Physics Simulations in 3D: Pendulums, Machines & Waves
Classic physics experiments rebuilt as hands-on 3D simulations: swing pendulums, crank engines and gears, make waves and wire up circuits. Change gravity, mass or bounciness and see what happens, then read the idea in everyday language, along with the equations behind the motion for anyone who wants them.
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Newton’s CradlePull back steel balls, let go and feel momentum ripple down the row. -
Double Pendulum ChaosPose a double pendulum, drop it and see a twin 0.001° away split off. -
Pendulum WavePull back fifteen pendulums, let go and spot snakes, rows and order. -
Metronome SynchronisationStart five metronomes out of step and hear them settle on one beat. -
Ripple Tank InterferenceSet two dippers rippling and find the lines where the waves cancel. -
Chladni Plate Sand PatternsBow a metal plate and watch sand gather into the patterns of sound. -
Trebuchet EngineerTune an oak trebuchet by hand, then pull the trigger and let fly. -
Pendulum Clock EscapementSwing a brass pendulum, wind the weight and regulate a real clock. -
Gyroscope PrecessionPull the string of a toy gyroscope and see it circle instead of falling. -
Triple PendulumPose three linked arms, let go and trace the tip’s whip in light. -
Coupled PendulumsSwing one pendulum by hand and see its energy pass to its neighbour. -
Foucault PendulumSwing a museum pendulum and let Earth’s turning topple the pins. -
Spring PendulumBounce a ball on a spring and see the bounce turn into a swing. -
Kapitza’s Upside-Down PendulumShake a pendulum’s pivot fast enough and it balances upside down. -
Swinging Atwood’s MachineA light swinging ball holds up a heavy weight, tracing wild loops. -
Double-Slit Water WavesSlide two slits in a ripple tank and find bright and still fringes. -
Standing Waves on a StringShake a cord at just the right pitch and see standing loops appear. -
Doppler Effect RipplesDrag a buzzing dipper through a ripple tank and see its ripples bunch. -
Steam Engine CrankOpen the steam valve, spin the flywheel and tame a mill engine. -
Planetary Gear SetHold the ring, sun or carrier, drive another, and change the gear ratio. -
Car DifferentialCrank a cutaway car axle and hold its wheels to see the differential. -
Pulley Lab: Mechanical AdvantageHaul a crate with a block and tackle: pulleys trade force for rope. -
Archimedes’ ScrewCrank an Archimedes’ screw and lift pond water to a garden. -
Geneva DriveCrank a Geneva drive and feel smooth turning become stop-start steps. -
Jansen Linkage WalkerCrank or wind-walk a twelve-legged walker along a beach. -
Magnet Field LinesSprinkle iron filings round magnets and plot the field with compasses. -
Circuit BuilderPlug leads between a battery, lamps and switches to light them up. -
Optics BenchSlide a candle, lens and screen to focus an upside-down flame. -
Cloth in the WindGrab a silk scarf on a washing line and play with the breeze. -
Buoyancy TankDrop wood, ice, steel and an egg in a tank and squeeze a diver. -
Roller Coaster BuilderDrag the track of a steel coaster and ride hills, valleys and loops.