18th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
The Potential is Infinite
Adam H. Bezinovich*, Ikechukwu P. Okonkwo, James H. Park, and Andrew J. Smolik
Prof. Taner Edis, Faculty Mentor
We implemented a computer simulation of a one-dimensional random walk on a random, irregular underlying space. A single particle underwent hopping motion under the influence of different forces. Forces were implemented by changing the particle velocity at each position in a way depending on a potential energy function. The various potentials studied were: a flat potential, a step potential, a linearly increasing potential and a Simple Harmonic Oscillator potential. Data was collected for a number of experiments run on each potential separately. We observe that our velocity-adjustment scheme for applying forces gives physically reasonable results.
Keywords: random walk , flat potential, Simple Harmonic Osci, one-dimensional , computer simulation , Forces, particle
Topic(s):Physics
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 56-1
Location: VH 1412
Time: 3:45