Abstract
We present the design of a gauge pressure sensor aimed at teaching experimental Physics. This device enables reading the pressure of a gaseous system in comparison to local atmospheric pressure. The sensor consists of a piezoresistive pressure transducer and Arduino development board for digitizing analog readings from the transducer, data processing and digital communication via the USB interface. The pressure sensor provides real time numerical data (Real Time Physics – RTP) for measuring pressure through tables and graphs using the PLX-DAQ data acquisition tool and the Excel spreadsheet. We show the physical and operational characteristics of the MPX4250GP transducer, the general aspects of the Arduino board and we detail the computer programming involved in the entire project. We discuss the performance and limitations of this sensor when compared to a commercial sensor GPS-BTA Vernier brand. The reader can use this device in a practice with illustrative latex balloons arranged in a physical system that can be easily reproduced in an experimental Physics laboratory or even in an ordinary classroom situation. The pressure sensor performance was similar to the commercial sensor GPS-BTA, and it shows promise for the use in Physics teaching practices that seek innovation in the teaching laboratory, the possibility of using the RTP resource with class demonstrations, or the involvement of students in interdisciplinary projects.
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