This paper describes a computer-based physics laboratory apparatus to replace expensive instruments such as high-precision signal generators. This apparatus uses a sound card in a common personal computer to give sinusoidal signals with an accurate frequency that can be programmed to give different frequency signals repeatedly. An experiment on standing waves on an oscillating string uses this apparatus. In conjunction with interactive lab manuals, which have been developed using personal computers in our university, we achieve a complete set of low-cost, accurate, and easy-to-use equipment for teaching a physics laboratory.
REFERENCES
1.
C. D.
Spencer
, “A capable voltage logger for the PCI bus
,” Am. J. Phys.
68
(10
), 966
–968
(2000
).2.
T. Thanakittivirun, S. Wattanakaroon, and D. Wheeler, “Springs, Strings and Interfacing: Precision Measurements in the Student Laboratory,” The Third Europian Conference on Physics Teaching in Engineering Education, Leuven, Belgium, June 2002.
3.
T. J.
Bensky
and S. E.
Frey
, “Computer sound card assisted measurements of the acoustic Doppler effect for accelerated and unaccelerated sound sources
,” Am. J. Phys.
69
(12
), 1231
–1236
(2001
).
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2005 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2005
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
