A visual learning tool for quantum mechanics. Built by someone who couldn't learn from textbooks
I struggled with chemistry and physics in school. Reading and drawing diagrams did nothing for me. I always believed that if I could see atoms in 3D, actually fly around them and watch them behave, I would have learned faster and remembered more. Universe Sandbox does this for the cosmos. I asked Claude (Anthropic's AI) to help me build something similar at the quantum scale. This is the result. I have no formal education in physics. Just curiosity, stubbornness, and access to good tools.
All 118 elements via a full periodic table selector Electron probability clouds sampled from real quantum wave functions, not decorative spheres Orbital shapes: s (spherical), p (dumbbell), d (cloverleaf), f (multi-lobe) — each reflecting actual angular momentum states Quantum flicker — particles continuously jump to new valid positions, representing the discontinuous nature of quantum transitions Nucleus scaled by the nuclear radius formula r = r₀A^(1/3), with quark substructure visible in light elements A guided tour for first-time visitors A live scale bar calibrated to real atomic units (Ångströms / picometers) Single HTML file — no install, no app, just open in a browser
The nucleus is shown roughly 10,000× larger than physical scale relative to the electron cloud. True scale would make one or the other invisible Neutron counts use a simplified isotope approximation Multi-electron orbital shapes are shown as independent subshells; in reality electron-electron interactions deform them Heavy element (Z > 83) configurations are based on the Aufbau principle with known exceptions noted. Superheavy elements (Z > 104) are theoretical
This is a Tier 1 and 2 prototype. The full vision:
Tier 3 — Particle collider simulator with simplified but scientifically honest Monte Carlo collision outcomes Tier 4 — Full quantum sandbox: place atoms, watch molecules form. H + O + O → water. The geometry emerges from the physics.
Tell me what's wrong. Tell me what's missing. Tell me if something made you feel something. This exists because I believe visual learning is underserved in science education — and because I think there are people who couldn't learn from a textbook who could learn from this.
Quantum Sandbox is part of a growing series of interactive science visualizations designed to make complex systems feel real and explorable. Each sandbox builds on the last.
- Quantum Sandbox live
- DNA Sandbox — live
- EMS Sandbox — live
- Cellular Sandbox — live
- Emergence Sandbox — live
- Neural Transmission Sandbox — live
- Newtonian Sandbox - "Universe Sandbox"
- Einsteinian Sandbox — live
Built with Three.js. Assisted by Claude (Anthropic). All physics data sourced from the Particle Data Group.
— pfil
No License - free to use, share with others and think.