Investigating Wireless Sensor Kit for Horizontal Circular Motion Analysis

Abstract

Circular motion is a challenging topic in physics education, primarily due to the multiple quantities involved, such as linear and angular quantities, as well as Newton's laws of motion. This often leads to confusion among students. In this study, we developed an experimental device for uniform circular motion using an ESP8266 microcontroller, an IR sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope sensor. The device consists of a microcontroller, sensors, battery, and metal block, which are connected to a circular plate. The device wirelessly transmits data to a preferred display device. We investigated the relationship between centripetal acceleration, angular velocity, and the radius of motion. The results revealed a direct variation between centripetal acceleration and both angular velocity and moving radius, consistent with the centripetal acceleration equation. Additionally, this device is cost-effective and provides students with real-time physical data on circular motion, making it a valuable tool for classroom use, thereby enhancing students' educational experience.