Physics Lab AR vs Optics Simulator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Physics Lab AR
Explore physics through interactive virtual experiments and augmented reality. Build and test electrical circuits with over 100 components, visualize electromagnetic fields, and even design your own galaxy. Ideal for students, teachers, and curious minds of all ages.
- Virtual lab with AR mode
- Build 3D electric circuits
- 100+ circuit components
- Precise scientific calculations
- Electromagnetic field visualization
- Design custom galaxies
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Are you a curious student eager to explore deeper into the physics world? Are you a science enthusiast who wants to share your ideas with others? Are you an adventurer bounded by textbook instructions and budget limits? Are you a romantic dreaming of having your own customized galaxy? Are you a teacher who wants to use fun and interactive demonstrations in your physics lessons? Learn science by doing experiments in your virtual lab with Physics Lab. With our new AR mode, you can even bring your experiments to life! In Physics Lab, you can play with various circuit components, build your own 3D electric circuits, and see how they work in real time. With 100+ circuit components to choose from (and more coming soon), the possibilities are endless. Plus, all of our experiments are backed by science and calculated with precise numbers, so you can learn and have fun at the same time. Physics Lab is not only for students, but for teachers too! Use it to demonstrate experiments in class, and help your students learn and explore in a new way. And because it's virtual, you don't have to worry about expensive lab equipment or safety concerns. Explore with freedom - Pick from 100+ circuit components (more coming!) - Drag them from the toolbox to the virtual desk and connect them the way you like - All experiment results are backed by science and calculated in precise numbers - Design your own galaxy or load from our solar system - Electromagnetic experiments with field line visualization Better than real life - Set properties of circuit components to different figures and observe changes of behavior and stats in real time - One-click to turn what you have built into an editable circuit diagram and vice versa - No expenses on lab equipments, no worry about safety issues A lab for everyone - Teachers have been using Physics Lab to demonstrate experiments and assist teaching in class - Students, in primary or high schools, can learn science and explore freely anywhere, anytime - Kids or not, curious minds now have their own virtual lab to learn knowledge by doing experiments Whether you're a teacher, student, or just someone who loves learning about physics, Physics Lab has something for everyone. Connect with us and let us know what you think, and check out our subscription options to access even more experiments and components. We can't wait to see what you create! Email: turtlesim@u.northwestern.edu =========================== Concerning Component Subscription During your subscription period, you will have access to all paid components for free, including future ones. 1) Subscription periods are one month long and will be charged to your iTunes Account at the time of purchase. 2) Your subscription is linked to your Physics Lab account. 3) You will be charged for renewals 24 hours before the end of the current period, and will be notified of the cost. 4) You can manage your subscriptions at any time in your Account Settings. 5) By purchasing a subscription, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Terms of Use: https://static.turtlesim.com/products/Term-Of-Use.txt Privacy Policy: https://static.turtlesim.com/products/Privacy-Policy.txt
Optics Simulator
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Optics Simulator turns the equations of clinical optics into live, interactive ray diagrams. Move an object, slide a lens along the optical axis, change diopters, rotate a prism — and watch the geometry, focal points, image position, and magnification update in real time. Each simulator displays its governing equation in textbook serif math, with the current numerical values substituted alongside, so you can connect the picture to the formula. A built-in practice section quizzes the underlying concepts with parameterised diagrams (the answer is hidden in the stem and revealed once you check your work). INCLUDED SIMULATORS • Snell's Law and Total Internal Reflection — refraction at an interface • Vergence and Thin Lenses — draggable object and lens, full three-ray construction • Schematic Eye — cornea + crystalline lens + axial length; lens shape changes with power • Refractive Errors — myopia and hyperopia with a spectacle at adjustable vertex distance • Lens Effectivity — see how moving a lens toward the eye changes effective power • Astigmatism — the Conoid of Sturm with a cross-section explorer • Telescopes — Galilean and Keplerian, both lenses are draggable • Simple Magnifier — at, inside, or beyond the focal length • Mirrors — concave, convex and plano, with C and F marked • Prisms — clinical prism diopters and geometric minimum-deviation REFERENCE • A formula sheet with every equation the app uses, typeset in serif math • Built-in practice problems organised by section DESIGN • Black-and-white interface so the colored rays remain the most prominent thing on screen • Adaptive layout: simulator stays visible alongside the controls in landscape • No accounts, no ads, no tracking, no internet connection required For health-profession students, ophthalmology residents, optometry students, and anyone who would rather see optics work than memorise formulas.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Physics Lab AR at Free against Optics Simulator's $1.99. Physics Lab AR also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.4). Optics Simulator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Physics Lab AR is free to download; Optics Simulator costs $1.99 up front. Physics Lab AR sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Optics Simulator asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | Physics Lab AR | Optics Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $1.99 |
| Rating | 4.7 (1.8K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 47.1% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1.8K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 26.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 177 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Turtle Sim LLC | My Call Bag LLC |
Bugs and requests
Physics Lab AR
Reported bugs
5 issues- App crashes when opening experiments or circuits
- Wires don't attach properly
- Objects fall through the table
- Camera position issues
- App freezes or becomes unresponsive
Requested features
6 requests- Add more components like transistors and potentiometers
- Improve camera controls and view options
- Implement saving and loading of circuits
- Add more tutorials and explanations
- Support for Vietnamese and other languages
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- Improve stability and reduce crashes
Optics Simulator
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Physics Lab AR
- Monthly Component Subscription$1.491 Month
- 60 Diamonds$0.99
- 10 Diamonds$0.99
- 120 Diamonds$1.99
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- 300 Diamonds$4.99
- 680 Diamonds$9.99
- 1280 Diamonds$19.99
Optics Simulator
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Physics Lab AR free?
Is Optics Simulator free?
Do Physics Lab AR or Optics Simulator have ads?
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