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When a pendulum is displaced from its equilibirum position, there will be a restoring force (due to the weight) that will accelerate the pendulum back to the equilibrium position. Try deriving the second order ODE that would model such a situation using Newton's Second Law of Motion.

After that, move on to view the simulation. Have fun!

 

Translations

Code	Language		Translator	Run

Credits

Lam Meng Hwee

 

Briefing Document: Two Pendulum Simulation Model

1. Overview

This document analyzes information about a "Two Pendulum Real and Theory JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" created by Lam Meng Hwee, hosted on the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore website. The core offering is an interactive simulation designed to help users understand pendulum dynamics. This simulation is part of a larger collection of educational tools and resources focused on physics, mathematics, and other STEM subjects.

2. Main Themes and Key Ideas

• Interactive Learning: The primary focus is on interactive and simulation-based learning. The pendulum model is not a static presentation but rather a tool that users can manipulate and observe. This aligns with the broader goal of the website to provide open educational resources that promote active engagement.
• Modeling Physics Concepts: The simulation is explicitly designed to model real-world physics phenomena, specifically the motion of a pendulum. The description encourages users to derive the second order ODE (Ordinary Differential Equation) modeling pendulum motion using Newton's Second Law, directly connecting the theoretical with the simulated.
• Quote: "When a pendulum is displaced from its equilibirum position, there will be a restoring force (due to the weight) that will accelerate the pendulum back to the equilibrium position. Try deriving the second order ODE that would model such a situation using Newton's Second Law of Motion."
• Open Educational Resources (OER): The website and the pendulum simulation itself are presented as open educational resources. This means the materials are freely available for use, adaptation, and sharing.
• Quote: "© 2017, Lam Meng Hwee. Released under a license." The included iframe code also supports embedding the simulation on other websites.
• JavaScript and HTML5 Technology: The model is built using JavaScript and HTML5, making it accessible through web browsers without requiring specialized software. This enables wide adoption on various devices.
• Integration with Broader Learning Platform: The pendulum simulation is one of many interactive resources offered on the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore platform. The presence of many other simulation resources on various subjects indicates a comprehensive collection intended to supplement traditional learning. This integration suggests the pendulum simulation is part of a larger effort to transform education using simulations.
• Use of Easy JavaScript Simulations (EJS) tool: The extensive list of related workshops and simulations indicates that the resources are often created using the Easy Java Simulations tool (EJS) and its JavaScript successor. This suggests a specific approach to educational content creation.

3. Important Facts and Details

• Author: The pendulum simulation was created by Lam Meng Hwee.
• Year of Creation: The simulation was created in 2017.
• License: The work is released under an unspecified license, which implies open access and use is permitted. (Likely Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Singapore based on the footer text.)
• Embeddable: The simulation is embeddable on web pages using an iframe, enabling its easy integration into other educational platforms.
• Purpose: The simulation serves to illustrate the dynamics of a pendulum and the underlying physics principles (e.g. restoring force, ODE modeling).
• Related Projects and Workshops: A long list of links shows a high level of activity and a broad range of topics covered in the larger OER project. These include various workshops, simulations, and projects based on video analysis, modeling, and programming.
• Multiple Disciplines Covered: The resources include not only Physics but also Mathematics, Chemistry and Computer Science topics. The list also includes resources focused on pedagogy.
• Recognition and Awards: The OER project has also received awards from the Singapore Ministry of Education and UNESCO.

4. Key Takeaways

• The "Two Pendulum Real and Theory JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" is a specific instance of a broader movement towards interactive, open-source educational resources.
• The simulation leverages technology (JavaScript, HTML5) to create an engaging learning experience.
• The model’s creation is driven by a desire to facilitate both the understanding of physical principles and a deeper engagement with learning.
• The extensive list of linked content showcases the breath of topics and workshops relating to development of interactive simulations for education.

5. Further Research

• Investigating the specific license under which the simulation is released. (Likely Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Singapore based on the footer text.)
• Exploring the Easy JavaScript Simulations (EJS) tool and its role in content creation.
• Examining the pedagogical approaches highlighted in the associated workshops and projects.
• Exploring the other simulation models and resources provided by the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore project.

This briefing document provides a detailed overview of the "Two Pendulum Real and Theory JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" within its context as a part of the larger Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore project.

Pendulum Simulation Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. According to the text, what force is responsible for a pendulum's restoring motion when displaced from its equilibrium position?
2. What type of mathematical equation is suggested for modeling the motion of a pendulum in the text?
3. Besides the pendulum simulation itself, what other physics simulations are mentioned on this website? Provide at least three.
4. What is the primary programming language used to develop the simulations mentioned in the document?
5. Who is credited as the author of the "Two Pendulum Real and Theory JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model"?
6. What license is used for the "Two Pendulum Real and Theory JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model?"
7. What is the stated goal in the "Introduction" of the pendulum simulation?
8. What does the text say a user should try to derive before viewing the simulation?
9. Besides physics, what other discipline’s simulations are mentioned on this website?
10. What is the name of the framework used to create the simulations listed in this document?

Answer Key

1. The restoring force is due to the weight of the pendulum. When displaced, gravity acts to pull the pendulum back toward its equilibrium position, causing it to accelerate back.
2. The text suggests using a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) to model the motion of a pendulum. This type of equation can account for the acceleration and restoring force acting on the pendulum.
3. Other physics simulations mentioned include "Projectile Motion with System of Masses and Spring," "Work Done on a Block," "Velocity Selector Electric and Magnetic Force," and many more including wave and circuit simulations.
4. The primary programming language used is JavaScript, often in conjunction with HTML5. This is evident from the titles of the simulations and the technologies they use.
5. Lam Meng Hwee is credited as the author of the "Two Pendulum Real and Theory JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model." He is also listed as the author for the other applets on the site.
6. The "Two Pendulum Real and Theory JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore license. This allows for sharing with attribution.
7. The stated goal is for the user to understand how the restoring force acts on the pendulum and how Newton's Second Law can be applied to model it. The text then directs the user to explore the simulation.
8. The text suggests that the user should try to derive the second-order ODE that would model the motion of the pendulum before viewing the simulation. This is meant to engage the user with the mathematical representation of the system.
9. Besides physics, there are also mentions of mathematics and chemistry simulations. This indicates a wide range of educational tools on the platform.
10. The framework used to create the simulations is Easy JavaScript Simulations (EJS). This is referenced throughout the text as the tool for simulation design and creation.

Essay Questions

Instructions: Choose any two of the following questions to respond to in essay format. Make sure you support your claims with evidence from the text.

1. Discuss the pedagogical approach suggested by the resource. How does the "Two Pendulum Real and Theory JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" encourage active learning? What are some of the strengths of this method?
2. Analyze the role of interactive simulations in physics education, based on the content of the provided text. What advantages do these types of tools offer compared to traditional teaching methods?
3. How does the website promote the use of open educational resources? What is the significance of using Creative Commons licensing, as mentioned in the text?
4. Explore the scope and breadth of educational resources provided by the website, using examples from the text. What conclusions can you draw about the intended audience for these simulations?
5. Reflect on the process of creating simulation-based learning tools, based on the information presented in the document. What is the significance of using modeling tools to aid in learning physics concepts?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Equilibrium Position: The resting position of a pendulum where it experiences no net force and no acceleration. In the case of the pendulum, this is usually the lowest point of its swing.
• Restoring Force: A force that acts to return an object to its equilibrium position. In the context of a pendulum, this is the force of gravity pulling it back towards the center of its swing.
• Second-Order Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE): A mathematical equation that describes the relationship between a function and its first and second derivatives. These types of equations are often used to model motion in physics.
• JavaScript: A programming language primarily used to create interactive effects within web browsers. It is used for the development of these interactive applets.
• HTML5: The latest version of HTML, a markup language used for structuring and presenting content on the web. Used in conjunction with Javascript, HTML5 enables the display of interactive simulations.
• Applet: A small application designed to run within another application, such as a web browser, in this context refers to the small simulation programs developed in JavaScript and HTML5.
• Open Educational Resources (OER): Freely accessible, openly licensed educational materials. OERs allow for use and modification of educational materials.
• Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License: A type of copyright license that allows the sharing and adaptation of creative work, provided that the original author is credited and the new work is shared under the same license.
• Easy JavaScript Simulations (EJS): A modeling tool used to create interactive simulations, particularly in physics. It allows the user to build complex systems and visualize the results, and the source code is open.
• Newton's Second Law of Motion: A fundamental law of physics stating that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object times its acceleration (F=ma).

 Version:

1. http://opensourcephysicssg.blogspot.sg/2017/10/two-pendulum-real-and-theory-javascript.html

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Two Pendulum Simulation

1. What is the primary purpose of the "Two Pendulum Real and Theory JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model"?
2. This simulation model is designed as an interactive educational tool to demonstrate the physics of a pendulum's motion. It allows users to visualize how a pendulum moves when displaced from its equilibrium position and to observe the restoring force (due to gravity) that drives its oscillation. It provides a way to connect the theoretical mathematical model with a visual simulation.
3. What concepts in physics are demonstrated by this pendulum simulation?
4. The simulation primarily demonstrates the concepts related to dynamics, specifically simple harmonic motion. Key concepts include restoring force, equilibrium position, acceleration, and the influence of gravity on the pendulum's motion. It can also be a basis for discussing the derivation of the second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) that models the pendulum.
5. How does the simulation allow for learning through experimentation?
6. The interactive nature of the simulation allows users to change parameters (although not explicitly stated which these are in the source) and observe the resulting effects on the pendulum's motion. This encourages a hands-on, discovery-based approach to learning about physics principles, allowing users to explore cause and effect relationships.
7. Is the simulation only focused on the theory, or does it try to reflect real-world physics?
8. The title of the simulation, "Two Pendulum Real and Theory", suggests that it attempts to bridge both the theoretical model, using ODEs, and the visual behavior of an actual pendulum system. The inclusion of "Real" in the title implies that the simulation strives to accurately represent real-world physics.
9. What platform is this simulation built on and what does this suggest about accessibility?
10. The simulation is built using JavaScript and HTML5, making it accessible through any modern web browser without needing additional software or plugins. This platform choice makes the simulation broadly accessible across different devices (desktops, tablets, and smartphones), making the learning resource widely available to different learners.
11. Who is the target audience for this simulation model?
12. Given its emphasis on dynamics and mathematical modeling (referring to the ODEs), the simulation is likely designed for students learning physics at the secondary or early undergraduate level. However, due to the highly visual nature, it could also be used to introduce the principles to a slightly younger age group if guided, or by teachers and educators to illustrate physical concepts to their classes.
13. Besides the pendulum simulation, what other types of simulations are offered by this platform?
14. The platform provides a wide array of simulations spanning various fields in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and other STEM-related topics. Examples mentioned in the text include simulations on: Atomic Structure, projectile motion, electric and magnetic fields, wave properties, radioactive decay, energy conservation, optics and even math concepts like fractions and geometric shapes. There are also a variety of tools related to modeling with data and video analysis in simulations. The diversity of resources suggests a broad commitment to using simulations for STEM education.
15. What are the main goals of the Open Source Physics @ Singapore initiative?
16. Based on the broad range of open source simulation offerings and the mentions of awards and workshops, this initiative seems dedicated to developing high quality, interactive, and open educational resources for STEM education. They promote the use of simulations, particularly through JavaScript and HTML5. Their focus is on accessibility and the sharing of knowledge through creative commons licensing. They promote innovation in teaching and learning by engaging the educators through workshops and tools.