Computer simulations for teaching kinematics

Abstract

This article presents the development and application of interactive computer simulations for teaching fundamental kinematics concepts at elementary and advanced levels. The simulations were designed in a web environment, with a responsive interface and implementation in JavaScript, allowing broad access without the need for specialized infrastructure. Two simulations are presented: (i) a comparison between uniform and uniformly varied rectilinear motions and (ii) a ballistic simulator of spherical and irrotational projectiles subjected to oblique launches in resistive and unresisted media. The resistance of the medium is modeled according to Stokes’ law. Each simulation includes a challenge mode for determining hidden parameters, promoting active learning, data analysis, and comparison of different theoretical approaches. The proposal combines gamification resources with an experimental physics teaching paradigm, constituting a viable alternative for in-person and remote physics teaching.

Keywords:
Computational Simulations; Mechanics; Javascript; Experimental Physics