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It generally follows that the educational benefit of a physics simulation comes from interacting with the program and then modifying the parameters to observe the effects of these changes. The more control the user has over the parameters and the more realistic and flexible the visual display (such as allowing views from different angles), then the greater the chance for a meaningful learning experience. Another educational advantage of simulations, however, comes from the process of creating the simulation yourself. Translating a formula or a mathematical algorithm into code to create a simulation will often result in a much deeper understanding than would come simply from running the simulation program. Subtle aspects of a formula and its physical manifestation may only become apparent when you encounter the various approximations and idealizations necessary to create a practical program. This is especially true for the need to transform from the continuity in time and space assumed in most equations to the discrete increments required in numerical computing. Even when you find a simulation available for a phenomenon of interest, you may find it quite profitable to write your own simulation just to insure that you really understand what is going on. Java can help you because programs in Java are generally easier to write and are faster to debug than programs in C/C++. Also, Java's graphical capabilities make for fast development of user interfaces to control the programs and observe their outputs. Latest update: Dec.10.2003 |
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