A microcontroller-based automation, with graphical user interface, of rectilinear motion-related physics experiments using ultrasonic sensor

• Main Authors: Agbayani, Mikel Lois P., Arce, Miguel Arjie Luis DL., Jorge, Vincent Patrick P., Paguia, Dominic John C., Sy, Andronico Z.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2012
• Subjects: Microcontrollers > Design and construction; Physics > Experiments
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/14826
• Institution: De La Salle University

The purpose of this thesis was to automate physics experiments that are related to the rectilinear motion by using ultrasonic sensors. This was achieved by constructing a microcontroller-based module which controls the ultrasonic sensors and which sends the gathered data to a computer via Universal Serial Bus (USB) - to Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. The gathered data, position, velocity, and/or acceleration is/are plotted versus time in an XY graph that will be seen in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) using the software Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB). The testing of the thesis was conducted by performing several physics experiments related to rectilinear motion, both vertically and horizontally. Some experiments require the use of the Dynamics Cart and the 2.2-meter track system found at the Physics Laboratory while, some experiments only require the participation of the students. The principal conclusion was that performing physics experiments inside the classroom can be improved by automation. Through automation, students are not required to monotonously measure data. In effect, this enables them to focus more on the theory and concepts of the experiment. Moreover, this thesis provides a cheaper yet effective alternative to expensive PASCO products that only a few universities such as De La Salle University can afford. As a result, this thesis breaks the social cleavage between the privileged and under-privileged schools and universities. This thesis serves as a catalyst in automating other physics experiments that are of different nature by providing cheaper yet efficient solutions.