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PhET - Physics Interactive Simulations

A collection of simulations and virtual labs focusing on first-year college physics.

PhET provides fun, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena for free. We believe that our research-based approach- incorporating findings from prior research and our own testing- enables students to make connections between real-life phenomena and the underlying science, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the...

Disciplines:

Science and Technology / Communication Sciences and Disorders / Foundations and Related

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More about this material

Material Type:: Simulation
Date Added to MERLOT:: March 3, 2004
Date Modified in MERLOT:: October 6, 2020
Author:: Carl Wieman, University of Colorado
Ron LeMaster, University of Colorado
Mike Dubson, University of Colorado
Sam Reid, University of Colorado
Kathy Perkins, University of Colorado
Wendy Adams, University of Colorado
Noah Finkelstein, University of Colorado
Noah Podolefsky, University of Colorado
Submitter:: Ron LeMaster
Primary Audience:: High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division
Technical Format:: Java Applet, Website

Mobile Compatibility:: Not specified at this time
Technical Requirements:: Java simulations require Java version 1.4 or higher. Most Flash simulations require Flash Player 6. Flash simulations requiring newer versions have built-in version detectors. PhET has a language translator tool that can produce versions in just about any language. -xx
Language:: English
Cost Involved:: No
Source Code Available:: No
Accessibility Information Available:: No
Creative Commons:: This work is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International

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Comments

Andrew Park (Faculty)

2 years ago

The best collection of physics simulations. "Waves on String" and "Quantum Tunneling ..." are my favorite simulations. They work well as lecture demos ("Waves on String" simulation works better than physical demos, because you can pause time on a simulation, and higher harmonics are easier to get) and as a centerpiece of group exercise/"simulation lab" (I wrote a "PhET lab" exercise for 3rd-semester calculus-based general physics class, mostly built around the "Quantum Tunneling ..." simulation; it works well enough to demonstrate features of wave mechanics without getting too mathematical).

Used in course? Yes

Time spent reviewing site: several semesters.

Carlos Vaz de Carvalho (Faculty)

4 years ago

Really great stuff for teaching physics. Interactive, clear simulations. Excellent.

Used in course? Yes

Time spent reviewing site: 30 mnts

SANJEEV ARORA (Faculty)

8 years ago

This site is highly recommended for use as either "stand-alone" simulated labs or as an effective instructional aid to class-room lectures. Most of the simulations are well-thought of and illustrate the main physical principles adequately. The teaching notes provided by instructors who have already used the simulations are noteworthy and helpful.

Used in course? Yes

Najeh Jisrawi (Faculty)

8 years ago

This suite of applets and associated research are phenominal. I have been using them in my general physics courses for more than 4 years.

You can use the apps in what I call "experimental" mode to try to generate some data and allow students to do their own.

Technical Remarks:

You probably want to download the java applets to avoid difficulties over a slow network, and then have to make sure your computers are setup properly, but once that is done, it is smooth sailing.

Used in course? Yes

Time spent reviewing site: 30 min

javier tobar araya (Faculty)

8 years ago

Sirve para producir un acercamiento del alumno a ciertos simuladores que pueden ayudar en química y biología.

Maria Luisa Castro (Staff)

11 years ago

Simulations enhance students to learn physics by playing with them.

Time spent reviewing site: Easy to use, and to get to the physics area you are looking to.

Sue Halick (Administrator)

11 years ago

fun site

Frank Noschese (Faculty)

11 years ago

The best part about Java/Flash applets is how well they support inquiry-based learning. My student love exploring with them. The Circuit construction kit is the best circuit simulator, hands-down!

Used in course? Yes