VPython

Claimed by Liubov Nikolenko VPython is a Python graphics module used for modeling objects in 3-dimensional space. In the field of physics, this is especially useful for calculating and modeling complex relationships between objects and their properties.

Installation

To install VPython simply follow the instructions in the links given below.

Windows

Install VPython here

OSX

Install VPython here

Linux

Install VPython here

Getting started with Python

Introduction to basic Python use

Creating VPython Objects

• Sphere

ball = sphere(pos=(x_coordinate,y_coordinate,z_coordinate), radius=radius_of_the_sphere, color = color.color_of_the_sphere))

• Arrow

myArrow = arrow(pos=(x0_coordinate,y0_coordinate,z0_coordinate), axis=(x1_coordinate,y1_coordinate,z1_coordinate), color = color.color_of_the_sphere)

• Vector

myVector = vector(x_coordinate,y_coordinate,z_coordinate)

Manipulating VPython values

• Accessing attributes of the object

To access the attribute of a given object just use the syntax object.attribute (e.g. to access the position of the ball object, you should do ball.pos)

• Updating values

To update a value (such as time, speed, force or the position of the object) you should do value = value + delta_value

Loops

There are two types of loops that can be use in Python: for loop and while loop. Basically, loops are used to tell the computer to execute the same task multiple times. While loops are more common for modeling physics concepts.

• While loops

The body of a while loop is executed, while a certain condition is true. Make sure to indent the statements that should be done in the while loop. While loop has the following structure:

while(condition)

the body of the while loop

updating the loop

Useful built-in functions

Math

• x**y

Raises x to the y-th power.

Vectors

• cross(vectorA, vectorB)

Calculates the cross product of two vectors

• mag(vector)

Calculates the magnitude of the vector

• norm(vector)

Calculates the unit vector of the vector

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History

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VPython was originally released in 2000 by David Scherer after he took an introductory physics class at Carnegie Mellon University. At the time, the school used the cT programming language for 2D modeling, and David saw the need for something better. Working with several people including professors Ruth Chabay and Bruce Sherwood, he developed a Python module called Visual. Visual Python or VPython featured 3D modeling, as well as an easier-to-understand object-oriented syntax. VPython is released under an Open Source license, and development continues today.

See also

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Further reading

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External links

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References

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1. The cT Programming Language

2. VPython Wiki Site