Universal Gravitation & Orbits
Interactive 3D space simulator for Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. Launch satellites, observe elliptical orbits, and track kinetic and potential energy live.
Circular Motion & Centripetal Force
Visualize uniform circular motion with adjustable radius and speed. See how centripetal acceleration and net force always point toward the center, and explore the role of tension, gravity, and normal force.
Binary Star System (Barycenter Orbits)
Interactive 3D simulation of a binary star system. Understand center of mass (barycenter), orbital periods, and universal gravitation.
Friction on Inclined Plane
Analyze forces on objects on inclined planes including weight components (mg sin θ parallel to slope, mg cos θ perpendicular), normal force, and friction. Understand static friction (fs ≤ μsN prevents motion) versus kinetic friction (fk = μkN opposes motion). Practice decomposing forces, determining whether objects slide or remain stationary, calculating acceleration down slopes, and finding the critical angle where objects begin to slip based on the coefficient of static friction.
Newton's Second Law
Explore Newton's second law stating that net force equals mass times acceleration (ΣF = ma). Understand that acceleration is directly proportional to net force and inversely proportional to mass. Practice applying F = ma to calculate unknown forces, masses, or accelerations in various scenarios. Visualize how multiple forces combine vectorially to produce net force, and solve problems involving tension, friction, gravity, and applied forces on objects in equilibrium or accelerating motion.
Free Body Diagram Builder
Build free body diagrams (FBDs) to visualize all forces acting on an object as vectors from its center of mass. Practice identifying forces including weight (mg downward), normal force (perpendicular to surface), friction (parallel to surface, opposing motion), tension (along rope/string), and applied forces. Master using FBDs to apply Newton's second law ΣF = ma by resolving forces into components and solving for unknowns in equilibrium and accelerating systems.
Circular Motion & Centripetal Force
Animate uniform circular motion with real-time velocity, acceleration, and force vectors. Adjust speed, radius, and mass to see how centripetal acceleration a_c = v²/r changes.
Pulley Systems & Mechanical Advantage
Compare 4 pulley configurations: single fixed, single movable, compound, and block & tackle. See how mechanical advantage trades force for distance.
Newton's Third Law Action-Reaction Pairs
Explore 5 scenarios demonstrating F_AB = −F_BA: pushing a wall, book on table, rocket propulsion, Earth-Moon gravity, and swimming. Forces act on different objects.
Orbital Speed & Weightlessness
Animated satellite orbiting Earth. v_orbit = √(GM/r). Adjust altitude from LEO to GEO to see speed, period, and local g. Free-fall = apparent weightlessness.
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
Prove Kepler's Laws visually. Alter orbital eccentricity and watch as planets sweep out perfectly equal geometric areas in equal times, regardless of whether they are slingshotting past perihelion or crawling through aphelion.
Atwood Machine & Inclined Plane Dynamics
Interactive 3D simulation of a dual-mass Atwood machine on an inclined plane. Visualizes tension, friction, and Newton's laws dynamically.