The virtual world of
NEWTON v3.1 provides a completely new way of
learning physics – the exploration of
kinematics, dynamics, mechanisms and electricity on a
computer in 3D.
The virtual world of Newton is ruled by the simulated
laws of physics, allowing you to build, manipulate and investigate your
experiments interactively, without the limitations of physical models.
When creating an experiment in Newton, you can
select from a wide range of real world or abstract objects, from the simplest geometrical bodies
(brick, sphere, etc.), complex instruments (stands, slope, car, etc.),
and constraints (many types of joints and springs).
Select from the wide range of 3D mechanisms elements–axles, wheels, pulleys, gears, racks, levers, cams,
screws, transmission belts and more–to discover their working principles. Or study the animated operation of
mechanical systems from any viewpoint using Newton’s powerful 3D engine. In addition, you can either assemble
the mechanisms step by step or watch the assembly process as an interactive movie.
Newton Version 3.1 provides a unique new 3D environment for learning electricity. The photorealistic 3D models help to
make easily electricity circuits. You can create and simulate AC and DC circuits.
You can adjust their physical parameters (mass, elasticity, friction, etc.); assign to them forces,
torques or velocity; and make relationships subject to constraints. You can add
virtually any object to Newton using a VRML editor; you may also export your
experiments in VRML format
With the example files included, it's easy to get started.
You can alter them and
simulate again, and you will see that it's quite simple to create amazing demonstrations.
When running a simulation, the bodies start moving, guided by the acting constraints;
are rotated by torques; and collide with each other as in a movie.
Actually, you can set up one or more cameras and capture their views of the experiment,
storing them
in an AVI file. You can also add descriptions to your examples, with explanatory texts,
images, and formulas.
Using diagrams, it’s easy to measure and evaluate the results of
your experiments. Several user-defined curves can be displayed on the same diagram, so
it's easy to compare the measured data with the results derived from theoretical calculations.
You may also change the units of the physical quantities.
