Physics at Saint Edward’sOne impossible question a day

Physics Simulations for AP Physics 1, 2 and C

The Lab

Interactive physics simulations for AP Physics 1, 2, and C

Physics you can take hold of. Seventy-eight simulations that run in the browser, free, with nothing to download and no sign-in.

They cover free-body diagrams, center of mass, Newton’s three laws, static and kinetic friction, Newton’s law of gravitation, springs in series and parallel, terminal velocity and circular motion. None of them is a video. Every one waits for you to drag something, and most of them will let you be wrong first and then tell you why. Click any picture below and the simulation opens here, ready to use.

Now runningRead the topic

The simulation runs here straight from the topic page it belongs to, so there is only ever one copy of it. Press Escape to close it.

If you only open six

Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body Diagrams. Your turn. Pick a situation, then drag a force out of the tray at the bottom and aim it: where you let go sets the direction and the length.Free-body diagram builderDrag the forces on yourself and aim each one. Six situations are on offer and one of the forces does not exist.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. A 60 cm square steel plate. Take a piece out of it and the center of mass moves, because the piece you removed is no longer voting.Center of mass of a cut-out plateTake a bite out of a steel plate and watch the center of mass walk off the metal altogether.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. Six views of one idea, each a step further out. Earth and Moon do not orbit each other: they both orbit the point that balances them.Barycenter, from the Earth and Moon out to the galaxySix scales in one widget, ending with the Sun going round the middle of the Milky Way.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static Friction. A 20 kg crate on a rough floor, and a rope you can aim.Friction, and the best angle to pullThere is a cheapest angle to drag something, it is not straight ahead, and the graph shows why.Topic 2.8, Spring Forces. Six identical springs, each one 20 newtons per meter, and a half kilogram hanging underneath.Springs in series and parallelSprings end to end let the load hang lower than one spring alone. Build it and see.Topic 2.9, Circular Motion. A ball on a string, going round at a steady speed.Circular motion, cutting the stringSay where the ball will go, then cut the string and find out whether you were right.

AP Physics 1 and 2

Unit 1, Kinematics

Topic 1.1, Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension. Drag the arrowhead. Watch what changes when you flip which way is positive, and more importantly, watch what does not.Topic 1.1, Scalars and Vectors in One DimensionDrag the arrowhead. Watch what changes when you flip which way is positive, and more importantly, watch what does not.Topic 1.1, Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension. Set each leg with its slider. The arrows are drawn tip to tail, to scale.Topic 1.1, Scalars and Vectors in One DimensionSet each leg with its slider. The arrows are drawn tip to tail, to scale.Topic 1.2, Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration. The curve is one object's position against time.Topic 1.2, Displacement, Velocity, and AccelerationThe curve is one object’s position against time.Topic 1.2, Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration. Choose a sign for the velocity and a sign for the acceleration.Topic 1.2, Displacement, Velocity, and AccelerationChoose a sign for the velocity and a sign for the acceleration.Topic 1.3, Representing Motion. Drag the round handles on the velocity graph to invent a motion.Topic 1.3, Representing MotionDrag the round handles on the velocity graph to invent a motion.Topic 1.4, Reference Frames and Relative Motion. The same scene is drawn twice. On top, a frame fixed to the ground, where the posts stand still.Topic 1.4, Reference Frames and Relative MotionThe same scene is drawn twice. On top, a frame fixed to the ground, where the posts stand still.Topic 1.5, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions. Drag the tip of the arrow. The magnitude and the angle are read off the arrow itself; the two components are read off the axes.Topic 1.5, Vectors and Motion in Two DimensionsDrag the tip of the arrow. The magnitude and the angle are read off the arrow itself; the two components are read off the axes.Topic 1.5, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions. One ball is launched, and at the same instant a second is simply dropped from the same height.Topic 1.5, Vectors and Motion in Two DimensionsOne ball is launched, and at the same instant a second is simply dropped from the same height.

Unit 2, Force and Translational Dynamics

Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. Choose which blocks you are calling the system.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassChoose which blocks you are calling the system.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. Drag the discs. Click one without moving it to change its mass.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassDrag the discs. Click one without moving it to change its mass.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. A 60 cm square steel plate. Take a piece out of it and the center of mass moves, because the piece you removed is no longer voting.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassA 60 cm square steel plate. Take a piece out of it and the center of mass moves, because the piece you removed is no longer voting.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. A rod with a ball at each end, thrown across the room. Only the center of mass draws a clean parabola: everything else loops.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassA rod with a ball at each end, thrown across the room. Only the center of mass draws a clean parabola: everything else loops.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. Six views of one idea, each a step further out. Earth and Moon do not orbit each other: they both orbit the point that balances them.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassSix views of one idea, each a step further out.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body Diagrams. A crate on a smooth floor, pulled by a rope at an angle.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body DiagramsA crate on a smooth floor, pulled by a rope at an angle.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body Diagrams. Three situations, each with the diagram that is correct.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body DiagramsThree situations, each with the diagram that is correct.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body Diagrams. Your turn. Pick a situation, then drag a force out of the tray at the bottom and aim it: where you let go sets the direction and the length.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body DiagramsYour turn. Pick a situation, then drag a force out of the tray at the bottom and aim it: where you let go sets the direction and the length.Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third Law. Two skaters push off each other on ice. Change the mass of the left one and watch the two gold arrows: they never come apart.Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third LawTwo skaters push off each other on ice. Change the mass of the left one and watch the two gold arrows: they never come apart.Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third Law. The same book and table, drawn four ways. Start with the forces on the book, then add the table, then isolate the one interaction they share, then see what...Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third LawThe same book and table, drawn four ways. Start with the forces on the book, then add the table, then isolate the one interaction they share, then see what…Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third Law. Six forces, three interactions. Click one card, then click the card you think is its partner.Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third LawSix forces, three interactions. Click one card, then click the card you think is its partner.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First Law. Two of the three forces are fixed. Set the size and direction of the third until both sums read zero and the dot turns green.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First LawTwo of the three forces are fixed. Set the size and direction of the third until both sums read zero and the dot turns green.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First Law. A puck sliding on a surface, photographed every 0.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First LawA puck sliding on a surface, photographed every 0.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First Law. A bus doing 12 meters per second, a loose bag on the seat, and the driver brakes.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First LawA bus doing 12 meters per second, a loose bag on the seat, and the driver brakes.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second Law. A cart on a frictionless floor, photographed every half second, with the graph of acceleration against net force beneath it.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second LawA cart on a frictionless floor, photographed every half second, with the graph of acceleration against net force beneath it.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second Law. Change either mass and watch the last readout, which compares the tension with the weight of the hanging block.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second LawChange either mass and watch the last readout, which compares the tension with the weight of the hanging block.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second Law. Build the system yourself. Six one kilogram weights sit in the tray.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second LawBuild the system yourself. Six one kilogram weights sit in the tray.Topic 2.6, Gravitational Force. Slide the object away from the Earth and watch both the arrow and the curve.Topic 2.6, Gravitational ForceSlide the object away from the Earth and watch both the arrow and the curve.Topic 2.6, Gravitational Force. A person on a scale in an elevator. Change the acceleration and watch the two readouts: one of them never moves.Topic 2.6, Gravitational ForceA person on a scale in an elevator. Change the acceleration and watch the two readouts: one of them never moves.Topic 2.6, Gravitational Force. Two bodies in empty space. Drag either one and watch what happens to the arrows: they always point at each other, they are always the same length as each o...Topic 2.6, Gravitational ForceTwo bodies in empty space. Drag either one and watch what happens to the arrows: they always point at each other, they are always the same length as each o…Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static Friction. Pull harder and harder on a block that is not moving.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static FrictionPull harder and harder on a block that is not moving.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static Friction. Raise the ramp and watch the two friction readouts approach each other.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static FrictionRaise the ramp and watch the two friction readouts approach each other.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static Friction. A 20 kg crate on a rough floor, and a rope you can aim.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static FrictionA 20 kg crate on a rough floor, and a rope you can aim.Topic 2.8, Spring Forces. Hang a mass on a spring and read the stretch. Every combination lands on the same straight line through the origin, and the slope of that line is the sprin...Topic 2.8, Spring ForcesHang a mass on a spring and read the stretch. Every combination lands on the same straight line through the origin, and the slope of that line is the sprin…Topic 2.8, Spring Forces. Move the block to either side of the relaxed position and watch the arrow.Topic 2.8, Spring ForcesMove the block to either side of the relaxed position and watch the arrow.Topic 2.8, Spring Forces. Six identical springs, each one 20 newtons per meter, and a half kilogram hanging underneath.Topic 2.8, Spring ForcesSix identical springs, each one 20 newtons per meter, and a half kilogram hanging underneath.Topic 2.9, Circular Motion. A ball on a circular path. The faint copies show the velocity at other points: the same length every time, a different direction every time.Topic 2.9, Circular MotionA ball on a circular path. The faint copies show the velocity at other points: the same length every time, a different direction every time.Topic 2.9, Circular Motion. Three circular motions with three different providers.Topic 2.9, Circular MotionThree circular motions with three different providers.Topic 2.9, Circular Motion. A ball on a string, going round at a steady speed.Topic 2.9, Circular MotionA ball on a string, going round at a steady speed.

AP Physics C, Mechanics

Unit 1, Kinematics

Topic 1.1, Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension. Drag the head of the arrow. The drone really is somewhere, and dragging moves it.Topic 1.1, Scalars and Vectors in One DimensionDrag the head of the arrow. The drone really is somewhere, and dragging moves it.Topic 1.1, Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension. Drag the head of the vector anywhere in the plane.Topic 1.1, Scalars and Vectors in One DimensionDrag the head of the vector anywhere in the plane.Topic 1.2, Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration. A cart moves along a track with position x(t) = 0.Topic 1.2, Displacement, Velocity, and AccelerationA cart moves along a track with position x(t) = 0.Topic 1.2, Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration. The top panel is the same velocity graph. Drag the right hand edge of the shaded region to choose an interval starting at t equal to zero.Topic 1.2, Displacement, Velocity, and AccelerationThe top panel is the same velocity graph. Drag the right hand edge of the shaded region to choose an interval starting at t equal to zero.Topic 1.3, Representing Motion. Drag the round handles on the velocity graph. The acceleration below is its derivative, taken segment by segment, and the position above is its integral, a...Topic 1.3, Representing MotionDrag the round handles on the velocity graph. The acceleration below is its derivative, taken segment by segment, and the position above is its integral, a…Topic 1.4, Reference Frames and Relative Motion. The same scene drawn twice. On top, a frame fixed to the ground, where the posts stand still.Topic 1.4, Reference Frames and Relative MotionThe same scene drawn twice. On top, a frame fixed to the ground, where the posts stand still.Topic 1.4, Reference Frames and Relative Motion. The upper graph is the object's position measured in the ground frame.Topic 1.4, Reference Frames and Relative MotionThe upper graph is the object’s position measured in the ground frame.Topic 1.5, Motion in Two or Three Dimensions. The particle runs along x = A cos t, y = B sin t.Topic 1.5, Motion in Two or Three DimensionsThe particle runs along x = A cos t, y = B sin t.Topic 1.5, Motion in Two or Three Dimensions. The blue arrow is the velocity, drawn tangent to the path, with its two components shown against it.Topic 1.5, Motion in Two or Three DimensionsThe blue arrow is the velocity, drawn tangent to the path, with its two components shown against it.

Unit 2, Force and Translational Dynamics

Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. Choose which blocks you are calling the system.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassChoose which blocks you are calling the system.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. A rod of length L whose linear density is λ = λ₀(1 + kx/L).Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassA rod of length L whose linear density is λ = λ₀(1 + kx/L).Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. A 60 cm square steel plate. Take a piece out of it and the center of mass moves, because the piece you removed is no longer voting.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassA 60 cm square steel plate. Take a piece out of it and the center of mass moves, because the piece you removed is no longer voting.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. A rod with a ball at each end, thrown across the room. Only the center of mass draws a clean parabola: everything else loops.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassA rod with a ball at each end, thrown across the room. Only the center of mass draws a clean parabola: everything else loops.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of Mass. Six views of one idea, each a step further out. Earth and Moon do not orbit each other: they both orbit the point that balances them.Topic 2.1, Systems and Center of MassSix views of one idea, each a step further out.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body Diagrams. A crate on a smooth floor, pulled by a rope at an angle.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body DiagramsA crate on a smooth floor, pulled by a rope at an angle.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body Diagrams. Three situations, each with the diagram that is correct.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body DiagramsThree situations, each with the diagram that is correct.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body Diagrams. Your turn. Pick a situation, then drag a force out of the tray at the bottom and aim it: where you let go sets the direction and the length.Topic 2.2, Forces and Free-Body DiagramsYour turn. Pick a situation, then drag a force out of the tray at the bottom and aim it: where you let go sets the direction and the length.Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third Law. Two skaters push off each other on ice. Change the mass of the left one and watch the two gold arrows: they never come apart.Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third LawTwo skaters push off each other on ice. Change the mass of the left one and watch the two gold arrows: they never come apart.Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third Law. The same book and table, drawn four ways. Start with the forces on the book, then add the table, then isolate the one interaction they share, then see what...Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third LawThe same book and table, drawn four ways. Start with the forces on the book, then add the table, then isolate the one interaction they share, then see what…Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third Law. Six forces, three interactions. Click one card, then click the card you think is its partner.Topic 2.3, Newton’s Third LawSix forces, three interactions. Click one card, then click the card you think is its partner.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First Law. Two of the three forces are fixed. Set the size and direction of the third until both sums read zero and the dot turns green.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First LawTwo of the three forces are fixed. Set the size and direction of the third until both sums read zero and the dot turns green.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First Law. A puck sliding on a surface, photographed every 0.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First LawA puck sliding on a surface, photographed every 0.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First Law. A bus doing 12 meters per second, a loose bag on the seat, and the driver brakes.Topic 2.4, Newton’s First LawA bus doing 12 meters per second, a loose bag on the seat, and the driver brakes.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second Law. A cart on a frictionless floor, photographed every half second, with the graph of acceleration against net force beneath it.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second LawA cart on a frictionless floor, photographed every half second, with the graph of acceleration against net force beneath it.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second Law. Change either mass and watch the last readout, which compares the tension with the weight of the hanging block.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second LawChange either mass and watch the last readout, which compares the tension with the weight of the hanging block.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second Law. Build the system yourself. Six one kilogram weights sit in the tray.Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second LawBuild the system yourself. Six one kilogram weights sit in the tray.Topic 2.6, Gravitational Force. Slide the object away from the Earth and watch both the arrow and the curve.Topic 2.6, Gravitational ForceSlide the object away from the Earth and watch both the arrow and the curve.Topic 2.6, Gravitational Force. A person on a scale in an elevator. Change the acceleration and watch the two readouts: one of them never moves.Topic 2.6, Gravitational ForceA person on a scale in an elevator. Change the acceleration and watch the two readouts: one of them never moves.Topic 2.6, Gravitational Force. Two bodies in empty space. Drag either one and watch what happens to the arrows: they always point at each other, they are always the same length as each o...Topic 2.6, Gravitational ForceTwo bodies in empty space. Drag either one and watch what happens to the arrows: they always point at each other, they are always the same length as each o…Topic 2.6, Gravitational Force. Move the test mass from the center of a uniform planet out into space.Topic 2.6, Gravitational ForceMove the test mass from the center of a uniform planet out into space.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static Friction. Pull harder and harder on a block that is not moving.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static FrictionPull harder and harder on a block that is not moving.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static Friction. Raise the ramp and watch the two friction readouts approach each other.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static FrictionRaise the ramp and watch the two friction readouts approach each other.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static Friction. A 20 kg crate on a rough floor, and a rope you can aim.Topic 2.7, Kinetic and Static FrictionA 20 kg crate on a rough floor, and a rope you can aim.Topic 2.8, Spring Forces. Hang a mass on a spring and read the stretch. Every combination lands on the same straight line through the origin, and the slope of that line is the sprin...Topic 2.8, Spring ForcesHang a mass on a spring and read the stretch. Every combination lands on the same straight line through the origin, and the slope of that line is the sprin…Topic 2.8, Spring Forces. Move the block to either side of the relaxed position and watch the arrow.Topic 2.8, Spring ForcesMove the block to either side of the relaxed position and watch the arrow.Topic 2.8, Spring Forces. Six identical springs, each one 20 newtons per meter, and a half kilogram hanging underneath.Topic 2.8, Spring ForcesSix identical springs, each one 20 newtons per meter, and a half kilogram hanging underneath.Topic 2.8, Spring Forces. The same two springs and the same hanging mass, arranged both ways.Topic 2.8, Spring ForcesThe same two springs and the same hanging mass, arranged both ways.Topic 2.9, Resistive Forces. An object dropped from rest. The three gold dots mark one, two and three time constants, and they always sit at the same fractions of the terminal velocity...Topic 2.9, Resistive ForcesAn object dropped from rest. The three gold dots mark one, two and three time constants, and they always sit at the same fractions of the terminal velocity…Topic 2.9, Resistive Forces. No gravity, no push, only drag. The strobe images crowd toward a line the object never crosses, and the speed curve approaches zero without touching it.Topic 2.9, Resistive ForcesNo gravity, no push, only drag. The strobe images crowd toward a line the object never crosses, and the speed curve approaches zero without touching it.Topic 2.9, Resistive Forces. Drag the gold dot up and down the left edge to choose the speed the object starts with.Topic 2.9, Resistive ForcesDrag the gold dot up and down the left edge to choose the speed the object starts with.Topic 2.10, Circular Motion. A ball on a circular path. The faint copies show the velocity at other points: the same length every time, a different direction every time.Topic 2.10, Circular MotionA ball on a circular path. The faint copies show the velocity at other points: the same length every time, a different direction every time.Topic 2.10, Circular Motion. Three circular motions with three different providers.Topic 2.10, Circular MotionThree circular motions with three different providers.Topic 2.10, Circular Motion. A ball on a string, going round at a steady speed.Topic 2.10, Circular MotionA ball on a string, going round at a steady speed.

These cover Units 1 and 2 so far, kinematics and dynamics, and they grow as the courses do. Every picture is the simulation itself, caught at the moment it opens. The full topic lists are on the AP Physics 1 and 2 and AP Physics C course pages. Nothing here needs a class code.