Enhancing Sensors to Detect Chemicals
Enhancing Sensors to Detect Chemicals with Magnets!
Updates and Feature Requests
Users of the iOS version of Physics Toolbox might haven noticed a few new changes recently: the inclusion of Multi-Sensor Recording and a new Light Meter* mode.
*Please note, given Apple's limitations in providing direct light meter data to developers, the iOS light meter uses the camera. As such, measurements are approximate and best used for relative measurements. Relative measurements might be further enhanced by placing a semi-opaque material, such as baking/parchment paper, over the camera lens, to better achieve the average light intensity. (Thanks to Dr. Carl Wenning for this recommendation!)
In the News
Smart Hydrogels for Smartphone Compass-Based Chemical Sensing
When particular chemicals comes into contact with a magnet-embedded pH hydrogel actuator, the smartphone senses a change in magnetic field.
Design and Implementation of an Indoor Localization System
Mapping indoor motion continues to be a major challenge, but WiFi and smartphone sensors are making this easier.
Reliability of a Dynamic Balance Test with a Mobile Application
Athletes in training and individuals overcoming mobility issues often use balance boards for strengthening and assessment. Accelerometer data is a reliable source to quantify these data.
Characterisation of Sedentary Lifestyle in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Physics Toolbox is frequently used to determine biomechanical function (e.g., walking vs. running), but this is the first study we've seen as a tool to measure overall activity and its health implications.
Damping Coefficients by Experiments and the Application to Transient FE Analysis of Cable Trays
Understanding damping in structures is critical for engineers, and smartphones can reliably help to model damping of different materials.
In the Classroom
G-Forces During Takeoff
This video of an airplane takeoff with superimposed g-force data would be great to share with students when teaching about force diagrams!
Systematic Literature Review of Physics Experiments Using Smartphone Sensors
What are the trends in professional publications about smartphone sensors? This Korean-language article reviews 86 studies.
A Very Low-Current Electromagnetic Induction Experiment Enhanced by Acoustic Means
Learn to make a safe and inexpensive setup to display and study electromagnetic induction!
How Cardboard Gravity-Powered Ramp Walker Really Works
This article demonstrates an analysis of the physics of an easy-to-make walking toy.
Compensating Smartphone Accelerometers for More Precise Classroom Experiments
Error analysis is an important research skill. This article explores ways to account for inherent error in accelerometer measurements.
A Classroom Visit
We visited our daughter's 8th grade classroom in January with Physics Toolbox LiDAR Motion Visualizer as part of a "Walk in Our Shoes" day. Enjoy some photos!
Have Physics Toolbox Apps been useful to you? We'd love to get your feedback on this quick 5-minute survey.
Have a great story to share about how you are using Physics Toolbox Apps? We'd love to feature you and your ideas in our newsletter or on our website! Drop us a message at any time to share your story.
Previous Newsletter Editions
