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Unit: Effects

Introduction to particle systems

Explore how water, fire and smoke effects are created using millions of tiny particles.

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The physics of particle systems

How do computers draw particle systems for us? In this lesson, you will explore the physics behind the scenes that makes it all work.

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About this unit

Pixar effects artists create explosions, fire, and water by breaking them down into millions of tiny particles and controlling them using computer programming. In this lesson, you’ll use basic physics to create mini-special effects like flowing water and exploding fireworks.