Photogate
Product No.: TS2108
Measuring range: 0 ~ ∞s
Resolution: 0.1μs
Introduction:
Photogate is a digital switch sensor. It is designed with infrared transmitter and receiver on both sides. If the receiver receives infrared ray, Photogate will stay at low (open) state. If the infrared ray is blocked, Photogate will stay at high (close) state.
Photogate can be used to measure time period for single event or a series of events. If uses regular light barrier with known size, it can calculates the speed once light barrier blocking it. If uses two Pohotgates or double light barrier, acceleration can be calculated by the same way.
Considering of dynamic system, there are various apparatus such as dynamic system. The design of Photogate has taken consider of fixture and connection. There are 4 M6 threaded holes to allow users to fix it on other device.
Calibration:
Calibration is not required.
Usage:
The usage of Photogate is simple. Connect Photogate to datalogger and datalogger to computer. Open relative software to setup the Photogate. Once it is switched on, the indicator will show you the working status of Photogate. LED will be turned off when infrared ray is blocked. Usually, attach one piece of light barrier on the moving object. Accurately measure the length of light barrier and insert the value to software. Improper measurement will occur error. Thus, mount the Photogate tightly during using. Try to avoid error occurred by hand tremble.
Typical experiment:
Explore the freely-falling body motion
Newton's second law
Pendulum
Theorem of kinetic energy
Theorem of momentum
Verify the conservation of mechanical energy.
Measure rotating speed of rotating object
Explore the centripetal force
Atwood machine
Experimental case:
Uniform accelerated motion
:
- Connect the apparatus as shown above.
- Open the SWR iLab V8.0. Click 'new' to create new experimental template.
- Setup Photogate. Select experiment type: linear motion, method of measurement: independent measurement, quantity to be measured: distance and velocity, light barrier: super pulley. Other quantities are selected by default. Click 'finish'.
- Click 'new' to create new folder.
- Click 'add line' to add 'Motion-Time' coordinate. Set proper experiment time and acquisition interval such as 1min, 100ms.
- Click 'Start' and release the cart.
- Click 'stop' when collecting is completed. Observe and analyze the figure.
- Clear up the apparatus.
Motion-Time, Velocity-Time Curve
Notes:
There are multiple methods of installing Photogate. Install it according to experiment requirement. It should be installed accurately and firmly.
Try to avoid using strong light (sun, lamp) during experiment.
Photogate can be used to measure lots of quantities. Be careful when setup the experiment.
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