Doing Physics with Excel

 
   

 

 

Mathematics

Graph a Function: Graph any function f(x) from x = xo to x = xf.

Kinematics

Inertial Navigation: Given a(t) data, integrate to find v(t) and r(t).

Dynamics

Beam Equilibrium: A horizontal beam of length W is supported at two points, at distances L and R from its left and right ends, respectively. A point mass is moved along the beam, from one end to the other. What is the force exerted by the right-hand support as a function of X, the position of the moving mass measured from the left end of the beam?

Hooke's Law Orbital Motion: Simulates the motion of two masses, connected by a spring, rotating in zero gravity.

Physical Pendulum

Waves

Wave Equation: Demonstrates the basic properties of a wave, and how those properties are reflected in the equation y(x,t) that describes that wave.

Interference: Demonstrates constructive and destructive interference of waves.

Beats: Two waves traveling together but with different wavelengths undergo alternating constructive and destructive interference, leading to "beats" as they pass an observer.

Gravitation

Projectile Motion with Drag: Calculates trajectories and other properties of a launched projectile, including the effects of air resistance. (This version uses a second-order Runge-Kutta — midpoint — integration scheme. A simpler but less accurate Euler integration implementation is here.)

Rope Swing: Where should you let go of a rope swing to achieve the maximum horizontal range?

GPE: Plots gravitational potential energy of an object near one or two other objects, such as the Earth and Moon.

2-body Orbits: Integrates the equation of motion to plot the orbit of a planet around a star.

3-body Orbits: Integrates to plot the paths of two objects under the gravitational influence of each other and a third, fixed object. Limited to two-dimensional motion.