Using an iPad to Learn Motion Concepts in Introductory Physics

Tarlok S. Aurora

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

Mobile computing devices such as tablet computers provide an opportunity to record motion of objects with built-in digital video recorders, and to analyze a movie on the device itself. Smartphones can upload a movie to a desktop computer for analysis. This article describes the use of an iPad, Video Analysis and Graphical Analysis apps with examples so that students can learn to explore motion concepts in real life situations; and later share their findings with peers. Examples described here may be used by an instructor in a classroom for purpose of illustration, and to engage students to use their own mobile devices. In the first example described, motion of two balls falling simultaneously was analyzed to show the same rates of fall; and to study kinematics and determine acceleration due to gravity. In the second example, it is shown that circular motion of a ball rolling on a surface, with friction, is equivalent to two harmonic motions in two perpendicular directions, with damping. In the last example, motion of foot of person pushing a cart is described. It is suggested that by using mobile digital recorders with traditional experiments, students may gain deeper insight into kinematics and acquire discipline based knowledge.