Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #681

Question

Can you tell me the difference between the Dual Range Force Sensor and the Student Force Sensor?

Answer

The Dual-Range Force Sensor is the newer, better, less expensive replacement for the older Student Force Sensor. The Dual-Range Force Sensor is designed to easily connect to a ringstand or a dynamics cart. In addition, it also has a broader range of forces that can be measured. The Student Force Sensor can also be connected to a dynamics cart, but only with the help of an additional adapter. The two sensors also are phyically much different in appearance and how they function. The only reasons to purchase the Student Force Sensor instead of the Dual-Range Force Sensor at this time are:

- If you have many of the Student Force Sensors and you need a replacement, but wish to keep all the same types of force sensors.

OR

- If it is important to you to have the force sensor match an old book that was written with a Student Force Sensor in it. (Check to make sure that there is not an update to the lab or a new version of the book before you purchase for this reason.)

Created by: dvernier on June 26 2000
Last updated by: gstahmer on August 17 2005