Classical mechanics · Canvas · MDX + LaTeX

Every motion has an account.

Change the conditions and watch the bookkeeping update. Velocity persists, force changes momentum, and every push returns an equal push.

Interactive laboratory

Change one thing. Watch what follows.

Simulation live

2.00 m/s0 N net force
First law

Let it coast.

With no net force, the puck crosses the field without speeding up or slowing down.

Field notes

Three laws, one system.

01 / Inertia

No net force, no change in motion.

An object at rest stays at rest, and a moving object keeps a constant velocity, unless a net external force acts on it.

∑F⃗=0⟹dv⃗dt=0\sum \vec{F} = 0 \quad \Longrightarrow \quad \frac{d\vec{v}}{dt} = 0
02 / Acceleration

Force changes momentum.

For constant mass, acceleration points with the net force. Double the force and acceleration doubles; double the mass and it halves.

∑F⃗=dp⃗dt=ma⃗\sum \vec{F} = \frac{d\vec{p}}{dt} = m\vec{a}
03 / Interaction

Forces arrive in pairs.

When body A pushes body B, body B pushes body A with the same magnitude in the opposite direction. The forces act on different bodies.

F⃗A→B=−F⃗B→A\vec{F}_{A \to B} = -\vec{F}_{B \to A}