Physics Simulator
Choose a model and adjust its parameters to see a simple educational animation. Results are illustrative, not real-world predictions or operating guidance.
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Simple pendulum: small-angle approximation; ideal linear, undamped model. Educational values only, not a safety tool or real-world prediction.
Idealized educational model: no drag, friction, collisions, material limits, or real-world launch guidance.
Reference: OpenStax College Physics 2e, Chapter 15 and Section 15.4 Pendulums. Chapter 15 · 15.4 Pendulums
A QUICK WALKTHROUGH
How to use this tool
- Choose projectile, pendulum, or spring.
- Adjust the bounded parameters.
- Start, pause, or reset the local animation and compare the motion.
Three classroom models
Projectile motion uses constant gravity and no air resistance. Pendulum motion uses a point mass on a rigid, massless string. Spring motion uses a massless linear spring with optional damping. For simple harmonic motion and the small-angle pendulum approximation, see <a href="https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/pages/15-introduction-to-oscillatory-motion-and-waves">OpenStax College Physics 2e, Chapter 15</a> and <a href="https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/pages/15-4-pendulums">Section 15.4: Pendulums</a>.
Limits and safety
This is a visual teaching aid. The simple-pendulum formula is a small-angle approximation for an ideal, linear, undamped model; these values are not a safety tool or real-world prediction. It does not model real materials, structures, weather, impact, launch conditions, or safety margins, and must not guide physical experiments or launches.
GOOD TO KNOW
Common questions
Does this predict a real object?
No. It is an idealized browser animation for comparing basic equations.
Does it use my files or send data?
No. The model runs locally and has no upload or storage step.