Master physics concepts with interactive simulations. From circuits to mechanics, precise measurements without equipment limitations.
Physics is about understanding how the universe works. But traditional labs face challenges: expensive equipment, time-consuming setup, and difficulty repeating experiments with different variables.
WhimsyLabs virtual physics lab solves these problems with accurate simulations that let students build circuits, investigate mechanics, and explore wave phenomena, with instant variable control and real-time data.
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Our growing library covers key curriculum topics across GCSE, A-Level, IB, and beyond
Build series and parallel circuits, measure voltage and current, investigate Ohm's law.
What students do: Build the circuit component by component, then measure it, with a voltmeter that loads the circuit and a lamp that dims when you add another in series.
Explore Newton's laws, friction, momentum, and energy conservation with adjustable parameters.
What students do: Release trolleys down a ramp and time them, with friction and air resistance taking their cut, so the numbers never quite match the ideal calculation.
Investigate wave properties, interference, standing waves, and the Doppler effect.
What students do: Drive a ripple tank or a stretched string and measure wavelength and frequency directly, watching interference build from the two sources rather than being told about it.
Explore reflection, refraction, lenses, and the electromagnetic spectrum interactively.
What students do: Place lenses and mirrors on the bench, trace the rays, and find the focal length by moving the screen until the image is genuinely sharp.
Most virtual physics is a recording. Drag the slider and the pre-drawn result plays back, correct every time, because the answer was decided when the animation was made rather than by anything the student did.
Ours runs on a real-time physics engine. Masses have weight, pendulums lose energy to the air, and a badly clamped ruler gives a badly measured result, so students produce their own imperfect data and have to reason about why it is imperfect.
WhimsyCat, our AI tutor and assessor, tracks how students set up apparatus, take measurements, and record data, assessing method and measurement technique as students work, not just the numbers they write down afterwards. Follow-up questions use each student's own readings, so generic AI answers don't help.
There is no student chat window: WhimsyCat infers everything from actions in the lab. Teachers get a skill-by-skill breakdown covering technique, safety, data collection, and scientific communication.
Because a result that comes out perfect every time teaches students that real experiments do too.
Truly Interactive. Manipulate variables in real-time and instantly see the effects. No waiting for equipment setup.
Precise Measurements. Digital instruments provide accuracy impossible with school equipment. Focus on understanding, not error.
Control Variables. Easily isolate variables and repeat experiments. Test hypotheses systematically.
Instant Analysis. Generate graphs automatically from experimental data. More time for interpretation and learning.
| WhimsyLabs | Physical bench | |
|---|---|---|
| Working apparatus | Always | Whatever still works |
| Repeat readings | Unlimited | Limited by lesson time |
| Dangerous equipment | All of it | Demonstration only |
| Evidence of technique | Every action logged | Whatever the teacher saw |
Our physics simulations map directly to examination specifications, ensuring every experiment reinforces required practical skills.
Everything runs on a real-time physics engine: masses have weight, liquids splash, and readings vary with technique. Students aren't watching a canned animation, they produce their own imperfect data, which is where the learning happens.
Mechanics, electricity and circuits, waves, optics, magnetism, and thermal physics, aligned to KS3, GCSE, A-Level, IB, and AP Physics, with real-time data collection that students can export and analyse.
Yes, the sandbox lets students change any variable and design their own investigations, and teachers can generate bespoke practicals in minutes with the AI Experiment Builder.
Our complete guide to virtual physics labs covers which simulations actually teach, curriculum fit, and how teachers combine virtual and physical practice.
Join schools across the UK using WhimsyLabs to make physics practical, precise, and engaging.