Kinematic measurements using an infrared sensor

TL;DR

This paper explores using an infrared sensor with microcontroller integration for kinematic measurements, offering a versatile and educational tool that improves upon ultrasound devices for tracking motion in physics experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel setup utilizing infrared sensors and microcontrollers for kinematic measurements, enhancing educational experiments and demonstrating practical application with a mass-spring system.

Findings

Infrared sensors provide good sensitivity within 4-30 cm range.

The setup enables students to learn about different forces and motions.

Prototype successfully records mass-spring system kinematics.

Abstract

The use of an infrared sensor as a new alternative to measure position as a function of time in kinematic experiments was investigated using a microcontroller as data acquisition and control device. These are versatile sensors that offer advantages over the typical ultrasound devices. The setup described in this paper enables students to develop their own experiments promoting opportunities for learning physical concepts such as the different types of forces that can act on a body (gravitational, elastic, drag, etc.) and the resulting types of movements with good sensitivity within the $\rm 4-30~cm$ range. As proof of concept we also present the application of a prototype designed to record the kinematics of mass-spring systems.