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experiment setup
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motion detector
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Preliminary Experiments
1. Take notes how the motion detector has been setup and connected to the computer. The motion detector is connected to a Vernier LabPro interface which is connected into the computer serial or USB port. Specialized software ("Logger Pro") captures the data from sensors like the motion detector and presents the data values as well as graph views. The motion detector will detect even small object within a wide cone over a long distance but not reliably anything closer than about half a meter.
2. Aim the Motion Detector so that it points toward an open space.
3. Prepare the computer for data collection by selecting the 104 Logger Pro reference in the browser favorites. Then in the Logger Pro program select "File" and then "Open" and then "MotionDistance.mbl". This will load the motion experiment into the Logger Pro program for displaying distance and velocity with the motion detector. Notice what is being plotted on the graphs and the scaling being used.
4. With this program now, produce a graph of your motion when you walk away from the detector with constant velocity. To do this, stand about 1 m from the Motion Detector and have your lab partner click the collect
button. Walk slowly away from the Motion Detector when you hear it begin to click.
5. Sketch what the distance vs. time graph will look like if you walk faster. Check your prediction with the Motion Detector.
6. Try to match the shape of the distance
vs. time graphs that you sketched in the Pre
-lab Questions section by walking in front of the Motion Detector.