United States

Introductory calculus-based physics is taught at Bridgewater College with both laboratory and computational components. Simple programming in Glowscript (a vpython environment) is introduced to students in recitation section. In two of the lab experiments (cart sliding with constant velocity, collision between two carts), students use the experimental data to determine the parameters for a numerical simulation of the system. The computational activities are designed to provide practice with momentum conservation and with updating the position of an object based on its previous position and velocity. Integrating them with lab activities is intended to promote understanding of the physical parameters. If coded correctly, the numerical output will resemble the experimental data, providing plausibility checks on the code. A more advanced laboratory activity done in Physics I, the ballistic pendulum, has also been simulated numerically by a student as an Honors Upgrade. The simulation applies the principle of momentum conservation to reproduce the motion of a pendulum after a collision with a projectile.

AAPT SM 20

Computational Simulations of Introductory Lab Experiments in Physics I

picup

computation

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. The program featured plenary speakers, sessions, workshops and many special activities.

For more information please visit the 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting page at: https://www.aapt.org/Conferences/SM2020/index.cfm.


The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. 

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Computational Simulations of Introductory Lab Experiments in Physics I

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