Revised Nuffield Advanced Physics: Dynamic Modelling System: Models

The notes in this booklet described the models on the models disk designed for use with the Dynamic Modelling System, in the Revised Nuffield Advanced Physics course. Most of the models described were relevant to any advanced level physics course at the time. At the time of the revision the system was devised to work on the BBC, RML 380Z and 480Z, and Apple lIe microcomputers.

The booklet included general information about the use of the system and technical information about its facilities. It also gave examples of some dynamic models and their uses, together with a worked exercise for those new to the idea.

Contents

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Using the models with different microcomputers

Part 3: Descriptions of the models provided
*Decay, growth and resource models
*Models of motion
*Models of inductive and capacitative circuits
*Interference and diffraction models
*Function models - the Boltzmann factor
*Atomic models - the hydrogen atom

Part 4: Teaching suggestions
*Classroom use
*Dynamic models and step-by-step integration
*A first step - what physics is needed?
*Programming and problem solving
*Bugs and debugging
*Graphs, scales and tables of results
*Values of constants
*Physics and computing