HW0: Introduction to Simulations

1. Using the given physics, pick initial conditions in row 3 so that at t=+2 seconds, position=+5 meters and velocity=+5 meters/second (to an accuracy of one significant digit). Save your new spreadsheet as "hw0_1.xls".
2. Add an "energy" column that sums the potential and kinetic energy of the particle, in Joules. You may assume a particle mass of 1Kg. While the particle travels through free space, this energy should be conserved, although it will change during collisions, and tends to grow with a small factor proportional to the timestep. Save this spreadsheet as "hw0_2.xls". (Hint: write the equation once, select the cells below, and "Fill Down".)
3. Add an approximation for air resistance to the simulation. You should see the total energy decrease due to the energy lost to air resistance. A huge number of possible air resistance approximations exist, from the trivial "reduce velocity by 1% per timestep" to the turbulence-derived drag equation. Save your spreadsheet as "hw0_3.xls".
4. Verify that you can run WebGL, at http://get.webgl.org/. Save a screenshot of this page running in your browser as "hw0_4.jpg".