Interactive Applets for Theoretical Mechanics

Physics education research has demonstrated the importance of engaged exploration via interactive activities as important tools for solidifying physics understanding. With this in mind, we built a series of interactive simulation applets for use in upper-division theoretical mechanics courses. The applets are based on the Principle of Least Action and explore different features of action-based approaches to mechanics. By connecting Lagrangian mechanics to a Newtonian framework, these applets are designed to help students transition from introductory to upper-division physics classes, where problem-solving methods are more abstract. With the power of HTML, CSS, and Javascript, we provide users with visual and graphical representations to help build intuition about how the mathematical ideas from their textbooks and lectures apply to a system with changing parameters. The applets include topics such as global vs. local minimization of action, connections between Newton's second law and the Euler-Lagrange equations, generalized coordinate transformations in Lagrangian mechanics, and more. Collecting feedback from student users at Harvey Mudd will be our first step towards further development of these applets and study of their efficacy in student learning.