Educational data logger

Introduction

  • Dry ice or coolant spray is put into film case and the lid of the film case is put on. When dry ice or coolant heats up the lid blows off
  • Experiment gives an application of forces
  • Pupils need to know about volume changes from liquid to solid to a gas
  • Target age groups - GCSE or A level, 11 to 18

Equipment Required

Experiment Setup

DrDAQ data logger and software
  • Connect the force sensor to the voltage and ground connections using DrDAQ's screw terminals
  • Place the film cartridge on the force sensor and step back. A piece of blutack and a penny coin can be used to give a firm base for the sensor. Blutack can also be used to attach the sensor to the bench.
PicoScope settings
  • Input: voltage
  • Time settings 1 ms/div.
  • Trigger: single, volts, rising 10 mv, -2%

Carrying out the Experiment

  • Put coolant/dry ice into film case
  • Push lid on hard
  • Place film case onto the force sensor and step back sharply
A video clip of the experiment. (approx 1M Byte in size)

Teachers Notes

Take care with the lid when it explodes. You should have a minute before it goes off. Keep all pupils away!

Questions and Discussion of Results

  1. What does area under graph represent?
  2. How would making the surface softer affect the graph?

Results & Answers