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Credits

Fu-Kwun Hwang; Tan Wei Chiong; lookang

Briefing Document: Coriolis Effect 3D JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5

1. Overview

This document summarizes the features and purpose of the "Coriolis Effect 3D JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5" available through Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore. The simulation is designed as an interactive learning tool to visualize and understand the Coriolis effect.

2. Main Themes and Important Ideas

Coriolis Effect Visualization: The core purpose is to provide a dynamic, interactive visualization of the Coriolis effect, which is the deflection of moving objects observed in a rotating reference frame. The simulation allows users to observe particle motion from both an inertial (stationary) and rotating frame of reference.
"In physics, the Coriolis effect is a deflection of moving objects when they are viewed in a rotating reference frame."
"This applet simulate particles motions observed from an inertia frame and rotating (observer rotates with the frame, so it appears stationary) frame."
Interactive Learning: The simulation is designed to be interactive, enabling users to manipulate the 3D view, launch particles ("jump" function), and observe their trajectories from different perspectives.
"You can use mouse to change the 3D view."
"Press "jump" to shoot out particles."
Educational Tool for Teachers and Students: The resource is specifically targeted at educators seeking to explain the Coriolis effect and students trying to grasp the concept. It offers a visual aid to complement traditional explanations.
"The following simulation help you visualize the Coriolis effect!"
Sample Learning Goals: [texthttps://www.um.es/fem/EjsWiki/Main/EJSLicense and contact fem@um.es directly."
Links to Further Information: Links are provided to additional resources about the simulation.
"Version: 1. http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2018/02/coriolis-effect-javascript-simulation.html 2. http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=209.0"

3. Additional Context (Based on surrounding links and information):

The resource is part of a larger collection of physics simulations and interactive learning tools developed by Open Source Physics @ Singapore.
The platform utilizes JavaScript and HTML5 for broad compatibility.
The platform seems to leverage Easy JavaScript Simulations (EJS) a tool that simplifies the creation of simulations.

4. Potential Use Cases:

Classroom demonstrations of the Coriolis effect.
Interactive assignments for students to explore the concept.
Supplemental material for textbooks and online courses.
Visual aid for explaining weather patterns, ocean currents, and other phenomena influenced by the Coriolis effect.

5. Limitations:

The description is relatively brief and requires the user to interact with the simulation to fully understand its capabilities.
The "Sample Learning Goals" are not populated with specific examples.

Coriolis Effect: A Study Guide

Quiz

What is the Coriolis effect?
In which direction does the Coriolis effect deflect moving objects in a clockwise rotating reference frame?
In which direction does the Coriolis effect deflect moving objects in a counter-clockwise rotating reference frame?
How can the provided simulation help visualize the Coriolis effect?
What two frames of reference are used in the provided simulation?
What do the magenta arrows in the simulation represent?
What do the six circles in the simulation represent?
What do the two sets of six black traces in the simulation represent?
What can a user change in the 3D view using their mouse?
What is the name of the tool used to create the simulation?

Quiz Answer Key

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects when viewed in a rotating reference frame. This deflection is due to the rotation of the frame of reference.
In a clockwise rotating reference frame, the Coriolis effect deflects moving objects to the left of their motion. This means the path of the object appears to curve to the left from the perspective of an observer in the rotating frame.
In a counter-clockwise rotating reference frame, the Coriolis effect deflects moving objects to the right of their motion. An observer in the rotating frame would see the object's path curving to the right.
The simulation allows users to observe the motion of particles from both an inertial frame (stationary) and a rotating frame. By visualizing these different perspectives, users can understand how the Coriolis effect causes apparent deflections.
The simulation uses an inertial frame, in which the observer is stationary, and a non-inertial, rotating frame, in which the observer rotates with the spherical body. This contrast shows how motion appears differently in each frame.
The magenta arrows in the simulation represent the velocity vectors at different points on the spherical surface. They indicate the speed and direction of movement at those specific locations.
The six circles in the simulation represent the initial positions of the six projectiles, and they move with the rotating earth. These circles help visualize the starting points relative to the rotating frame.
The two sets of six black traces in the simulation represent the trajectories of the projectiles as viewed from both the inertial (non-rotating) frame and the non-inertial (rotating) frame. These traces show the differing paths caused by the Coriolis effect.
The user can change the perspective and orientation of the 3D view using their mouse. This allows for a more detailed examination of the trajectories from various angles.
The simulation was created using Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations (EJS/EJSS). This tool is used for building and deploying interactive physics simulations.

Essay Questions

Explain the Coriolis effect and how it arises from viewing motion in a rotating reference frame. Discuss real-world examples of the Coriolis effect and its impact on phenomena such as weather patterns and ocean currents.
Using the simulation as a reference, compare and contrast the motion of projectiles as observed from an inertial frame and a rotating frame. How does the Coriolis effect account for the differences in these observed paths?
Discuss the limitations of the simulation in accurately representing the Coriolis effect in real-world scenarios. What simplifications or assumptions are made, and how might these affect the simulation's applicability to complex systems?
Explain the significance of simulations in physics education, using the Coriolis effect simulation as an example. How can interactive simulations enhance understanding and engagement with abstract concepts?
Design an experiment or activity, separate from the simulation, that could help students understand the Coriolis effect. Detail the materials needed, the procedure, and the expected results, and explain how it would illustrate the principles of the Coriolis effect.

Glossary of Key Terms

Coriolis Effect: An apparent deflection of moving objects (like projectiles, airplanes, or ocean currents) when they are viewed from a rotating reference frame.
Inertial Frame of Reference: A frame of reference that is not accelerating. In such a frame, Newton's first law (the law of inertia) holds.
Non-Inertial Frame of Reference: A frame of reference that is accelerating. In such a frame, fictitious forces, like the Coriolis force, appear to act on objects.
Reference Frame: A coordinate system used to define the position and motion of an object.
Simulation: A computer-based model that imitates a real-world process or system, used to study its behavior.
Trajectory: The path followed by a projectile or other object moving through space.
Velocity Vector: A vector quantity that represents the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time, including both speed and direction.

Sample Learning Goals

[text]

For Teachers

In physics, the Coriolis effect is a deflection of moving objects when they are viewed in a rotating reference frame. In a reference frame with clockwise rotation, the deflection is to the left of the motion of the object; in one with counter-clockwise rotation, the deflection is to the right. The following simulation help you visualize the Coriolis effect!

This applet simulate particles motions observed from an inertia frame and rotating (observer rotates with the frame, so it appears stationary) frame. The spherical body will rotate when you press "play" button.
The magenta arrows are velocity vectors at different points on the spherical surface.
Press "jump" to shoot out particles.
You can use mouse to change the 3D view.

There are six projectiles distributed uniformally.
Those 6 circles represent the initial positions (move with the earth) for those six projectiles.
Blue arrows shows the final displacement
Two sets of six black traces are trajectories viewed from inertial/non-inertial frames.

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