Free Falling Experiment Controlled by Microcomputer

Abstract

The purpose of this research are to construct and to develop a free falling experiment controlled by microcomputer for observing the acceleration due to gravity of the earth (g). There are two parts for conducting the research. Part 1: Constructing and developing the experimental set. Part 2: Study the satisfaction of Physics specialists. The process of constructing and developing experimental set, the researcher have designed the computer programming by Microcontroller Arduino, invented experimental set and write the controlling program. The invented experimental set is used to test the data. Then, Calculating g value and the bug fixing both for the software and hardware are conducted. Results were the satisfaction of the developed experimental set by 4 Physics specialists.

Based on the experimental set developed, the observed g value was 8.798 m/s². The results of the satisfaction of the experimental set were developed in four aspects. On the general physical aspect, the average score of 4.70 which was very good was obtained. In term of usage, the average score of 4.20 which was good was found. The average score of construction installing and maintenance was 4.34 which was in good level. Also, the appropriateness of the implementation of teaching average score was 4.58 which was very good.