Use of Tracker software for teaching distance physics laboratories: Demonstration of error reduction in the simple pendulum

TL;DR

This paper evaluates three methods, including Tracker software, for measuring gravity using a simple pendulum to improve remote physics education by reducing measurement errors and enhancing practical understanding.

Contribution

It demonstrates that Tracker software provides higher precision in pendulum measurements, improving remote physics laboratory teaching.

Findings

Tracker software yields more accurate gravity measurements.

Using Tracker enhances remote physics experiment accuracy.

Pendulum-based methods are effective for distance education.

Abstract

This study focuses on evaluating three methods used to determine the theoretical gravity in the city of Cusco and their importance in distance education. The first method is based on Newton's law of universal gravitation, obtaining a theoretical gravity value of 9.7836 m/s^2. The second method employs a simple pendulum, which provides an estimation close to the theoretical value. The third method uses the Tracker software to analyze the pendulum's motion, offering higher precision in measurements. The significance of this research in distance education lies in the need for effective tools and strategies to teach practical subjects like physics. Both the simple pendulum and Tracker software provide viable solutions for conducting experiments and data analysis remotely. These tools allow students to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge, develop measurement and data analysis skills to promote more meaningful learning.