CSI : Physics
Students use their experimental data and theoretical calculations to solve a mystery.
Lab Summary
In this experiment, students use their experimental data and theoretical calculations to solve a mystery.
A crime has been committed by a physicist! He/She left four pieces of evidence: a Mini-Launcher, a Resistor, a Spring, and a Tuning Fork. It is your job to find the muzzle velocity of the Mini-Launcher, the resistance of the Resistor, the spring constant of the Spring and the frequency of the Tuning Fork. At the end of the lab, you will compare your data to the dossiers of physicists to figure out who committed the crime.
Published: May 2004
Downloads
- CSI : Physics - PASPORT (843 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures, Excel spreadsheet file and DataStudio files with sample data
- CSI : Physics - ScienceWorkshop (796 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures, Excel spreadsheet file and DataStudio files with sample data
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware (PASPORT System)
PASPORT Voltage-Current Sensor (PS-2115) - $99
Allows students to safely measure voltage and current simultaneously without overloading the sensor. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
PASPORT Force Sensor (PS-2104) - $110
Designed to measure both pulling and pushing forces. Uses range from collisions to tug-of-war. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Probeware (ScienceWorkshop System)
WAVEPORT Software (Single User) (CI-6872D) - $59
WAVEPORT is an interactive soundwave module that enables students to collect, visually display and analyze sound waves. Single User version.
Economy Force Sensor (CI-6746) - $119
Designed to measure both pulling and pushing forces allowing labs from cart collisions to tug-of-war.
Voltage Sensor (CI-6503) - $12
Provides a simple connection between a ScienceWorkshop interface and an electronic circuit.
Current Sensor (CI-6556) - $49
Determines the current through the sensor by measuring the voltage across the internal resistor.
Other Products
Tuning Fork Set (SE-7342) - $79
Both rugged and economical aluminum tuning forks. Includes eight forks representing a full octave of frequencies.
Electronic Components - AC/DC Lab (EM-8668) - $39
Provides students the conceptual tools to further their understanding of electric and magnetic interactions.
Banana Plug Cord Sets, 30 cm Length (SE-7123) - $30
30 cm long cords, with 2 each of red, yellow, blue, and black.
Mini Launcher (ME-6825A) - $179
Launch metal spheres up to 2 m with highly repeatable results.
Small C Clamp (6 Pack) (SE-7286) - $39
This rugged 10 cm clamp is perfect for attaching a variety of objects to a table. Package of 6.
Carbon Paper (100 Sheets) (SE-8693) - $29
Carbon paper is ideal for marking the position of an object as it strikes the floor or any other surface.
Demonstration Spring Set (ME-9866) - $29
Four large springs ideal for Hooke's Law or Conservation of Energy demonstrations.
Other Materials
- Computer Microphone
1 Battery (1.5 V) 1 Voltage/Current Sensor 1 Meter Stick
