Recently, a simple and very low-cost photogate has been shown by Horton1 as an efficient experimentation tool in physics education. The photogate connects to the microphone input of a personal computer, and free software can be used to visualize the light interruptions caused by a moving object such as a pendulum. Although the device works properly, there are further possibilities of improvement and similar alternatives also exist. The following brief review may help teachers to pick the one that best fits their needs and possibilities.
REFERENCES
1.
M.
Horton
, “The $10 photogate
,” Phys. Teach.
48
, 615
(Dec. 2010
).2.
Photoresistor tutorial
, www.instructables.com/id/ Photocell-tutorial/.3.
Phototransistor manufacturer examples
, catalog.osram-os. com/ and www.vishay.com/photo-detectors/.4.
K.
Kopasz
, P.
Makra
, and Z.
Gingl
, “Edaq530: A transparent, open-end and open-source measurement solution in natural science education
,” Eur. J. Phys.
32
, 491
(2011
), arxiv.org/ abs/1009.0432.5.
J.
Wolbeck
, “Instantaneous velocity using photogate timers
,” Phys. Teach.
48
, 262
–263
(April 2010
).© 2011 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2011
American Association of Physics Teachers
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