Sensing Motion Demonstration

 

This demonstration is about how motion in the real world translates into a graphical plot.

       
Motion Sensors

Used in Lab:

This equipment is used in labs in Physics 103, 115, 211

Equipment:

  • LoggerPro Box, USB cable, power cable (needed for every LoggerPro experiment)           Location: Demo Rm Shelf W5
  • Motion sensor and cable
  • Photogate and cable
  • Force probe                           

Setup Instructions:

  • Make sure you are the only one logged onto the computer - sensors will not register if more than one person is logged on
  • Plug in the LoggerPro box to power and computer
  • Plug sensor into the LoggerPro box

Apparatus Notes:

Be careful of the cables: The motion sensor has two identical ends, whereas the photogate cable has one phone-jack end.
The motion sensor is most accurate between 0.4-1.5 meters.
The motion sensor senses distance, and derives velocity and acceleration from that with increasing uncertainty.
The force probe can sense pulls as well as pushes.
The force probe cannot exceed 50 Newtons, or it will damage the sensor. If you want to investigate more force, use the LoggerPro Force Plates.
Two force probes may register slightly different forces due to past mishandling.

Safety Information: None.
JHA