Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1874

Question

How do you use Bar Tape (order code TAPE)?

Answer

People use the bar tape in several different ways:

The easiest way is to use Photogate Bar Tape Kit, order code TAPE-VPG, $17.00 which includes an attachment for the photogate.

Or, you can cut the tape in sections and attach it to transparent material, like plastic. They you can mount the tape on moving cars or carts to study their motion. Position the photogate so that it goes through the photogate beam as the cart or car moves.

Another, similar, use is to cut the tape in sections about 15 cm long and attach it to transparent material, like plastic, to make a miniature "picket fence". You can then drop this clear plastic pies through a photogate to study free fall.

Another way is to use 1/2-inch PVC pipe, cut a slit in it and let the tape go through it, using the PVC as a sort of guide. Position the PVC pipe so that it causes the tape to move through the beam of the photogate.

The piece of paper that is included with the Bar Tape suggest using the bar tape as an alternative to the old-fashioned ticker tape and suggests building a special miniature photogate out of a plastic film canister to do the timing. Since you have the photogates, this assembly is not necessary, but you could use something like the film canister to make a guide to make sure the bar tape goes through the photogate at the right position.

Created by: dvernier on September 08 2008
Last updated by: gastineau on November 04 2009