The following tutorials will help you learn how to use the tool:
One Dimensional Examples-
Beginner. This tutorial covers the basics of using the Newton Tool. The physical example used is a simple harmonic oscillator.
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Constant Acceleration. This tutorial uses a constant acceleration problem to explain what the 'Adaptive Step Factor' is and how to use it.
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Simple Pendulum. This tutorial covers how to model a simple pendulum. It illustrates that x can represent non-Cartesian coordinates such as θ. Also, it shows how to use the 'Plot Results' panel to generate Phase Portraits. Finally, it discusses how third-party data programs can help to manipulate data the Newton Tool generates and create additional plots.
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Damped Simple Harmonic Oscillator. This tutorial simulates a one dimensional simple harmonic oscillator with a damping term.
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Driven Simple Harmonic Oscillator. This tutorial simulates a one dimensional simple harmonic oscillator driven by a harmonic force. It shows how to include time in the acceleration equation.
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Projectile Motion. This tutorial covers a basic projectile motion problem. It illustrates the use of 2 dimensions and making plots with values other than the defaults.
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Projectile Motion 2. Like the tutorial above, this tutorial covers a projectile motion problem. It uses the same initial conditions as the previous tutorial but also takes air resistance into account.
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Planetary Orbit. This tutorial demonstrates how to use the Newton Tool to simulate a simple orbit. The initial conditions used model an approximation of the Earth's orbit around the Sun. Key to this tutorial is the concept of 'scaling', which allows the user to keep very large numbers manageable.
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Double Pendulum. This tutorial works through the double pendulum, a common 2 dimensional problem. The tutorial provides the acceleration equations and gives a couple of examples of the results of the Newton Tool's calculations.
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Symmetric Top. This tutorial demonstrates the precession and nutation of a symmetric top with a fixed point of gravity.
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Helical Wire. This tutorial uses the Newton Tool to work a 3 dimensional problem. The problem presented is the motion of a bead constrained to slide without friction along a helical wire.
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Golf Shot. This tutorial uses the Newton Tool to work out the trajectory of a golf shot in three dimensions. The model employed accounts for gravity, club loft, lift, and wind.
