Measuring the Speed of Sound: Time-of-Flight
An interactive speed of sound simulation using the two-microphone time-of-flight method, with a time interval counter and an adjustable air temperature.
Physics Zone’s complete collection of interactive physics and math simulations, built with HTML5 for modern browsers.

An interactive speed of sound simulation using the two-microphone time-of-flight method, with a time interval counter and an adjustable air temperature.

A virtual spring lab: mount one of five springs, hang slotted masses, and read the extension off the ruler. The spring constant is never shown, so students measure it themselves. Overload a spring and it stays permanently deformed.

A free interactive single-channel virtual oscilloscope simulation for intermediate physics classes. Connect a function generator or DC source and observe sine, triangular, and square waveforms in real time with adjustable frequency and amplitude.

This simulation models Newton’s tube experiment, showing how air resistance affects falling objects. By removing air from the tube and flipping it, users can observe how a feather and a pebble fall differently in air but identically in a vacuum—demonstrating that gravity accelerates all objects equally when air resistance is removed.

This interactive wave interference simulation demonstrates wave superposition from two coherent sources. Users can adjust wavelength, amplitude, phase difference, and source distance to observe dynamic interference patterns. A real-time probe displays both individual wave amplitudes and their combined effect, illustrating constructive and destructive interference across the field.

Measure the target, apply the right equation, and fire one calculated shot. Four levels of projectile motion – level ground, a wall, an elevated cannon, and an elevated target.

This simulation demonstrates how to apply the distributive property using the area model of partial products. It breaks multiplication into smaller parts, then adds them to get the full product.

A comprehensive simulation that teaches long division with remainders step by step. Ideal for learners needing clear, guided practice. Also available: a version for float (decimal) quotients.

This simulation teaches long division with decimal (float) quotients through a clear, step-by-step interface. Great for learners who need guided practice. A version for remainder-based division is also available.

Use this interactive simulation to visualize the phase difference between two sound waves on an oscilloscope. Measure the microphone spacing and frequency to calculate the speed of sound in air.