Open Source Physics

Open Source Physics (OSP) is a collection of physics curriculum, simulations and analysis tools for teaching and learning. It is best suited to physics educators building computer-based lessons and labs, and students working with models and experimental data. Its breadth and free, open-source code make it compelling, though some packaged programs depend on Java and curriculum materials can have separate licensing terms.

Overview

OSP is a collection rather than one all-in-one application: it brings together teaching resources, simulations and tools for creating and analyzing materials. Its collection contains well over 2,000 items, including more than 1,000 Physlet pages, and serves over 200,000 users worldwide. That range gives instructors room to assemble a course around simulations and computational work instead of relying on a single fixed product.

Curriculum packages combine simulations with tutorials and student worksheets, and faculty and students can modify them. This makes OSP particularly useful when a course needs adaptable materials rather than demonstrations that cannot be changed. OSP began in 2002 and is provided without a software fee. Its code and compiled programs may be used under GNU GPL version 2 or later, but associated curricular narratives may have separate copyrights or licenses, so educators should assess those materials individually.

Key features

Modeling and lesson creation

Easy Java Simulations (EJS Modeling) supports creating Java programs with minimal programming and building user interfaces without programming. The OSP library adds plotting, field visualization, input and output components, ordinary differential equation solvers, 3D drawing and simulation recording. Together, these tools suit instructors and students who want to construct or adapt computational learning activities; they are less relevant to someone seeking only a ready-made lesson library.

Video and data analysis

Tracker analyzes images and video, follows objects and overlays dynamic particle models on clips. It is designed for introductory college physics labs and lectures, where connecting motion in recorded footage to a model is central. Tracker Online runs in a browser with JavaScript and is described as identical to desktop Tracker; the JavaScript version of Tracker 6 runs across platforms, including Chromebooks.

DataTool plots and fits data, supplies standard statistics, and supports user-defined fits and mathematical manipulations. Its integration with many OSP and EJS simulations is practical: a simulation can send plot data to DataTool through a right-click action, reducing friction between running a model and inspecting its output.

Distribution and offline use

Launcher distributes OSP and EJS programs and curriculum in self-contained packages. Those packages depend on a Java VM installed on the local machine, a requirement that can complicate deployment in managed classrooms. The broader offering includes offline access and hybrid delivery, which can suit settings where browser-only access is not enough.

Pricing

OSP is free and open source, with a free plan and no free trial. There is no paid tier or per-seat price to weigh against the feature set. The main qualification is licensing: source and compiled code may use GPL version 2 or later, while curricular narratives may carry separate terms. This is a strong fit for educators avoiding software fees, but institutions should check the rights attached to any specific teaching material they reuse.

Platforms

OSP spans Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows, with hybrid delivery. Tracker Online broadens access through a JavaScript browser version, including Chromebook support, while desktop Tracker traditionally ran on Windows, Mac and Linux. Launcher packages have a local Java VM dependency, so the platform range does not remove the need to check the requirements of a particular resource or program.

Who it's for

Physics teachers and faculty who want editable curriculum packages, simulation-based lessons or introductory college lab activities are the clearest audience. Students can use the materials to connect computation, models and experimental measurements. Developers and technically inclined educators may also value the programming libraries and resources, which include an Eclipse environment, source-code libraries, best practices and documentation. OSP is less suitable for buyers seeking a single tightly unified application or a turnkey deployment without checking Java and content-license requirements.

Pros and cons

Pros: A large collection of lessons and simulations gives instructors substantial material to adapt.

Pros: Tracker and DataTool connect video motion, simulation output and quantitative analysis for lab teaching.

Pros: Free, open-source code and broad platform coverage keep software costs and device constraints low.

Cons: Launcher packages require a local Java VM, which adds a deployment consideration for schools.

Cons: Curriculum narratives may have separate copyrights or licenses from the GPL-covered code.

Alternatives

For a broader set of options, browse Physics Simulation Software. Choose SimFlow if a freemium option with a free plan and free trial across Linux, macOS, web and Windows better suits the workflow. COMSOL Multiphysics is a paid alternative with a free trial and API, self-hosted and desktop platform support; its perpetual license is quotation-based.

OpenFOAM is another free, GPL option for readers seeking a different open-source tool; support and code customization are separate services. OpenSim is a free, open-source platform, though downloading it requires a SimTK account. Xcos is freely available with Scilab for readers who want that alternative. FeenoX is a free GPLv3+ option for Linux-focused users who do not need a graphical interface. ngspice is a free circuit simulator for command-line or file-based input, without schematic entry. SimEvents is a paid option requiring MATLAB and Simulink, with a free trial.

Verdict

Choose Open Source Physics if you teach or study physics and want a broad, editable collection that connects simulations, video analysis and data work without a software fee. Its strongest case is the combination of curriculum and practical modeling tools across a wide platform range. Look elsewhere if you need a single turnkey product with uniform deployment or cannot accommodate Java-dependent packages and distinct licensing for some curricular materials.