Physics of Video Games and Simulators

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Physics of Video Games and Simulators
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Physics in video games and simulations

• Video Game/simulation Physics
• A Computer animation physics or game physics
  involves the introduction of the laws of physics
  into a simulation or game engine, particularly in
  3D computer graphics, for the purpose of making
  the effects appear more real to the observer.
  Typically simulation physics is only a close
  approximation to real physics, and computation is
  performed using discrete values.
• There are several elements that form components
  of simulation physics
• Physics engine is program code that is used to
  simulate Newtonian physics within the
  environment.
• Collision detection is used to solve the problem
  of determining when any two or more physical
  objects in the environment cross each other's
  path.
• It would be possible to make a video game just be
  a video or movie, but how would it respond to the
  almost infinite possible user inputs
  realistically if it werent for simulation and
  calculation of real time physics equations.the
  same equations and concepts we are using in
  Physics class this year.

I wish I could simulate some good grades!
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Physics in video games and simulations

• Video Game Physics
• A physics engine is a computer program that
  simulates Newtonian physics models, using
  variables such as mass, velocity, friction and
  wind resistance. It can simulate and predict
  effects under different conditions that would
  approximate what happens in real life or in a
  fantasy world.
• Description
• There are generally two types of physics engines,
  real-time and high precision. High precision
  physics engines require more processing power to
  calculate very precise physics and are usually
  used by scientists and computer animated movies.
• Examples would be high precision aircraft
  simulators to train pilots
• In video games, or other forms of interactive
  computing, the physics engine will have to
  simplify its calculations and lower their
  accuracy so that they can be performed in time
  for the game to respond at an appropriate rate
  for gameplay. This is referred to as real-time
  physics.
• Computer games (especially racing games) use
  physics engines to ensure realism. Recently,
  there has been increased interest in the reality
  of the physics engines in games. This may be the
  result of advancing processor speeds, allowing
  the game developer to use realistic physics to
  add a new level of game play while still creating
  a stunning graphical environment.
• Anybody ever see the game Pong??
• Physics based character animation in the past
  only used rigid body dynamics because they are
  faster and easier to calculate, but modern games
  and movies are starting to use soft body physics
  now that it is possible. Soft body physics are
  also used for particle effects, liquids and
  cloth.

The educational value of video games.yes!