Physics Lab

From a walk to a photon

See how motion becomes a story about space and time.

Four interactive labs — adjust the model and watch the vector, path, and measured speed update immediately.

motion distance ÷ time speed tells how fast · velocity also tells which way

INTERACTIVE MODEL

Build a motion vector

live model

A cyclist travels east: direction matters.

distance120 m

time10 s

speed12.0 m/s

Distance

How much ground an object covers. It has size, but no direction.

d = v × t

Velocity

Speed with a direction attached. A vector is often drawn as an arrow.

velocity = speed + direction

Light

In empty space, every observer measures light at the same speed.

c = 299,792,458 m/s

INTERACTIVE MODEL

Swing a pendulum

live model

A pendulum swings under gravity.

period2.46 s

frequency0.41 Hz

length1.50 m

INTERACTIVE MODEL

Launch a projectile

live model

A projectile arcs through the air.

range63.8 m

max height15.9 m

flight time3.6 s

INTERACTIVE MODEL

Make a wave

live model

A traveling wave carries energy.

period0.67 s

frequency1.5 Hz

wave speed180 cm/s

FOUNDATION

Vectors are arrows with meaning

A vector has both a magnitude and a direction. Displacement, velocity and acceleration are vectors.

10 m east is not the same as 10 m west.

MOTION

Speed, velocity and acceleration

Speed is the rate of distance. Velocity is the rate of displacement. Acceleration means velocity is changing — speeding up, slowing down, or turning.

speed = distance / timea = change in velocity / time

THE BIG SURPRISE

Why light changes the rules

There is a universal speed limit: c. As something gets closer to c, its clock runs slower relative to a resting observer and distances along its travel direction shrink.

Thought experiment: A fast traveler may feel one year pass, while many years pass for people left behind.

CHECKPOINT 1 / 4

Can you read the motion?

Choose an answer, then use the explanation to sharpen your mental model.

0correct so far

VECTOR BASICS