Principles of Physics made easy through a CD
YOGENDRA KALAVALAPALLI
For an average student, one of the shortcomings of Physics is the inability to visualize. Once a student is able to visualize how a certain theory works under different conditions and parameters, the subject not just becomes interesting but is also comprehensible and easy. In an attempt to fill this void, a compact disc titled, ‘General Physics Java Applets’ was brought out by B. Surendranath, a noted Physics teacher in Hyderabad to help students come to grips with rigid formulae and monotonous theories doled out by various text books. Thanks to the software Physics becomes interesting unlike the boring inanimate lectures in classrooms that drag on for hours leaving a long-lasting hangover.
The application through interactive diagrams enables visualisation of how certain parameters when varied, bring about the associated changes in accordance with concerned principles of Physics. The layout of the software is neat. The visual graphics applet, located at the near-bottom left side of the main menu, opens in a separate window. The beauty of the application lies in its interactive diagrams that allow users to change various parameters by adjusting/fiddling with objects in the diagram. In some other cases, parameters could be varied through slide bars and drop-down menus.
For example, the concept of reflection and refraction of light depends on many factors like the type of lens used, focal length, distance of objects from lens/mirror, height of object. In the software, the user can vary these parameters in the diagram itself. The corresponding output values are computed by the applet and the resultant output is displayed in the window. However there is no provision for keying in input values, which could be found wanting by some students. Lack of arrows to denote the direction of flow of light rays would have helped avoid confusion. For certain concepts that involve electrostatic and magnetic fields where three-dimensional viewing is required, the diagram could also be viewed in different planar axis – XY, YZ, ZX – as well as a combination of the three. Animated graphs are also employed for certain concepts. Values of constants and coefficients under different surfaces/conditions are made available in tabular format thus providing the comfort of a cursory glance.
There could have been a concise explanation of various concepts in the application itself so that students could have had access to both theoretical information and diagrammatic representation. A good interactive software as this could have aided in better understanding of the subject. Some students might feel the need for a voice-over that would have provided a virtual classroom effect. The application is nevertheless a commendable effort that makes learning Physics fascinating in times when students prefer darkening random circles by fluke than solve their physics paper in competitive exams as EAMCET and AIEEE.
The CD has twin benefits. It not only helps students but also makes teacher’s job easier in demonstrating to their students how object(s) react under different conditions or parameters rather than having to painstakingly draw them each time on the board.
The CDs priced at Rs. 200 each are avaialble in Adarsh Book Depot at Shankarmutt. Interested can call 040-27671054.
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