Low+G+Accelerometer

= Vernier Low-g Accelerometer =

Description:
The purpose of this wiki is to explain how to use the Vernier Low-g accelerometer with either a computer and LoggerLite software, or a LabQuest unit.

Getting Started: Orienting yourself to the Probe.
Take the probe out of its bag, and read over the white sheet that comes with it, this will prove extremely helpful to you. A few highlights from that sheet: whether the device is pointed up or down).
 * This probe works with a variety of tools, the LabQuest, LabQuest Mini, LabPro, Go!Link, EasyLink, SensorDAQ and CBL 2 (All from Vernier).
 * This unit does not need to be calibrated, but you may if you wish.
 * The accelerometer is calibrated to sense gravitation acceleration.
 * The accelerometer measures in Normal force per unit mass.
 * To get a reading of acceleration free from gravity, one simply needs to add or subtract 9.8 from the reading(depending on

Necessary Equipment: Connecting the Probe to a data collection hardware.
1) To connect the accelerometer to a computer, use a [|Go!Link] cable.

2) Connect the white connector at the end of the cable to the white slot on the Go!Link, plug the USB connector into a USB slot on your computer.

3) For a LabQuest, connect the white part directly to a port on the top of the LabQuest.



Using the Tool: How to use the Accelerometer.
It's helpful to toy around with the probe to get a feel for how it works. When the arrow on the side is pointing up, the normal reading will be 9.8 m/s 2. When that arrow is pointing down, the normal reading will be -9.8 m/s 2. With the probe laying flat on a surface, the reading should be 0. Try dropping it from various heights and collecting the data, or turning it in a circle so that the arrow continually changes directions. It can also be attached to things like small cars via the holes on the sides (try using twist-ties).

Data Collection: Starting the collection software/hardware.
1) On your computer, start LoggerLite or LoggerPro, whichever you're using. The program will automatically find the sensor and be ready to collect data. It should look like this with LoggerLite:



2) For the LabQuest, turn it on using the silver power button at the top left corner.

3) The LabQuest will also sense the probe attached, and be ready to collect data. It will show the current acceleration on the screen.

Using the Tool: Start collecting data.
1) On both the Loggerlite and the Labquest, to start collecting data, simply press the play/collect button.For the LabQuest, use the stylus to push the button on the screen, or press the play button just below the screen.

**LoggerLite:**




 * LabQuest: **



The data will appear as it is collected in the form of a graph, on both the LabQuest and LoggerLite there is an option to view the data as a table as well.

On LoggerLite, the table appears beside the graph. On the LabQuest, the second tab at the top is labeled table, and you can click there to view the data as a table.

2) To stop collecting data, simply press the red stop button, it will have replaced the play button.You can now look at your data and analyze it.

3) To save your data, click the File menu in the top left corner of both LoggerLite and the Labquest, the drop down menu will have an option to save. Choose where you want to save the file and click save.

**Suggestions for using the accelerometer:**
 * Measure the acceleration of dynamics cars as a force is applied to them.
 * Mount the accelerometer on a mass hanging from a spring. Start it in simple harmonic motion and monitor the acceleration.
 * Use the accelerometer to measure the tilt of an object, the accelerometer senses the vertical component of gravity only, so it's reading changes as its orientation is changed from horizontal to vertical.
 * Measure the acceleration using the accelerometer as a pendulum.
 * Put the accelerometer under your belt buckle and jump up and down, changing your landing between straight legged, or with bent knees.

Try using the accelerometer in these places:

 * Elevators
 * Amusement park rides
 * Playground equipment, such as slides, swings or merry-go-rounds
 * Remote control toy cars
 * Sky divers or bungee jumpers
 * Cars

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