Mechanics & Motion
Mechanics & Motion is a free interactive simulation from StudyFi Lab. It runs right in your browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.
Throws, free fall and friction on a slope
Experiments
Free fall
Without air resistance every body falls with the same acceleration g: the speed grows steadily (v = g·t) and the distance with the square of time (h = ½·g·t²), so it lands after t = √(2h/g). With air drag on, a force F = k·v acts against the motion; the speed approaches the terminal velocity v = m·g/k, where drag and weight balance.
Try this: Turn on air drag and watch the v–t graph: the curve bends and levels off at the terminal velocity. Then increase the mass.
Projectile motion
Projectile motion is two independent motions: horizontally the body keeps a constant speed vₓ = v₀·cos θ, vertically gravity g slows it down and then speeds it up. The path is a parabola. From the ground the range is d = v₀²·sin 2θ / g and the maximum height h = (v₀·sin θ)² / 2g; a throw at 45° goes furthest.
Try this: Throw at 30° and then at 60° — the range is the same. Then switch to the Moon and see how far it goes.
Inclined plane
The weight G = m·g splits into a component along the slope G·sin θ and a perpendicular component G·cos θ, which the normal force N balances. As long as tan θ ≤ μs (static coefficient), static friction holds the block. Once it moves, kinetic friction μk·N acts and the block accelerates at a = g·(sin θ − μk·cos θ), independent of its mass.
Try this: Raise the angle until the block starts to slide — it happens exactly at the friction angle φ = arctan μs. Then change the mass: the acceleration stays the same.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mechanics & Motion?
Mechanics & Motion is a free interactive simulation from StudyFi Lab. It runs right in your browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install. Throws, free fall and friction on a slope
Is Mechanics & Motion free?
Yes. Mechanics & Motion is completely free. It works in the browser on computers, tablets and phones, and you do not need an account.
What can I explore in Mechanics & Motion?
Free fall, Projectile motion, Inclined plane.
What does the “Free fall” experiment show?
Without air resistance every body falls with the same acceleration g: the speed grows steadily (v = g·t) and the distance with the square of time (h = ½·g·t²), so it lands after t = √(2h/g). With air drag on, a force F = k·v acts against the motion; the speed approaches the terminal velocity v = m·g/k, where drag and weight balance.
What does the “Projectile motion” experiment show?
Projectile motion is two independent motions: horizontally the body keeps a constant speed vₓ = v₀·cos θ, vertically gravity g slows it down and then speeds it up. The path is a parabola. From the ground the range is d = v₀²·sin 2θ / g and the maximum height h = (v₀·sin θ)² / 2g; a throw at 45° goes furthest.
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