VPython (Visual Python) is a 3D graphics library that allows us to create and visualize three-dimensional objects on the screen. It is primarily used to visualize the impact of physics equations on the objects' motion.
Note: Read more about VPython.
A helix is a three-dimensional curve that resembles a coil. It represents structures like DNA strands, springs, or other coiled objects.
The syntax to add a helix is as follows:
helix(radius, length, coils, axis, pos)
where the parameters are:
radius
: It defines the radius of the helix's coils.
length
: This parameter sets the overall length of the helix.
coils
: As the parameter's name suggests, it sets the number of coils the helix will have.
axis
: It is a vector
object that sets the axis about which the helix displays. For example, if we want to display the helix along the x-axis, we'll put axis=vector(1,0,0)
.
pos
: This vector defines the location of the helix object.
To execute the code example below, follow the steps mentioned in the slides:
The following code explains the role of the helix as a spring. A ball is attached to a spring which is undergoing simple harmonic motion.
from vpython import * import numpy as np canvas(width=1200, height=600) support = box(size=vector(0.5, 0.01, 0.5), pos=vector(0, 1, 0)) spring = helix(radius, length=2, coils=30, axis=vector(0, -1, 0), pos=vector(0, 1, 0)) ball = sphere(radius=0.2, color=color.red, pos=vector(0, -1, 0)) while True: rate(100) for i in np.linspace(2, 3.5, 100000): spring.length = i ball.pos.y = 1 - i ball.pos = vector(0, ball.pos.y, 0) for i in np.linspace(3.5, 2, 100000): spring.length = i ball.pos.y = 1 - i ball.pos = vector(0, ball.pos.y, 0)
Lines 1–2: Importing the necessary libraries.
Line 4: Making a
Line 6: The box
object here acts as a support to which the spring is attached.
Lines 7–8: The helix
object's is attached to the box
. A ball of sphere
object is also attached to it at the bottom.
Line 10: The loop keeps running until interrupted.
Line 11: The rate()
specifies the frames per second of the animation.
Lines 12–15: Repeatedly updates the position of the spring and the ball when it's moving downwards.
Lines 16–19: Repeatedly updates the position of the spring and the ball when it's moving upwards.
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