Education and Manpower Bureau
Using Datalogger in the Teaching of Physics

 
 






Studying Ohm's Law

Experiment Profile:

1. Background

Batteries or electrical cells are made using a range of different substances. There are zinc dry-cells, alkaline cells and lead-acid accumulators. When you use them, they become exhausted at different rates. Therefore choosing the right type of battery for a job is very important.

In this investigation, we will measure the voltage of a cell over a period of time and until it becomes exhausted. A voltage sensor connected to a datalogger can help us take the readings against time.

2. Equipment List
  Datalogger interface
  Electrical cells
  Lamp
  Switch
  Voltage sensor
 


Procedure.

1. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 1. Ensure the battery is disconnected at this stage

2. Connect the sensor to a socket on the interface.

3. Start the sensing software. Ensure the system recognises the voltage sensor.

4. Connect the battery and start to record the voltage using the data-logging system until the battery is exhausted.

5. Repeat the data collection with different types of batteries.


Analysis:

1. How does the graph show the decay of the battery?

2. Which battery keeps a high voltage the longest?

3. How do different batteries decay with time?

4. What uses would you recommend for these types of batteries?

5. Does warming the battery help it recover?

 



Extensive:
What discoveries are there to be made about the choice of batteries?

How do Metal Hydride batteries compare with Nickel-Cadmium batteries?

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Video Download:

Acknowledgements
We are particularly grateful to Raimondi College for their help in the production of this video.
 
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