GNU FisicaLab
GNU FisicaLab is a free desktop learning application that solves physics problems while handling the mathematical details.
What GNU FisicaLab is
GNU FisicaLab is a free desktop learning application that solves physics problems while handling the mathematical details. Its modules cover two-dimensional particle and circular motion, statics and dynamics, calorimetry, ideal gases, expansion, and thermodynamics. For statics and dynamics, users construct free-body diagrams to describe the objects in a problem. The interface supports SI and English units. Its grid-based chalkboard starts at 26 by 18 cells and can be resized in Preferences up to 100 by 100. Data fields accept scientific notation, arithmetic, conversion factors, trigonometric functions, and square roots, but parentheses cannot be used to group operations. The project provides online and downloadable documentation with step-by-step examples. Source code is available from GNU FTP and mirrors, and the page lists previous Linux binaries and a Windows installer; GNU/Linux and BSD executable packages may also come from distributions, whose release timing the project does not control. FisicaLab is free software under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later and has no 3D visuals.
Good
- Covers motion, statics, dynamics, and thermodynamics topics
- Supports SI and English units
- Chalkboard can expand to 100 by 100 cells
- Documentation includes step-by-step examples
Watch out
- Parentheses cannot group input operations
- No 3D visuals
- Distribution packages may not be available on a set schedule
Who it suits
FisicaLab suits learners who want to work through problems across its listed physics topics while focusing on the concepts. It may also suit users who prefer SI or English units and a grid-based problem setup.
Verdict
FisicaLab offers a broad set of physics problem modules and tools for setting up calculations and diagrams. Its input fields do not support parentheses for grouping, and package availability can depend on distributions.
Plans and prices
From GNU FisicaLab's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| GNU FisicaLab | Free | Free software under GNU GPL version 3 or later |
The facts
Each one read from GNU FisicaLab's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 3D visuals
- Nochecked 20 Sep 2026
- Authoring tools
- Yeschecked 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.checked 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.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Delivery mode
- desktopchecked 20 Sep 2026
- Developer
- The project page names Germán Arias as the author and developer.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The project provides online documentation and downloadable documentation, including step-by-step examples.checked 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.checked 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.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Input features
- Element data supports scientific notation, conversion factors, arithmetic, and listed functions including trigonometric functions and square root.checked 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.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Lesson library
- Yeschecked 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.checked 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.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Physics topics
- The listed modules cover 2D particle kinematics and circular kinematics, statics and dynamics, calorimetry, ideal gases, expansion, and thermodynamics.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Problem setup
- Users set problems by selecting modules and adding their elements to a chalkboard.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- FisicaLab is an educational application for solving physics problems while leaving the mathematical details to the program.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The fisicalab-discusion mailing list is for user help with using and installing the program; bug-fisicalab is for development discussion, improvement requests, and bug reports.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Units
- The interface supports SI and English unit systems.checked 11 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- 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.checked 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.checked 11 Oct 2026
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