Physics Education:Oscilloscope Probe



Computer based Oscilloscopes represent another great application of computers to science technology. They fall into two categories –

1. USB and
2. sound card

USB Oscilloscopes use electronics to connect to the USB of the computer and then software to control and acquire data. An example is the Pasco 850 interface and Capstone software. It has a frequency Range: 0.001 Hz to 500 kHz; 1 mHz resolution and amplitude Range: ±10 V. For more information about Capstone go to

http://www.microscope-shop.com.au/catalogue/html/search.aspx?Model=capstone

Physics Education:A data logger based “ticker timer"

Position vs time graphs, and velocity vs time graphs. (A data logger based “ticker timer”.)

The following is a great example of using a data logger to improve upon an experiment which has used conventional equipment (ticker timer) in the past.  The data logger improves upon the accuracy and also the duration of the experiment, without effecting the educational experience.

This experiment was conducted using the Ezilog USB data logger.

Physics Education Electromagnetism: Faraday’s Law

Traditionally physics teachers have illustrated electromagnetic induction by moving a magnet inside an electric coil and connecting the coil to a sensitive ammeter, or galvanometer.  The experiment that follows improves upon this demonstration by using a data logger to capture the induced EMF and determining the relationship between the rate of change of magnetic flux and the induced EMF.

This experiment was conducted using the Ezilog USB data logger.

Digital Eyepieces and Colour

Digital Eyepieces and Colour

A common question relating to image quality with digital eyepieces is colour distortion.  To correct colour effects with the digital eyepieces you need to adjust the White Balance.

Microscopes are now using LED Lighting

Microscopes are now using LED Lighting

LED lighting on traditional microscopes has a number of advantages. In general LEDs outlast tungsten globes. The effect of tungsten filament heating is not a design issue with LEDs. LEDs are powered from low voltage DC sources so do not require the same power output. As they can be powered by battery microscopes using LEDs can be used as a field instrument. An example of a dual LED light source monocular microscope is shown below.

The Logical Interface (TLI) wins Queensland Schools Tender

On 6 August 2012, we were announced as the successful tenderer for supply of digital microscopes and training to Queensland primary and secondary schools.  While we have long been a key player in secondary and tertiary education, this signals a stronger focus for us on science education in primary schools.