BeeSpi Photogate Timer Velocimeter

Simply put, the BeeSpi is a sensor equipped velocity measuring instrument. With the touch of a button, you can accurately measure the speed of small objects passing through the BeeSpi tunnel.

BeeSpi is ideal for use in experimental tests of speed and acceleration in the field of dynamics, and paves the way for digitized measurements of velocity. This fantastic tool also displaces the conventional method of using record timers.

How does it work?

The BeeSpi detects an object passing through two points about 40mm apart via built-in photo sensors and indicates the velocity of the object in digital form. Infrared sensors located in two spots on the inside walls of the unit detect the time when an object passes each spot. As a result, the velocity of the object, calculated from the difference in time, is indicated. In addition to velocity, the BeeSpi can measure lap time and acceleration (using 2 BeeSpi units). Other experiments include horizontal projection, gravitational acceleration, and simple pendulum.

Experiments to conduct with the BeeSpiV:

1. How does the speed of the object change between two sensors?
a. Can you design and experiment to measure this?
2. Assume friction is small and the acceleration is constant, how does the object's speed at the first sensor compare it's speed at the 2nd sensor just a few centimeters away?
a. Does the BeeSpi's measurement of object's speed equal the speed of the object anywhere underneath the sensor? If so, where?
3. Might your answer to 2a affect the design of an experiment? If so, how would you account for this?

Hot Wheels track experiments to try:

1. Set up ramps of equal height but different slopes. Which car is moving faster at the bottom?
2. How does the energy at the top compare to the energy at the bottom?
3. Does friction have any effect on #2? If so, how can you prove this?
4. Does a loop the loop have any effect on #2?
5. How do the kinetic and potential energies of the car compare 1/2 way down the track? How does the total energy at this point compare to the total energy at the top?
6. How does the speed of a rolling ball compare to the speed of a Hot Wheels car at the bottom of the ramp?
7. Same as #5, but for a spherical shell.
8. What is the total energy stored in the rubber band of the car launcher?

Dimensions:

Outside: 6 x 6 x 5 cm, 2.25 x 2.25 x 2 inch (L x W x H)
Inside the Tunnel: 4 x 3 cm, 1.5 x 1.125 inch (W x H)
Weight: 70 g, 2.5 oz.

Measurements are approximate.