Physics Online Experiments

Beat Frequency with the Xplorer GLX

In this demonstration, students derive the beat frequency equation. 

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Position Match with the GLX

Students use the Xplorer GLX to achieve a kinesthetic understanding of kinematic graphs (October 2005)

Kinematics with the GLX

Students derive the kinematic equations using the Xplorer GLX.  (September 2005)

Pendulum Tension

This experiment simulates an energy/forces problem common in many college-level text books.  (September 2007)

Inclining Gravity

 This experiment uses a DataStudio Electronic Workbook. For a cart rolling down an inclined track, students determine the effect of the mass of the cart and the angle of the incline on the motion of the cart. In addition, students analyze the slope of a position-time graph and the slope of a velocity-time graph. Finally, students analyze the area of a velocity-time graph. (April 2007)

Motion Challenge

Students match given position v. time data, then create corresponding velocity v. time and acceleration v. time graphs. Similarly, they create velocity v. time and position v. time graphs from a graph of acceleration v. time. (September 2004)

Playground Physics

Students use their experimental data to analyze the physics of playground equipment. (March 2004)

William Tell Challenge

Use experimental data and theoretical calculations to hit a target using a projectile launcher. (January 2004)

Dropping Ball

Determine and compare the acceleration due to gravity for several balls. (October 2003)

Motion Match

Model and make quantitative observations for several position versus time graphs. (September 2003)

I'm a Fan of Acceleration

Predict the acceleration of a fan cart. (November 2002)

What's My Motion

Predict the motion of a car from different graphs. (September 2002)

Relative Motion

Relative motion and frames of reference using a motion sensor. (May 2001)

2nd Law with the GLX

Derive Newton's 2nd Law. (January 2008)

Force Practical with the GLX

Determine the mass of an object on an incline using a Force Sensor. (December 2006)

Friction with the GLX

 Determine the coefficients of static and kinetic friction and derive the equations for static and kinetic friction. (October 2006)

Forces in Equilibrium Practical with the GLX

Use the GLX to determine the mass of an object in static equilibrium. (January 2006)

Air Resistance

Determine the drag coefficient of coffee filters. (May 2007)

Coefficient of Kinetic Friction

Determine the coefficient of kinetic friction for an object on an incline. (January 2005)

Newton's Incline

Analyze the relationship between the angle of an incline and the Normal and Parallel forces of an object on the incline. Derive Newton's Second Law. (October 2004)

Egg Stamper

Use experimental data and theoretical calculations to stamp an egg with a mass suspended by a spring. (February 2004)

Dropping Ball

Determine and compare the acceleration due to gravity for several balls. (October 2003)

Hooked on Springs

Develop a relationship between force and displacement of a spring. (January 2003)

Newton's 2nd

 Experimentally determine Newton's 2nd Law. (October 2002)

Sliding Friction and Working

 Relationship between the force of sliding friction and the working on a sliding object. (November 2001)

Kinetic Energy and Applied Forces

Relationship between an applied force and the kinetic energy of a car accelerating on a track. (October 2001)

Weight vs Mass

Relationship between an object's weight and its mass using a force sensor. (September 2001)

Slip Sliding Away

Static frictional force and normal force. (March 2001)

Ball Drop Energy with the Xplorer GLX

Use the Xplorer GLX to determine the relationshipo between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy of a bouncing ball (September 2006)

Conservation of Energy

Determine the relationship between the elastic potential energy of a spring and the rotational energy of several objects connected to the spring. (February 2005)

Inclined to Conserve

Develop a relationship between kinetic and potential energy. (December 2002)

The Power of Energy

Relationship between the energy change of a system and the time over which this change takes place. (December 2001)

Sliding Friction and Working

 Relationship between the force of sliding friction and the working on a sliding object. (November 2001)

Kinetic Energy and Applied Forces

Relationship between an applied force and the kinetic energy of a car accelerating on a track. (October 2001)

Momentum Lab Practical with the GLX

Use the Xplorer GLX to determine the value of an unknown mass. (April 2008)

Impulse-Momentum with the Xplorer GLX

Determine the relationship between the impulse of a collision and the change in momentum. (January 2007)

Momentum with the Xplorer GLX

Use the Xplorer GLX to derive the relationship between the momentum before and after a collision. (March 2006)

Stomp Rocket

Analyze the relationship between the change in momentum and impulse for a stomp rocket. (November 2004)

Air Bag Collision

Determine the impulse of collisions with different "air bags" that they create themselves. (November 2003)

Momentum

Develop a relationship between the initial and final momentum for carts involved in collisions. (February 2003)

Collisions

Discover the purpose of an air bag during a collision. (March 2002)

Impulsivity

The impulse concept and its relationship to momentum. (January 2002)

Centripetal Force with the GLX

Use the GLX to derive the centripetal force equation. (November 2005)

Three Balls Discrepant Event

Students solve a discrepant event involving three balls on an incline. (February 2006)

Uniform Circular Motion

Discover the relationship between centripetal acceleration and distance from the axis of rotation. (May 2002)

Period of a Spring

Find the relationship between the period and mass of a spring for small oscillations. (February 2007)

Sound Frequency with the GLX

In this experiment, students determine the frequency and wavelength of sound waves that they create. (Summer 2005)

Wave Speed

 In this experiment, students determine the speed of sound from the frequencies and wavelengths that resonate in an open tube. (March 2005)

Sound: Creating and Analyzing with WAVEPORT

Students create and analyze sounds with DataStudio's powerful, built-in sound program, WAVEPORT. (April 2004)

Light Intensity

Develop a relationship between light intensity and distance from a point source and a line source. (April 2003)

RC Time Constant with the GLX

 Use the Xplorer GLX to determine the relationship between the time constant for certain RC circuits and the value of the resistance and capacitance for those circuits. (May 2006)

Ohm's Law with the Xplorer GLX

Use the Xplorer GLX to derive the relationship between voltage and current in a circuit. (April 2006)

RC Time Constant for Measuring Instruments

Observe the discharge of a capacitor by measuring the time constant (T=RC) and experience the effect of different meters as discharge loads. (March 2008)

Transformer

Determine the relationship between the voltage, current, and power of the primary and secondary coils of a transformer. (May 2005)

Coupled Oscillator

Make observations of a coupled oscillator. (May 2003)

Resistance is Futile!

Develop a relationship between voltage and current. (March 2003)

Magnetic Fields

Discover the characteristics of fields around magnetized materials. (April 2002)

Ohm's Law

Voltage and current in a DC circuit. (April 2001)

Optics Lab Practical

Determine the focal length of a lens and of a mirror. (March 2007)

Egg Stamper

Use experimental data and theoretical calculations to stamp an egg with a mass suspended by a spring. (February 2004)

CSI: Physics

Students use their experimental data and theoretical calculations to solve a mystery. (May 2004)