SimFlow From €666.67/mo · Free plan 9.3 Visit GNU FisicaLab
gnu.org
What it is
GNU FisicaLab is a free desktop application for solving physics problems while handling the mathematical details. Its modules cover two-dimensional particle and circular kinematics, statics and dynamics, calorimetry, ideal gases, expansion, and thermodynamics. Statics and dynamics problems are described by constructing free-body diagrams. The interface supports SI and English unit systems. A grid chalkboard starts at 26 by 18 cells and can be enlarged in Preferences to 100 by 100. Data fields accept scientific notation, conversion factors, arithmetic, trigonometric functions, and square roots; parentheses cannot group operations. Online and downloadable documentation includes step-by-step examples. Source code is available from GNU FTP and mirrors, with previous Linux binaries and a Windows installer listed. GNU/Linux and BSD executable packages may come from distributions. FisicaLab is distributed under GNU GPL version 3 or any later version and provides no 3D visuals.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- FisicaLab is an educational application for solving physics problems while leaving the mathematical details to the program.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Intended users
- The project describes the application as a way for learners to focus on physics concepts and build confidence before solving problems by hand.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Free plan
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · gnu.org
- Support
- The fisicalab-discusion mailing list is for user help with using and installing the program; bug-fisicalab is for development discussion, improvement requests, and bug reports.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- License
- FisicaLab is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- 3D visuals
- NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · gnu.org
- Authoring tools
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · gnu.org
- Chalkboard
- The chalkboard is a grid that defaults to 26×18 cells and can be resized up to 100×100 cells in Preferences.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Chalkboard size
- The chalkboard defaults to 26 by 18 cells, and Preferences can increase it to a maximum of 100 by 100 cells.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Delivery mode
- desktopRead 20 Sep 2026 · gnu.org
- Developer
- The project page names Germán Arias as the author and developer.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Documentation
- The project provides online documentation and downloadable documentation, including step-by-step examples.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Downloads
- The source code is available from the GNU FTP server and mirrors; the page also lists previous Linux binaries and a Windows installer.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Input calculations
- Data fields support arithmetic and functions including trigonometric functions, square roots, and unit conversions; parentheses are not supported for grouping operations.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Input features
- Element data supports scientific notation, conversion factors, arithmetic, and listed functions including trigonometric functions and square root.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Lesson library
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · gnu.org
- Licensing
- FisicaLab is free software available under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Physics topics
- The listed modules cover 2D particle kinematics and circular kinematics, statics and dynamics, calorimetry, ideal gases, expansion, and thermodynamics.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Platform availability
- The download page says executable versions for GNU/Linux and BSD are provided by individual distributions, and names Gentoo and OpenBSD as packagers.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Platform caveat
- The download page says GNU/Linux and BSD packages are supplied by individual distributions and that FisicaLab has no control over when those packages become available.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Problem setup
- Users set problems by selecting modules and adding their elements to a chalkboard.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
- Units
- The interface supports SI and English unit systems.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
Plans and prices
GNU FisicaLab Free Free software under GNU GPL version 3 or later Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free GNU GPL software
- Covers mechanics, thermal topics, and gases
- Supports SI and English units
- Resizable chalkboard up to 100×100 cells
- Step-by-step documentation available
Limits
- No 3D visuals
- Parentheses cannot group input operations
- Package availability depends on distributions
- No free trial is listed
Who it suits
FisicaLab suits learners who want to focus on physics concepts before solving calculations by hand. It also suits instructors or users needing free-body diagrams, unit-system support, and documented examples.
Verdict
FisicaLab centers physics learning on visual problem setup while performing the mathematical work. Its broad topic modules and free license are balanced by limited input grouping and distribution-dependent packages.
Where Specifiction places it
- Physics Simulation Software#14 of 898.5
