There is no need to say it: nothing beats a real laboratory for conducting physics experiments. But before we fill our space with pendulums, make springs jump in every direction, or go out to buy expensive reproductions, why not explore a solution on the Web? That's how we came across the MyPhysicsLab portal, where you can find all kinds of online physics experiments, with their corresponding simulations.
One of the great debts I have with my desk is the so-called Newton's pendulum. Fortunately, they are not that expensive, but the most likely thing is that the impact of the balls will end up driving me crazy (even more than I already am). However, there are some things to learn from that classic ornament, mainly the conservation of momentum and the conservation of energy. Another extraordinary example is the double pendulum, which under the right conditions exhibits chaotic motion. So, what alternatives do we have before Amazon...?
MyPhysicsLab: The Best Online Physics Experiments
The answer is MyPhysicsLab, a portal with dozens of online physics experiments, each with its own simulations. Both Newton's pendulum and the double pendulum are part of its collection, but you can also explore collisions between objects, billiard balls, hanging chains, ropes, mutual attraction between objects, and even the simulated orbit of one of Mars' moons.
Each experiment has a series of advanced parameters that we can adjust to taste. In the case of the Martian orbit, the page suggests finding the ideal initial velocity so that the moon develops a circular orbit without collisions on the surface. We can also activate the option Show Forces, which reveals all impacts and contact forces. Another of the most interesting values is Show Energy, which shows the amount of energy remaining in the system, and how it dissipates over time.
The simulations are accompanied by descriptions and equations for different levels. Unfortunately, MyPhysicsLab only offers text in English and German, but that hasn't stopped us before. To finish, the site is an open source project, and anyone interested can check its code on GitHub.
Official site: Click here
