Authors: Yi Sheng Ng, Zi-Jing Chiah
This paper explores the use of Microsoft Excel as a simple and accessible platform for simulating free-fall motion, providing an alternative to programming-intensive tools like MATLAB and C++. The aim is to demonstrate Excel’s potential for numerical simulations, particularly for users with limited programming experience. The first section introduces the basics of Excel, covering data entry and plotting techniques, which are essential for setting up and visualizing simulations. This tutorial approach makes the process accessible to a wider audience, including students and educators. The study derives the governing equations of motion by rewriting Newton’s second law, =, into differential equation form. These equations are solved iteratively using Excel’s built-in formulas and functions. The paper presents three case studies to illustrate the methodology: (1) free fall without air resistance, (2) free fall with air resistance, and (3) free fall in a viscous fluid. For each case, numerical solutions are computed step-by-step, and the results are displayed through graphs generated directly in Excel. The simulated results show excellent agreement with theoretical predictions, validating Excel’s accuracy as a tool for physics simulations. The analysis reveals that viscous resistance in fluids significantly slows down motion compared to air resistance, as demonstrated by the velocity profiles for each case. This finding highlights the importance of considering the medium’s properties when analyzing free-fall motion. By leveraging Excel’s intuitive interface and accessibility, this study provides a practical approach for conducting numerical simulations without requiring advanced programming knowledge. The results demonstrate that Excel is not only capable of handling complex numerical problems but also offers an easier learning curve for beginners. This makes it a valuable tool for educational purposes and for individuals or institutions with limited access to specialized software. The inclusion of detailed tutorials ensures that users can replicate and build upon the simulations presented in this work, making physics simulations more accessible to the public.
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[v1] 2025-01-27 01:48:00
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