Virtual Labs: Online Physics Simulations

Did you miss a class? Were you unable to complete the lab? Is your lab report hopeless because you forgot to write down a crucial number? Or perhaps you loved a certain experiment and wished you could try it again at home? Virtual Labs is the answer! During this short demonstration, a few classic experiments will be performed with the Virtual Labs online physics laboratory prototype. This software currently runs as a Java applet on the web. With only a web browser, anyone can perform physics labs without time constraints or fear of damaging equipment (or themselves!). Although not complete, this project demonstrates how mathematics, computer science, and physics can be integrated to provide out-of-classroom tutorials for both traditional and distance learning students. The simulation is designed to provide students with a full physics lab experience. The demonstration will include simulations of any of the following: (audience dependent) Electric fields from conductors, via the carbon paper experiment Geometric optics, via a light table Newtonian forces, via a force table Thermodynamics, via the “metal shot in calorimeter” experiment Electric fields from particles, in a theoretical style AC & DC electronics, via creating and measuring circuits Questions about math, computer science, physics, and programming will be answered