myPhysicsLab vs Open Source Physics
myPhysicsLab
myphysicslab.comOpen Source Physics
compadre.orgSide by side
| Figure | myPhysicsLab | Open Source Physics |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 8.8 (#4) | 8.1 (#27) |
| Audience | The simulations include explanations of their underlying mathematics and the site describes the project as an online science museum effort. | OSP describes its project as a group of physicists and educators providing computer-based curricular resources for students. |
| Authoring tools | Yes | Yes |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery mode | hybrid | hybrid |
| Founded | 2001 | 2002 |
| Lesson library | Yes | Yes |
| License | The software is open source under the Apache 2.0 License, and its source code is available on GitHub. | OSP source and compiled code may be used under GNU GPL version 2 or any later version; associated curricular narratives may have separate copyrights or licenses. |
| Offline access | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | myPhysicsLab provides interactive, real-time animated physics simulations that users can change by dragging objects and adjusting parameters. | The OSP Collection provides curriculum resources that engage students in physics, computation, and computer modeling. |
| Support | The author identifies himself as Erik Neumann and provides an email address on the home page; no support plan is listed there. | OSP directs users to its feedback form or [email protected] for staff contact, and lists a technical questions discussion link. |
| 3D visuals | No | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
myPhysicsLab
myPhysicsLab is a free, open-source project with interactive physics simulations and JavaScript classes for building animated models. Simulations run in real time, and users can drag objects or change parameters such as gravity. Its library includes examples such as pendulums, springs, colliding blocks, roller coasters, billiards, and molecular models. Many simulation pages explain the mathematics behind the models. Users can customize simulations with EasyScript or JavaScript in a browser and text editor, then share a setup through a URL that embeds EasyScript. Numeric results can be retrieved through VarsHistory, JavaScript, or collision-data scripts. Downloadable versions can be used offline. The source code is available on GitHub under the Apache 2.0 License. The simulations do not specify measurement units, so values need to be used consistently within each model. Building from source requires TypeScript, esbuild, Perl, and GNU Make. The project began in 2001, and its maker is based in Seattle, Washington.
Open Source Physics
Open Source Physics is a free, open-source resource for physics learning and teaching. It offers a lesson library and authoring tools, with 3D visuals, offline access, and data export. The combination supports both browsing learning materials and creating them. Its listed platforms are web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and its delivery mode is hybrid. Offline access is specifically listed, alongside the web and desktop and mobile platforms. The project is listed as founded in 2002, as is its maker, Open Source Physics. The pricing model is free, and the pricing note identifies the resource as open source. Data export is included among its capabilities. Readers can weigh the library and authoring tools against its broad range of platform options when considering it for physics education.