SimuLab 4: One-Dimensional Random Walk
Now do the same activity using the computer. Please see the Java Applet Page.
2. Take one step at a time by pressing the Flip button.
3. Now make the computer flip coins automatically using the Go
button.
4. Do the 10-step random walk 10 times (see Figure ).
5. Press Coin Flip to start a new screen, select Less
Graphics under the Options menu, and press Go.
The program will run 100 trials of 10 steps each.
6. When the 100 trials are finished, do a third 10-step random
walk choosing 500 trials, under the Experimental menu and
Less Graphics under Options.
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Why is the random walker important? One reason the random walker
is important is because it mimics the way a molecule moves. We want
to study not only the motion of a single molecule, but also the
motion of many molecules that combine to form the chemical and physical
processes we observe every day. To do this, we need to watch many
walkers at the same time.
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