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Part I: Below are several good java script models collected by Asst. Professor Fu-Kwun Hwang of National Taiwan Normal University. Most of these models allow you to vary at least one of the parameters.

Dynamics and Mechanics

Collisions in one dimension Good model for not only collisions in one dimension but also frames of reference and elasticity.

Collisions in two dimensions A decent simulation of what happens when two balls hit each other at glancing blows.

Traffic Control Fun simulation of traffic control for cars driving down city streets.

Simple Harmonic Motion. This Java applet compares motion of an object on a spring to the motion of an object on a circular turntable.

IdealGas law as demonstrated Java applet which allows you to vary pressure, numbers of particles, average velocity of molecules and shape of a container holding an ideal gas.

Wheels and torques
This applet partially answers the AP Physics question regarding the summation of torques acting on a wheel. Hint: I said summation of torques. If the string supplies the first torque, what supplies the second torque?

Fermats Principle The Fermat Principle states that the path that light follows will always be the one which gets the light most quickly to the observer.

 

Ray Tracing

Ray tracing and lenses and mirrors.

Waves.

Discussion on basic properties of waves using applets. Waves simulations for basic properties reflection and transmission

Simple demonstration of how a standing wave sets up on a string.

You generate waves on a spring.

Good demo for a wave explanation of refraction and reflection

How an acoustic guitar really works..  (P.S. The sound does not come directly from the strings.)

A discussion relating to superposition of waves.

Good demo for Standing waves and beats.

Ripple Tank interference patterns.  Good for demonstrating how two transmitters can be placed to add directionality to a signal.

Interference from two point sources This model allows you to move point sources relative to each other and view the interference patterns that are produced.

Visual comparison between transverse and longitudinal waves.

 

harmonics in tubes.

vibrations on a drum
 

Demonstrates thin film reflection.

laser cavity demo.

 

If you want more information about optics here is a good place to start .

 

Electrictiy and Magnetism

Propogation of an Electromagnetic Wave Move a charge upwards and downwards you will create not only a changing Electrical field but also this changing electric field will in generate a changing magnetic field.

Moving charges in B and E fields Motion of a charged molecule in constant and perpendicular magnetic and electric fields.

 

Relativity

Photon Clocks and Relativity This is a good demonstration of Einstein's photon clock explanation of time dilation as one moves at speeds close to the speed of light.

Part II:The KSU Physics Education Group also has some very good java applets. Most of these applets are designed to help introduce the concepts of quantum physics The ones marked (classical) are good for students who are starting to study classical waves:

Java Color Creator

Quantum Motion

Making Waves (classical)

Part III: If you are looking for other web sites relating to the study of physics check these out:

Online educational resources for Physics teachers

The Physlets resource page has several sets of java applets (using Java 1.0 and others using Java1.1).

Also check out the Applet Collection. It has some very good simulations.

 

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