Two different experiments with the rope-attached sphere by using Arduino

Abstract

Arduino microcontrollers are electronic devices that can be used in physics experiments, and they are both affordable and readily available in comparison to other experimental sets. Students in high school and college can acquire valuable skills through the usage of Arduino in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education applications. In this study, two different physics experiments were conducted with a single, easy to develop, experimental setup by using Arduino, a force sensor and a rope-attached metallic sphere. First experiment, involved several analyses such as period, rope tension, and energy conservation during simple harmonic motion. In the second experiment, the metal ball was released from the rope’s connecting point, and the impulse acting on it between the times it was released and when it returned to equilibrium was measured. Analyses performed are in very precise force and time intervals and the results of all analyses are consistent with the theoretical values. Educational activities in this direction can both create maximum gains for students in STEM fields in limited education periods and contribute to equality of opportunity in education due to its economic nature.