Modeling, Part I

Abstract

Three hands-on computational problems for students are presented. Each problem is related to the overall topic of modeling, and is organized around five specific lab programming assignments. The coding examples and problem statements are presented in the Python 2 language, along with the Tk and PIL libraries, but any comparable system for code development could be substituted with minimal additional overhead. Supporting data files, demos, and practice exercises are also available from the book's companion website. The first problem considers the one-dimensional case of interconnected springs moving together with gravity and air resistance. The second problem models collisions between two objects with different mass, changing velocity in one dimension. The third problem models collisions between two objects with the same mass, changing velocity in two dimensions. Concepts, skills, and applications are carefully sequenced for ease of understanding, rapid feedback, and differentiated progression for any level of prior coding experience, including absolute beginners.