- Home
- Physics Simulation Software
- GNU FisicaLab
GNU FisicaLab
What it is
GNU FisicaLab is free desktop software for solving physics problems while handling the mathematical details. Its lessons cover two-dimensional particle and circular motion, statics, dynamics, calorimetry, ideal gases, expansion, and thermodynamics. Statics and dynamics problems are described by constructing free-body diagrams. The interface supports SI and English units. A grid chalkboard starts at 26×18 cells and can be enlarged in Preferences to 100×100. Input fields accept scientific notation, arithmetic, conversion factors, trigonometric functions, and square roots; parentheses cannot group operations. Online and downloadable documentation includes step-by-step examples. Source code is available through GNU FTP and mirrors, and the project lists Linux binaries and a Windows installer. GNU/Linux and BSD packages may come from individual distributions. FisicaLab is licensed under GNU GPL version 3 or later and has no 3D visuals.
For and against
For
- Covers mechanics and thermodynamics topics
- Uses free-body diagrams for dynamics
- Supports SI and English units
- Includes step-by-step documentation
- Free GNU GPL software
Against
- No 3D visuals
- Parentheses cannot group calculations
- Distribution packages may vary in availability
- No macOS platform listed
The verdict
FisicaLab provides a focused, free way to set up and solve a range of physics exercises. Its diagram-based workflow and documentation support learning, while input syntax and platform availability impose clear limits.
Who it suits
It suits learners who want to focus on physics concepts before solving problems by hand. It runs on Linux and Windows, with additional packages supplied by some distributions.
Plans and prices
GNU FisicaLab
Free software under GNU GPL version 3 or later
Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org
On the record
- Authoring tools
- Yesgnu.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Chalkboard
- The chalkboard is a grid that defaults to 26×18 cells and can be resized up to 100×100 cells in Preferences.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Chalkboard size
- The chalkboard defaults to 26 by 18 cells, and Preferences can increase it to a maximum of 100 by 100 cells.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Delivery mode
- desktopgnu.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Developer
- The project page names Germán Arias as the author and developer.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The project provides online documentation and downloadable documentation, including step-by-step examples.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The source code is available from the GNU FTP server and mirrors; the page also lists previous Linux binaries and a Windows installer.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Input calculations
- Data fields support arithmetic and functions including trigonometric functions, square roots, and unit conversions; parentheses are not supported for grouping operations.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Input features
- Element data supports scientific notation, conversion factors, arithmetic, and listed functions including trigonometric functions and square root.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes the application as a way for learners to focus on physics concepts and build confidence before solving problems by hand.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Lesson library
- Yesgnu.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- License
- FisicaLab is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- FisicaLab is free software available under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Physics topics
- The listed modules cover 2D particle kinematics and circular kinematics, statics and dynamics, calorimetry, ideal gases, expansion, and thermodynamics.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Platform availability
- The download page says executable versions for GNU/Linux and BSD are provided by individual distributions, and names Gentoo and OpenBSD as packagers.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Platform caveat
- The download page says GNU/Linux and BSD packages are supplied by individual distributions and that FisicaLab has no control over when those packages become available.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Problem setup
- Users set problems by selecting modules and adding their elements to a chalkboard.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- FisicaLab is an educational application for solving physics problems while leaving the mathematical details to the program.gnu.org · read 11 Oct 2026
