Speed Measurements Using a Strobe Light

Overview

Objectives/Goals If it's possible to measure the speed of an object moving in a linear path with a strobe light, then it's possible measure the speed of an object moving in a circular path. Methods/Materials To study circular motion, a pendulum with a radius of 2.086 meters was constructed in front of a dark sheet with a scale. To study linear motion, a rod was attached to a remote control car. A camera and strobe light were used to measure the motion of the pendulum and of the car. The test was completed 50 times for each. A stopwatch was used for the car and changes in angles for the pendulum. Results were compared to photographs and to formulae acquired through research. Results For linear motion, the difference between the actual speed and the strobe light's photographs had an error of 11.01%; small enough to display the strobe's ability to measure linear speed. For circular motion, the difference between the formula and the photographs at the bottom of the swing had an error of 18.43%; small enough to show the strobe light can measure speed in circular motion when variations are factored in. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis that it is possible to measure linear and angular speed accurately was correct. Not surprisingly because through research, I discovered that the strobe light could measure variables needed to calculate speed. I am pleased with my results because I achieved my goal of displaying my hypothesis.

Awards (1)

• Fourth Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2011 Physics & Astronomy · Entry J1809

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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