TL;DR
This paper reviews low-cost photogate variants that connect to computer microphone inputs, highlighting improvements and alternatives for physics education experiments.
Contribution
It provides an overview of affordable photogate designs and discusses their suitability for educational use, aiding teachers in selecting appropriate options.
Findings
Photogates can be built for under $10.
Multiple variants offer different features and ease of use.
The devices effectively measure light interruptions in experiments.
Abstract
Recently, a simple and very low-cost photogate has been shown by Horton (Phys. Teach. 48, 615, December 2010) as an efficient experimentation tool in physics education. The photogate connects to the microphone input of a personal computer and a free software can be used to visualize the light interruptions caused by a moving object like 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.
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