Vernier introduction

A number of the Physics labs will be using the Vernier digital interface, LabPro, with its related software, LoggerPro. The LabPro interface box is a smart device that connects to a computer through either a serial or usb connection. A variety of measurement probes (such as for measuring distance, force, acceleration, light intensity) are available for the LabPro. LoggerPro software communicates with LabPro to do tasks such as taking measurements from a connected probe.

Ceiling height measurement

As an introduction to the Vernier equipment, you will measure the distance to the ceiling using a motion sensor

The Favourites menu of your Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser will have a direct link to the software set for the experiment at hand (ceiling height in this case). Locate and click the link to run LoggerPro for measuring the ceiling distance.  If the favourites are not loaded in Internet Explorer you can open the program LoggerPro from the desktop icon.

The sensor attached to the LoggerPro interface box is a Motion Detector. The sensor puts out a pulse of sound and through noting the time of the sound pulse reflection determines the distance to an object. The sensor will notice the closest object in a 30 degree cone. The software is setup to, when collect is pressed, record and graphically present the distance that the sensor notices.

Record in your notes the experiment setup. Include information of equipment and software (make, model and version numbers) that is used and how it is connected. If you do not know the technical term of some component, then use description that someone else would recognize.

Test that the equipment is working by pressing the collect software button. Try moving your hand above the detector while it is running. Then record a measurement (what the software shows) of the bench to ceiling height distance is used in the ceiling height experiment.

Don't forget to go back and finish your Summary!