Using the Sound Card as a Timer

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how a computer's sound card can be used as a precise timer for physics experiments, offering a simple and accurate alternative to traditional timing methods like photogates.

Contribution

It introduces a method to measure time intervals in mechanics experiments using digital audio recordings via the sound card, showcasing its application in sports physics.

Findings

Sound card timing accuracy is comparable to photogate timers

Audio recordings can effectively measure the speed of a kicked soccer ball

The method simplifies experimental setups in physics labs

Abstract

Experiments in mechanics can often be timed by the sounds they produce. In such cases, digital audio recordings provide a simple way of measuring time intervals with an accuracy comparable to that of photogate timers. We illustrate this with an experiment in the physics of sports: to measure the speed of a hard-kicked soccer ball.