Innovative Methods of Teaching Physics through Simple Computer Programming

Abstract

In general, it is thought that programming is very difficult and cannot be used in 
teaching Physics. However, it is extremely simple and can be used to draw graphics and 
make the students understand the concepts of a topic visually. In this paper, we have shown 
the animation of three programs namely Projectile motion, SHM and simple pendulum. 
 Projectile Motion: While teaching projectile motion, we derive the formula of the 
path of the projectile and tell the students that the path of the projectile is a 
parabola. We also prove theoretically that the horizontal range is maximum for 
angle of projection 45 degrees and that horizontal range is same for angles of 
projection Ɵ and 90 – Ɵ. Students will enjoy the topic if we can show them all the 
concepts graphical. 
 SHM: The basic understanding of SHM as motion of projection of uniformly 
rotating particle on diameter of the reference circle is visualized very easily by 
students. 
 Simple Pendulum: The vibrations of the simple pendulum with different length and 
amplitude have been shown graphically for better understanding. 
We have used PC-Basic (an open Source Software) as simplest programming language 
to show how various results of different phenomenon can be shown graphically to the 
students.