Feb 5 2014
Adding to its comprehensive collection of data-collection technology for science and STEM education, Vernier Software & Technology introduces new sensors for high school and college-level instruction. The Motion Encoder System, UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Emissions Spectrometer, Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) Sensor, and Potassium Ion-Selective Electrode allow for engaging investigations across multiple science disciplines.
Based on Vernier's original Dynamics System, the Vernier MotionEncoder System is a complete system for studying dynamics. It includes carts, a track, and associated hardware, in addition to a new optical motion encoder to record cart positions. The optical motion encoder consists of a Motion Encoder Cart with a sensor and transmitter, a Motion Encoder Receiver that connects to a student's interface, and a track equipped with a Motion Encoder Strip. These parts work together to allow for unparalleled ease, simplicity, and accuracy in motion measurement.
"The Vernier Motion Encoder System is revolutionizing the way students study dynamics," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and a former physics teacher. "The advancements in the technology allow for the collection of truly clean data that students can use to explore physics in an engaging, hands-on way."
When used for dynamics cart-on-track activities, the Motion Encoder Cart uses an optical sensor, positioned beneath the cart, to sense the passage of the cart over a marked strip on the track. The position information is sent as an encoded IR signal to a receiver at the track's end. By avoiding the possibility of stray sound reflections, the optical-only system provides repeatable and noise-resistant motion data.
Vernier's other new sensors are the UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, which is a portable ultraviolet and visible light spectrophotometer; the Emissions Spectrometer, which allows students to instantly collect emissions spectra from light bulbs, gas discharge tubes, or the sun, and analyze the data on their computer of LabQuest device; the PAR Sensor, which measures photosynthetic light levels in both air and water; and the Potassium Ion-Selective Electrode, which is used to measure the concentration of potassium ions in aqueous solutions.
In addition to these sensors, Vernier also recently launched a family of wireless sensors designed and engineered by Vernier. The first in the family is the Go Wireless Temp, a wireless temperature sensor that can be used with an iOS device.
To learn more about Vernier's new sensors, visit www.vernier.com.
Source: http://www.vernier.com