Online Physics Games & Simulations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for online physics games and simulations, exploring various resources and tools that engage users with physics concepts through interactive experiences. The scope includes both educational and entertainment-focused applications, with a mix of games and simulation tools.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest specific games like "Gish" and "Crayon Physics," highlighting their engaging mechanics.
  • Others share links to various physics applets and simulations, such as those from Falstad and the University of Colorado.
  • A few participants note that while these games are entertaining, they may not effectively teach physics concepts.
  • There are mentions of games that incorporate elements of classical mechanics, such as "World of Goo" and "Osmos," which involve physics-based gameplay.
  • Some participants inquire about simulations that can model fluid dynamics and particle interactions, indicating a desire for more complex physics simulations.
  • Several links to resources and games are provided, showcasing a variety of physics-related content available online.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of numerous engaging physics games and simulations, but there is no consensus on their educational value or effectiveness in teaching physics concepts. Multiple competing views remain regarding the purpose and utility of these games.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions touch on the limitations of certain games in terms of educational content, with participants expressing that many are more for entertainment than learning. There are also requests for specific types of simulations that may not be readily available in the suggested resources.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for educators, students, and enthusiasts looking for interactive ways to engage with physics concepts through games and simulations.

Eezekiel
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Does anyone know of any good online physics games or simulations?
 
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thanks guys this will keep me busy for while.
 
these are so good stuff! thanks for sharing!
 
physicsgames.net can't give a more obvious answer then that lol
 
There's a game called Crayon Physics...on computer and Iphone...and it's really fun.
 
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i got another game called Armadillo Run...it's a 3d game, with the goal to make the ball like armadillo reach the goal place from the start position with the help of suitable materials. You can control the tension's in strings and materials too...and overall, it's really really interesting.
 
  • #13
I don't think I learned any physics from these, but I'm sure the programmers did. nice diversion though!
 
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They're games based on mechanical physics, such as Newtonian mechanics and other classical ideas. They aren't meant to teach you physics.
 
  • #15
http://www.worldofgoo.com/


This is an amazing game. But sadly it isn't free. It is similar to crayon physics, but way too cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A_JfkzPwww
 
  • #16
http://www.hemispheregames.com/osmos/

It's available for iPhone, iPad, PC, Mac, and Linux. It's $10, but it really is entertaining. If you're knowledgeable about orbits and how they react, it has a relation to physics. The basic idea behind the game is the laws of motion.

You are controlling this bubble in a closed arena. There are also other little bubbles in the arena. Your objective is to consume all the bubbles. When you consume the bubbles you get larger. You move your bubble by clicking on the screen. Clicking will shoot out a small bubble in the direction you click and you are propelled in the opposite direction. There is also gravity involved, elliptical orbits, and a bunch of other cool stuff.

Oh, and it's called Osmos by Hemisphere Games.
 
  • #17
Try this one, for cricket

http://www.simplylearnt.com/practice/questions/wc-2011/Electrostatics-1
 
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Nice, I really wanted to be good in Physics but I just couldn't get it. I really feel bad.
 
  • #22
can any of them simulate fluids?like water,air,air pressure etc. can any of them simulate a barometer?
 
  • #23
Try www.Newton-world.net . It's a simulator I made for my physics class, though it's mostly for elementary physics concepts.
 
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If you're into Space and space programs in general then I'd highly recommend Kerbal space program, it's a sandbox game with the application of the laws of physics, you can download the demo for free and then decide wheteher to purchase the actual game which once bought you are able to download for free the continuous new versions as it's being heavily developed. The price is $18 usd which is about £12 gbp. Endless fun, extremely addictive and an excellent educational tool for all ages!

Here's a link: :)

https://kerbalspaceprogram.com/
 
  • #28
This is more of a Chemistry game but still... powdertoy.co.uk
Powder Toy has fluid and powder physics. If you have ever played Powder Game then this is more advanced. It has nuclear fission, fusion, subatomic particles, electric currents, acids, diferent states of matter, photons and more cool stuff.
 
  • #29
"Crayon Physics" is kind of a neat concept. You draw objects such as rocks or sticks or ramps, and then they fall under gravity. You are supposed to solve puzzles like getting some object to some destination using hand-drawn levers and weights and so forth.

http://www.crayonphysics.com/
 
  • #30
^The funny thing about Crayon Physics (which the creator admits) is that it is more of a sandbox than a puzzle game. You can do so many things that the puzzles are easy. To be a good puzzle game it would have needed to be very restrictive which would have made it less fun.
 

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