Today's smartphones are getting more sensors than ever as factory-installed accessories. The time when a luxury mobile phone had only vertical and GPS sensors is gone. New smartphones come equipped with multiple sensors for many physical parameters. Smartphones are becoming portable physics laboratory data loggers for a variety of measurements in mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. All sorts of possibilities are now open, provided their sensors are calibrated. Many examples using the sensors available in smartphones have been presented, mostly in this column and a few other publications, such as acceleration sensors,1–3 microphones,4,5 camera,6–8 and light sensors.9,10
In order to measure the mass of an object in the absence of gravity, one useful tool for many decades has been the inertial balance. One of the simplest forms of inertial balance is made by two mass holders or pans joined together with two stiff metal plates, which act as springs.
Physics Studio teaching was recently introduced at an international and multicultural academic program of a U.S. university in Panama. The results of introducing and implementing studio-style teaching on the conceptual understanding of calculus-based introductory physics have been measured by comparing before and during studio implementation. The research was carried on over the last five years in different semesters. The measurement tool was the Force Concept Inventory. The initial learning stage of the incoming diverse students has been found to be at a significantly lower level than generally reported in the U.S. The normalized gain in conceptual understanding was significantly larger than in the former traditional system, and has become consistent in the last semesters. Multicultural aspects that may affect the entry level and performance enhancement are discussed.
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