Design and Development of a Free-Fall Experiment Apparatus Based on a Photodiode Sensor

Abstract

The integration of technology in education, particularly through sensor- and microcontroller-based
experimental tools, has proven effective in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of science
learning. This study aims to design a free-fall motion experiment apparatus utilizing a photodiode
sensor and Arduino Nano to improve time and gravitational acceleration measurements. The
design includes hardware components (electromagnetic ball release, laser, photodiode sensor, and
LCD) and software using the Arduino IDE. Experiments at heights of 0.2 m, 0.4 m, and 0.6 m
yielded average gravitational acceleration values of 9.715 m/s², 9.787 m/s², and 9.819 m/s²,
respectively, close to the theoretical value of 9.8 m/s² with low standard deviations (0.351, 0.323,
0.311) m/s². The sensor’s fast response (0.001 milliseconds) demonstrates the tool’s effectiveness
in minimizing manual error. These findings suggest that integrating a photodiode sensor with an
Arduino Nano can produce an accurate and efficient tool for physics experiments. Further
development, such as automated height adjustment, is recommended to enhance measurement
precision.