The development and deployment of a complete photogate system (hardware + software) to be used in physics learning laboratories is described. Different approaches found in the literature are conjugated in a configuration that offers good time resolution ( ms), high number of independent optical gates (up to six channels), high sensibility (digital-analog conversion up to 10 bits), low cost (open or free hardware and software) and easy assembly. The system was probed for three classic physics learning experiments: (i) inclined plane, (ii) viscosimeter and (iii) simple pendulum. We believe that the described tools can help to improve the learning physics laboratories autonomy and infrastructure, engaging stronger project designs with quality and versatility as good as the commercial options.
Keywords:
photogates; arduino; digital tools; learning laboratories
