MS-Excel Spreadsheet Applications in Introductory UnderGraduate Physics-A Review

Abstract

The role of information technology has been quite instrumental in bringing improvisations in the the field of pedagogy. The institutions are shifting to ICT based techniques, because teaching science subjects with ICT based simulations has partially replaced the requirements of laboratories along with enhancement of conceptual understanding of the students. Presently, many science teachers prefer to use self made spreadsheet computer simulations and virtual laboratories. For example, the most common MS-Excel spreadsheet can be programmed to imitate the movement of many physical systems such as a motion of projectile, trajectory of charged particle in electric and magnetic fields; and motion of particle in a box. Excel spreadsheet is frequently available on desktop computers, and because of their massive data manipulation functions and powerful plotting facilities they are finding increasing use in physics teaching. This review paper highlights the role of MS-Excel spreadsheet in simulating many real world problems in the teaching of Physics.