Product Summary
The PASPORT Motion Sensor is used to measure the position, velocity, and acceleration of a target. The Motion Sensor can be set on a desktop, mounted to a rod stand, or attached to a PASCO Dynamics Track. The ultrasonic, pulse-ranging technology has a switch-selectable Standard Beam or Narrow Beam that rejects false signals for cleaner data collection.
Features
- Measures position, velocity, and acceleration
- False Target Rejection Technology collects clean data
- Switch-selectable short range and long range settings
- Snaps onto PASCO dynamics tracks
- Mounts to rods for easy positioning
- 360° pivoting head
Applications
- Discover the relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration
- Measure the motion of large objects, including students
- Monitor the sinusoidal motion of a mass on a spring
- Study conservation of energy and momentum during collisions
How It Works
An electrostatic transducer in the face of the Motion Sensor transmits a burst of 16 ultrasonic pulses with a frequency of about 49 kHz. The ultrasonic pulses reflect off the target and return to the face of the sensor. The target indicator flashes when the transducer detects an echo. The sensor measures the time between the trigger and echo rising edges, then, it uses this time and the speed of sound to calculate the object's distance. To determine velocity, it uses consecutive position measurements to calculate the rate of change. It similarly determines acceleration by using consecutive velocity measurements.
Product Specifications
| Minimum Range | 0.15 meters |
| Maximum Range | 8 meters |
| Resolution | 1 mm |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 250 Hz |
| Transducer Rotation | 360° |
| Narrow Near/Far Switch Settings | For distances up to 2 meters to reject false target signals or ignore air track noise. |
| Standard Near/Far Switch Settings | For longer distances up to 8 meters. |
| Cable Length | 1.8 meter |
| Mounting Options | Non-skid rubber feet for table mount |
| Maximum Ranges at Higher Sample Rates | 1.72 m (at 100 Hz); 0.86 m (at 200 Hz); 0.69 m (at 250 Hz) |
Data Collection Software
This product requires PASCO software for data collection and analysis. We recommend the following option(s). For more information on which is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison: SPARKvue vs. Capstone »
Interface Required
This product requires a PASCO Interface to connect to your computer or device. We recommend the following option(s). For a breakdown of features, capabilities, and additional options, see our Interface Comparison Guide »
Experiment Library
Perform the following experiments and more with the PASPORT Motion Sensor.
Visit PASCO's Experiment Library to view more activities.
College / Physics
In this lab, students analyze graphs of position and velocity to determine constant velocity and constant acceleration.
Advanced Placement / Physics
In this lab, students use a motion sensor and a dynamics system to demonstrate that linear momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in an elastic collision, and linear momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not conserved...
College / Physics
In this lab, students will study motion relative to a moving reference frame.
High School / Physics
In this lab, students will use motion sensors to represent motion as a change of position in graphical form.
College / Physics
In this lab, students will study the relationship between position, velocity and acceleration of a cart as it moves up and down an inclined track.
High School / Physics
In this lab, students will use motion and force sensors to explore changes in momentum during a collision. Students will determine how that change is related to the impulse associated with the collision.
College / Physics
In this lab, students will explore plots of position and velocity vs. time. The Motion Sensor is used to detect the motion of a person moving back and forth in front of the sensor along a straight line at different speeds. The...
High School / Physics
In this lab, students will use motion sensors to track and graph their motion in real time. Students will get a hands-on introduction to the concept of motion being a change in position.
High School / Physics
In this lab, students will use motion and force sensors to develop an understanding of the work-energy theorem that relates the work done on an object by a net force to the change in the object’s kinetic energy.
High School / Physics
In this lab lab, students will use motion sensors to apply the concepts of relative motion and frames of reference to understanding velocity as a vector quantity in one-dimensional motion.
College / Physics
The motion of an oscillating mass is measured using a Motion Sensor, and graphs are produced of position, velocity and acceleration. The relative phase of each is examined, and compared to theory. Calculations are made for the...
College / Physics
To investigate Newton's Third Law, the forces are examined that are exerted on the two sensors by a connecting string. Also, the external force exerted by hand on an elastic cord is compared to the internal forces created by the...
