Atom in a Box vs QM Simulator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Atom in a Box
Explore the quantum world of the Hydrogen atom with interactive 3D visualizations of electron orbitals. This app uses advanced raytracing to show probability densities in real-time, animating and describing 140 eigenstates up to the n=7 energy level. Discover the structure and behavior of atoms.
- 3D volumetric raytracing
- Real-time probability density visualization
- Animation of 140 eigenstates
- Multitouch and accelerometer rotation
- Mathematical descriptions of states
- Exploration of atomic aspects
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Atom in a Box is an aid for visualizing the Hydrogenic atomic orbitals, the three-dimensional states that the electron occupies in Hydrogen, a prime and otherwise unwieldy example of Quantum Mechanics. It interactively shows what the Hydrogen atom "looks" like. Unique among visualizations of Quantum Mechanics, it uses highly optimized code to perform 3D volumetric raytracing through the electron wavefunction's probability density and presents its results in real-time. It animates and mathematically describes all 140 eigenstates up to the n=7 energy level. The app links to an online FAQ, and the atom rotates with multitouch and the accelerometer. The bottom line is: Explore! The user are meant to explore all aspects of the atom, what it is and what it can do.
QM Simulator
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QM Simulator is a hands-on quantum physics atlas: 54 interactive simulation modules spanning the full arc from quantum foundations to quantum information, paired with 47 bilingual articles. Every computation and rendering happens on your device — no network, no sign-up. WHAT YOU CAN DO • Play with parameters: adjust slit spacing, raise a potential barrier, tune cavity coupling — every chart recomputes in real time. • Learn by level: Basics → Advanced (perturbation, degeneracy, radiation) → Topics (Bell inequalities, quantum error correction, Grover's algorithm), from high-school extension to university QM. • Read linked notes: each article is tied to its simulation, with formulas and figures side by side — switch between Chinese and English anytime. • Explore freely: Bloch sphere, hydrogen wavefunctions, blackbody radiation, Compton scattering, Kronig–Penney, BB84 quantum key distribution — from Planck's 1900 hypothesis to today's quantum computing. WHO IT'S FOR • Physics students: turn textbook formulas into images you can see and manipulate. • Educators & researchers: validate intuitions and demonstrate in class. • The curious: no derivation skills needed — dial the parameters and build quantum intuition. HIGHLIGHTS • 54 simulation modules, all driven by real physics computation (not pre-baked animations). • 47 in-depth articles, fully bilingual, with figures and code. • Fully offline: no ads, no purchases, no tracking, no account required. • Chinese & English UI, follows system language. Educational use: QM Simulator works as a lecture-demonstration companion for quantum mechanics courses.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: QM Simulator at Free against Atom in a Box's $7.99. Atom in a Box's advantage is chart position (#174 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 17.0). On ads, in-app purchases 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
QM Simulator is free to download; Atom in a Box costs $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Atom in a Box | QM Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.7 (7 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 79.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | #174 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 10.3 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 29 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Dauger Research, Inc. | 际 郭 |
In-app purchases
Atom in a Box
No in-app purchases
QM Simulator
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Atom in a Box free?
Is QM Simulator free?
Do Atom in a Box or QM Simulator have ads?
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