Translations

Code	Language		Translator	Run

Credits

Fu-Kwun Hwang - Professor; Fremont Teng; Loo Kang Wee

Briefing Document: "Pushing On Two Blocks JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"

1. Overview:

This document describes a JavaScript simulation applet designed to illustrate dynamics concepts related to pushing on two blocks. It is an open educational resource hosted by Open Source Physics @ Singapore, aimed at teachers and students. The applet is designed to be embedded in webpages and used for interactive learning.

2. Main Themes and Ideas:

• Interactive Physics Learning: The core theme is the use of interactive simulations for physics education. The applet allows users to manipulate variables and observe the effects on the system, promoting active learning.
• Dynamics and Forces: The specific physics concepts addressed are dynamics, forces, and particularly contact forces (as evidenced by the reference to a compressible spring).
• Open Educational Resource (OER): The applet is explicitly identified as an OER, emphasizing its free accessibility and potential for adaptation and reuse.
• HTML5 Applet: The use of HTML5 ensures cross-platform compatibility and accessibility on various devices.
• Manipulation and Exploration: The simulation provides several interactive features for users to manipulate and explore the system.

3. Key Features and Functionality:

• Combo Box and Sliders: Users can use combo boxes and sliders to adjust parameters of the simulation. "Toggling the combo box will give you their respective sliders."
• Compressible Spring: The simulation includes a compressible spring. Users can compress or expand the spring by dragging, which affects the contact force between the blocks. "(Moving to the left - Compression) Notice how the contact force increases. (Moving to the right - Expansion) Notice how the contact force decreases".
• Drag-able Texts: The simulation provides drag-able texts, allowing users to rearrange the layout to their preference. "You can rearrange them to anywhere else by dragging the centre of the texts."
• Play/Pause, Step, and Reset Buttons: Standard controls for running, pausing, stepping through, and resetting the simulation.
• Full Screen Toggling: Double-clicking anywhere on the screen toggles full-screen mode. "This can be done by clicking anywhere on the screen twice."

4. Target Audience:

• Teachers: The page explicitly includes a section "For Teachers," suggesting resources or guidance for educators on how to incorporate the simulation into their lessons.
• Students: The simulation is designed as a learning tool to help students understand dynamics concepts.

5. Technical Details:

• Technology: JavaScript, HTML5.
• Embedding: The applet can be embedded into webpages using an <iframe> tag.

6. Credits:

• The applet was developed by Fu-Kwun Hwang, Fremont Teng, and Loo Kang Wee.

7. Related Resources/Examples:

The source provides a comprehensive list of related interactive simulations and resources, demonstrating a broader suite of tools available from Open Source Physics @ Singapore. Some notable examples include:

• "Multiple Objects ( solid ball , football disc, car ) Rolling Down Inclined Plane JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5 with Export Function for Analysis on SpreadSheets"
• "Traffic Light Reaction Time Simulator Javascript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Velocity-Time Graph Editor Simulator Javascript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Bungee Jump JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• A variety of simulations related to electromagnetism, optics, and other physics topics.

8. Licensing:

• The contents are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License. Commercial use of the EasyJavaScriptSimulations Library requires a separate license (see provided link).

9. Possible Learning Goals:

The page mentions "Sample Learning Goals [text]" in the section, but does not fill in those goals. There is also a section for "Research [text]" and "Other Resources [text]" that is left intentionally blank.

10. Conclusion

This "Pushing On Two Blocks JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5" is a valuable resource for educators to teach about dynamics and forces using interactive and engaging simulations. It promotes active learning and experimentation with physics concepts.

Pushing On Two Blocks" Simulation Study Guide

I. Study Objectives

After reviewing this material, you should be able to:

• Understand the basic functionality of the "Pushing On Two Blocks" JavaScript simulation.
• Explain how the simulation demonstrates the dynamics of forces acting on multiple objects.
• Describe how to manipulate the simulation to observe changes in forces and motion.
• Connect the simulation's features to real-world physics concepts like contact force, compression, and expansion.
• Identify other available simulations related to physics concepts.

II. Key Concepts

• Dynamics: The study of forces and their effects on motion.
• Force: An interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object.
• Contact Force: A force that requires direct contact between two objects.
• Compression: The act of pressing something into a smaller space.
• Expansion: The act of increasing in size or volume.
• JavaScript Simulation: An interactive model created using JavaScript programming language.
• HTML5: The latest evolution of the standard that defines HTML.

III. Review Questions

Short Answer:

1. What physics concept does the "Pushing On Two Blocks" simulation primarily focus on?
2. How can you change the contact force between the blocks in the simulation?
3. What is the purpose of the Play/Pause button in the simulation?
4. What can be done to remove the "messy" text?
5. What type of spring is used in the simulation?
6. What is the advantage of using JavaScript and HTML5 for this type of simulation?
7. What are three other simulations listed on this site?
8. Who are the creators of the “Pushing on Two Blocks” JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5?
9. What are the two buttons for those who have forgotten their login information?
10. What is the purpose of the "reset" button on the simulation?

IV. Quiz Answer Key

1. The "Pushing On Two Blocks" simulation focuses primarily on the dynamics of forces, specifically contact forces, acting on multiple objects.
2. The contact force between the blocks can be changed by dragging the fingertip horizontally on the compressible spring: moving left compresses the spring, increasing force; moving right expands it, decreasing force.
3. The Play/Pause button starts or stops the simulation, allowing users to observe the motion of the blocks or pause to analyze specific points in time.
4. The texts can be rearranged by dragging the centre of the texts.
5. The simulation includes a compressible spring.
6. Using JavaScript and HTML5 allows the simulation to run in web browsers without requiring additional plugins, making it easily accessible on various devices.
7. Multiple Objects ( solid ball , football disc, car ) Rolling Down Inclined Plane JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5 with Export Function for Analysis on SpreadSheets; Traffic Light Reaction Time Simulator Javascript Simulation Applet HTML5; Velocity-Time Graph Editor Simulator Javascript Simulation Applet HTML5
8. Fu-Kwun Hwang, Fremont Teng, and Loo Kang Wee created the simulation.
9. The two buttons are “Forgot your username?” and “Forgot your password?”
10. The reset button returns the simulation to its initial state, allowing users to start over with the original conditions.

V. Essay Questions

1. Discuss how the "Pushing On Two Blocks" simulation can be used to illustrate Newton's Laws of Motion. Provide specific examples of how the simulation demonstrates each law.
2. Explain the concept of contact force and its role in the "Pushing On Two Blocks" simulation. How does the simulation allow users to explore the relationship between compression/expansion and contact force?
3. Compare and contrast the "Pushing On Two Blocks" simulation with another physics simulation listed on the website. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each in terms of educational value and user experience?
4. Describe how simulations like "Pushing On Two Blocks" can enhance physics education compared to traditional methods. What are the benefits and limitations of using simulations in the classroom?
5. Design a lesson plan that incorporates the "Pushing On Two Blocks" simulation. What learning objectives would you target, and how would you guide students to effectively use the simulation to achieve those objectives?

VI. Glossary of Key Terms

• Applet: A small application, especially one designed to run within another application, such as a web page.
• Compression: The state of being pressed together. In the simulation, the spring demonstrates compression when the fingertip is dragged to the left.
• Contact Force: The force exerted when two objects are touching. This is the main force demonstrated by the spring in the simulation.
• Dynamics: The branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of bodies under the action of forces. The simulation is an exercise in dynamics.
• Expansion: The process of becoming larger or more extensive. In the simulation, the spring demonstrates expansion when the fingertip is dragged to the right.
• HTML5: The fifth and latest major version of the HTML standard. It's used to structure and present content on the web.
• JavaScript: A programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers. The simulation is coded in JavaScript.
• Simulation: A computer-based representation of a real-world system or process. The "Pushing On Two Blocks" applet is a simulation of force and motion.

Sample Learning Goals

[text]

For Teachers

Pushing On Two Blocks JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5

Instructions

Combo Box and Sliders

 

 

 

 

Compressible Spring

 

 

Drag-able Texts

Toggling Full Screen

Play/Pause, Step and Reset Button

Research

[text]

Video

[text]

 Version:

Other Resources

[text]

Frequently Asked Questions About the "Pushing On Two Blocks JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"

1. What is the "Pushing On Two Blocks JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"?

It's an interactive physics simulation designed as an open educational resource. It allows users to explore the dynamics of two blocks being pushed, specifically focusing on forces, friction, and the effects of a compressible spring between them. It's built using HTML5, making it accessible on various devices.

2. Where can I find this simulation?

The simulation is embeddable and accessible via a provided iframe link, as well as through the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore website.

3. What concepts does this simulation help illustrate?

The simulation demonstrates dynamics, forces (including contact forces), friction, and how these forces interact between two blocks. The compressible spring feature highlights how force changes with compression and expansion. It helps in understanding Newton's Laws in action.

4. How do I use the compressible spring feature?

The compressible spring can be manipulated by dragging a "fingertip" horizontally in the simulation. Moving it to the left compresses the spring (increasing contact force), while moving it to the right expands it (decreasing contact force).

5. Can I customize the simulation's interface?

Yes, the simulation offers some customization. The text labels within the simulation can be dragged and rearranged to improve clarity. The simulation can also be toggled to full-screen mode by double-clicking on the screen.

6. What controls are available in the simulation?

The simulation provides standard controls like Play/Pause, Step, and Reset buttons for controlling the simulation's progress. It also features combo boxes and sliders to manipulate specific parameters and conditions of the simulation.

7. Is this simulation suitable for teachers?

Yes, the resource includes sample learning goals for teachers and is designed to be incorporated into lesson plans. The adjustable parameters and visual representations make it a useful tool for demonstrating physics concepts.

8. What other resources are available from Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore?

The website hosts a vast collection of interactive physics simulations covering topics from mechanics and electromagnetism to waves and optics. These include simulations of rolling objects on inclined planes, traffic light reaction times, projectile motion, circuits, radioactive decay, and many more.