cross Product
Rotate two vectors in 3D and see the cross product direction and magnitude
- 3JCN Physics9702 20.2 · IB D.3
Railgun - Magnetic Force (LFL) App
Fire a railgun: current through rails and armature produces magnetic thrust
E · Nuclear and quantum physics
E.1Structure of the atom
11 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Rutherford Scattering
Explore “Rutherford Scattering” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 19702 22.4 · IB E.1
Energy Levels of Hygrogen
Click between hydrogen energy levels and see the emitted photon wavelength
- 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.
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 39702 22.4 · IB E.1
Atomic Emission Spectra
View emission spectra of elements; relate lines to energy level transitions
- 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.
- 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
- PhET9702 22.4 · IB E.1–E.2
Neon Lights & Other Discharge Lamps
Fire electrons at atoms in a gas tube; watch them excite the atoms and read the emitted lines on the spectrometer.
- oPhysics9702 22.4 · IB E.1 · IB E.2
Hydrogen Energy Levels
Hydrogen energy-level diagram: pick transitions and see emitted/absorbed photon energies and spectral lines
- 3JCN Physics9702 11.1 · IB E.1
Rutherford Scattering
Fire alpha particles at gold foil; count scattering angles and infer the nucleus
- 3JCN Physics9702 22.4 · IB E.1
Atomic Spectra Experiment
Run a spectrometer on a gas discharge tube and read line wavelengths
- 3JCN Physics9702 22.4 · IB E.1
Franck-Hertz Experiment
Sweep accelerating voltage and see current dips at quantised energies
E.3Radioactive decay
8 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Radioactive Dating Game
Explore “Radioactive Dating Game” — drag sliders and watch how the model responds in real time.
- PhETStart here · 1IB E.3
Build a Nucleus
Build any nuclide and watch which decay it undergoes; follow the chart of nuclides.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- PhET9702 23.2 · 11.1–11.2 · IB E.3
Beta Decay
Watch hydrogen-3 or carbon-14 nuclei undergo beta decay, emitting an electron and an antineutrino, with half-life timing.
- 3JCN Physics9702 23.2 · 9702 11.1 · IB E.3
Alpha Decay
Watch an alpha particle tunnel out of a heavy nucleus
E.4Fission
4 sims- 3JCN PhysicsIn the lesson
Nuclear Fission Principle
Each fission releases energy and several neutrons, which can trigger further fissions.
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 19702 23.1 · IB E.4
Nuclear Fission Reactor
Control rods and moderator in a fission reactor; manage the chain reaction
- PhETStart here · 29702 11.1 · 23.2 · IB E.4
Build a Nucleus
Add protons and neutrons to a nucleus and watch which decays it undergoes.
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 39702 23.1 · IB E.4
Atom Bomb Principle
Principle of an atomic bomb: supercritical chain reaction
E.5Fusion and stars
8 sims- PhETIn the lesson
Blackbody Spectrum
Slide the star’s surface temperature — the peak wavelength shifts (Wien) and the area under the curve grows as T⁴ (Stefan–Boltzmann), the two laws behind stellar luminosity (E.5).
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 19702 23.1 · IB E.5
Nuclear Fusion Principle
Fuse light nuclei and see the mass-energy release
- The Physics ClassroomStart here · 29702 25.1 · 9702 13.3 · IB E.5
Inverse Square Law Sim
See how the intensity of light falls with distance from a source
- SimuPhysicsStart here · 39702 25.2 · IB B.1 · IB E.5
Blackbody Radiation Curve
Plot the full blackbody spectrum at any temperature and watch the peak slide towards shorter wavelengths
- 3JCN PhysicsStart here · 49702 23.1 · IB E.5
Fusion Reactor
Confine a plasma in a tokamak fusion reactor
- SimuPhysics9702 25.2 · IB B.1 · IB E.5
Blackbody Cavity Radiation
Radiation bounces inside a heated cavity; compare the measured spectrum with the classical prediction that failed
- 3JCN Physics9702 23.1 · IB E.5
Hydrogen Bomb Principle
Principle of a thermonuclear weapon
- 3JCN Physics9702 25.3 · IB E.5
Galaxy & Black Hole
Orbit a galaxy around a black hole and inspect the event horizon
Each simulation stays the property of its source and is credited on the card inside the lesson. Back to the IB Physics SL course →