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Conservation of Mechanical Energy: Mass on a Vertical Spring
This is a simulation showing a mass oscillating on the end of a spring. The kinetic energy, gravitational and elastic potential energies are shown in bar graph form.
Adjust the mass and the spring constant, then hit the RUN button. Observe the various forms of energy using the bar graphs.
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| Momentum & Energy: Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
This is a simulation of a collision in one dimension between two masses initially sliding toward each other on a frictionless surface. Explore conservation of energy and momentum, as well as elasticity and relative velocity.
Adjust the initial velocities, masses of the boxes, and elasticity with the sliders. Use the buttons to run, pause, and reset the simulation.
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| Momentum & Energy: Explosive Collisions
This is a simulation of two masses initially sliding or stationary on a frictionless surface with an explosive charge between them. Explore conservation of energy and momentum.
Adjust the initial velocity, masses of the boxes, and explosive energy with the sliders. Use the buttons to run, pause, and reset the simulation.
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| The Ballistic Pendulum
This is a simulation of a ballistic pendulum. A ballistic pendulum is a device used to determine the speed of a bullet. Follow the instructions below the simulation window. |
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Ballistic Pendulum "Quiz"
Same as the simulation above, except the initial velocity is not shown - it must be determined by the user. |
| Dropping a Mass on Another Oscillating Mass
This is a simulation of a mass oscillating on the end of a spring, which then has another mass dropped onto it. You can choose to have the mass drop when the oscillating mass is at its equilibrium position or at its maximum displacement from the equilibrium. You can also use the slider to adjust the mass of the object being dropped. Watch how the amplitude and period of the oscillation change when the mass is dropped. Also look for the effect on the total mechanical energy of the mass-spring system. Think about the differences between the situation where the mass is dropped at the equilibrium position vs. when it is dropped at the maximum displacement from the equilibrium.
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| Center of Mass: Person on a Floating Raft
This is a simulation of a person walking on a floating raft. Use the sliders to adjust the mass of the raft, the mass of the person, and the animation speed. Use the buttons to start, pause, or reset the animation.
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