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About This Simulation
Learn the basics of gravitation by weighing the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton and observe the Law of Universal Gravitation in action by changing the mass of the Earth. Travel in space and perform a thought experiment about orbits.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the difference between weight and mass
- Measure gravitational acceleration near the Earth's surface
- Describe the mechanism for circular orbits
- Describe the distance dependence of g
- Distinguish between bound and unbound trajectories
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Thought experiment
- Pendulum
Related Standards
- HS-PS2-4, HS-ESS1-4
- 3.8 Applications of Circular Motion and Gravitation
- 3.4 Gravitational Field/Acceleration Due to Gravity on Different Planets
- 6.1 Period of Simple Harmonic Oscillators
- 2.2 The Gravitational Field
- 3.3 Gravitational and Electric Forces
- 2.2 – Forces
- 6.1 – Circular motion
- 6.2 – Newton’s law of gravitation
Learn More About This Simulation
Can you imagine having a better teacher in the Law of Universal Gravitation than Sir Isaac Newton? In this simulation, you will learn about the difference between mass and weight. Newton himself will get on the scales and you will perform a pendulum experiment which will let you define the gravitational acceleration near the surface of the Earth. In order to deduce Newton’s Law of Gravitation, you will investigate how gravitational acceleration is dependent on masses of objects and the distance in between them. In your first mission, you will change the mass of the Earth and determine the “mass dependence” of the gravitational acceleration. But watch out! With great power in this initial mission comes great responsibility during your last mission…
Perform a thought experiment
Enter the mind of Newton and learn why the moon does not just crash onto the surface of the Earth. Observe how the initial tangential velocity affects the orbit of a cannon ball around the Earth and realize the “distance dependence” of the gravitational acceleration. You are now one step closer to guiding a spacecraft with astronauts on their mission to orbit the moon.
The solar system
In order to orbit the moon you have to know everything about the theory of gravity. In this simulation, you can learn all about it by having a look at the holo-table, where you can see the solar system orbit around the sun right in front of you. You will also learn the basic properties of the known planets of our solar system.
Orbit the moon
Changing the mass of the Earth during your first mission will affect the preset velocity of a spacecraft for entering a lunar orbit. Will you be able to find the correct velocity for entering circular orbit around the moon by changing the trajectories of the orbiting spacecraft?
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Related Course
+20 other courses
Propagation of Sound: Help a rock star tune their guitar!
Ride the Shrink-o-Ship to see a propagating sound wave up close while learning about the production, propagation, and detection of sound. Experiment with the properties of a sound wave and use your newfound knowledge to help a rock star tune their guitar!
The Gravitational Field: The aliens are coming
Help the alien Pondus study gravitational acceleration on Earth and find out how Earth’s mass and the distance from where we measure it affects the strength of Earth’s gravitational field.
Newton's Law of Gravitation: Mathematical expression of gravitational force
Join Newton in his garden and take a spaceship ride to explore gravity in space. Learn the meaning of each term of the equation of the universal law of gravitation and use it to predict the gravitational attraction between two bodies.
For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.