Force & Acceleration Sensors
Force and acceleration sensors are devices that measure force properties and other aspects of motion. You can apply these sensors while investigating phenomena in fields like physics, engineering, and physical sciences.
Force and acceleration sensors are used to study position, pulling forces, pushing forces, acceleration, angular velocity, impulse, momentum, and more. In dynamics labs, these sensors are effective for testing stress on structure beams and recording harmonic frequencies.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of our available force sensors, platforms, and load cells:
- Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor
- Wireless Force Platform
- Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer
- Comparison Tables
How do the Force and Acceleration Sensors Work?
A simple scale you encounter in a grocery store uses a spring to measure the force exerted on objects by gravity. Based on the sensor and the situation, sensors employ a number of methods to determine forces and accelerations. For instance, our wired load cells utilize strain gauges, which are thin sheets with metal foil woven in a zigzag pattern. The shape stretches when pulled and compresses when pushed. This process converts forces into changes in electrical resistance, which can be interpreted as output signals and recorded digitally by our software.
Common Applications for Force and Acceleration Sensors
- Newton’s Second Law
- Earthquake Simulations
- Static Equilibrium
- Rotational Velocity
- Centripetal Force on a Pendulum
- Work and Kinetic Energy
- Conservation of Matter
- Conservation of Momentum
Graph the oscillating pattern of a mass on a spring in a Harmonic motion experiment.
Measure the forces acting on different beams in a truss bridge.
Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor
The Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor (PS-3202) simultaneously measures force, acceleration, and rotational velocity without the extra step of connecting an interface.
This sensor is ideal for experiments involving rotating platforms, moving carts, spring oscillations, collisions, and impulse. The wireless design offers improved measurement accuracy by eliminating cords that affect data collection. Students can use the finger-holes for handheld applications, or mount it onto a cart or rod for more complex experiments.
This product can connect to your computer or device via USB or via Bluetooth 4.0. No interface required. It is compatible with any device that runs PASCO software, including Mac®, Windows®, Chromebook™, smartphones, iPad®, and Android™ tablets. To make a measurement, students simply open either PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue software, pair the device, and start collecting data.
When comparing Force Sensors, PASCO currently offers four types:
- Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor (described above)
- PASPORT High Resolution Force Sensor
- PASPORT Force Sensor
- ScienceWorkshop Force Sensor
Jump to the tables to compare specifications like range, resolution, sample rates, and more.
Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor Features
- Wirelessly streams data to any device running PASCO software for real-time insights.
- Logs measurements to the onboard memory for long-term data collection.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
- Force Range: ±50 N
- Force Resolution: 0.03 N
- Force Max. Sampling Rate: 1000 Hz
- Force Accuracy: 0.1 N
- Acceleration Range: ±16 g
- Acceleration Max. Sampling Rate: 500 Hz
- Angular Rotation Rate Range: up to ±2000 degrees per second
- Gyro Sensor Max sampling rate: 500 Hz
- Battery Life (Data Collection Mode): >38 hours (about 1 week normal classroom use)
- Battery Life (Data Logging Mode): 1.5 days
- Battery Type: Rechargeable lithium-polymer
Watch the video below for an overview:
Get the Lab
Investigations with the Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor
Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of studies to do with your class.Software Required
The Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor requires either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software for data collection and analysis. For more information on which software is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison Guide.
Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor Compatible Accessories
The Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor needs to be plugged into a charger upon arrival before use. It can connect directly to your computer or device using Bluetooth. No interface is required. Use it in collaboration with the following PASCO products:
Storage Tray for Wireless Force Sensor
Make storage and inventory of your Wireless Force Acceleration Sensors simple and efficient.
Friction Block
Replacement friction block for the Introductory Dynamics Systems (ME-9429A, ME-9452).
Discover Friction Accessory
Four plastic trays with unique surfaces (cork, felt, and 2 plastic) to use with dynamics carts and sensors.
Force Sensor Track Bracket
For use in collision studies using PASCO carts and tracks. Mounts force sensors and includes accessories for investigating...
Wireless Sensor Charging Station
Charge all types of PASCO wireless sensors.
Bumper Accessory Set
Bumpers for use with any Force Sensor to perform both elastic and inelastic collisions.
Wireless Force Platform
The Wireless Force Platform (PS-3229), built on the success of our older wired PASPORT Force Platform (PS-2141), offers users the same reliable performance with enhanced durability and a convenient, wireless connection. The Wireless Force Platform measures forces applied to the platform in one dimension and connects to your devices via Bluetooth. The new design features a sturdy, glass-filled nylon platform and four supporting force beams that measure the forces acting normal to the platform's surface. Along the bottom of the platform are four adjustable feet that make leveling quick and easy, while also ensuring stability between the force beams and the surface below. Students can measure the force applied to each beam independently or the overall resultant force acting on the surface of the platform. With its new wireless design, the Wireless Force Platform is easier to use than ever, providing both flexibility and custom sample rates for high speed sampling over Bluetooth Low Energy (up to 10 kHz).
Applications include determining the static weight of a structure or person, measuring forces associated with the impacts of falling objects, and determining the dynamic vertical and parallel forces that arise when moving or jumping. Simply place the platform on a floor or tabletop to measure vertical force, or mount it to a wall to measure horizontal force.
When comparing Force Platforms, PASCO currently offers four types:
- Wireless Force Platform (described above)
- Wireless 2-Axis Force Platform
- PASPORT Force Platform
- PASPORT 2-Axis Force Platform
Jump to the tables to compare specifications like platform size, range, resolution, sample rates, and more.
Wireless Force Platform Features
- Wirelessly streams data to any device running PASCO software for real-time insights.
- Logs measurements to the onboard memory for long-term data collection
- Range: -1320 N to 5280 N (resultant)
- Surface Dimensions: 35 cm × 35 cm
- Height: 7.1 cm
- Max Sample Rate: 10 kHz
- Resolution: 0.2 N
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
- Force Over-Limit Protection: -500 N to 2000 N per vertical beam
Watch the video below for an overview:
Get the Lab
Investigations with the Wireless Force Platform
Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of studies to do with your class.Software Required
The Wireless Force Platform requires either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software for data collection and analysis. For more information on which software is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison Guide.
Wireless Force Platform Compatible Accessories
Handle Set, Force Platform
Allows handles to be bolted to either side or both sides of a force platform.
Force Platform Structure Bracket
Attach to a Force Platform and the Structures System in order to measure tension and compression.
Bounce/No Bounce Ball Set (3 Pack)
These two black spheres look and feel identical, but drop them side by side and students will notice a big difference in...
Large Structures Set
With all the components in the Advanced Structures Set, plus additional parts, this system allows for even bigger structures.
Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer
The Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer (PS-3216) is designed to measure loads in PASCO's Structures System. It is particularly useful for measuring vibrations because it includes an accelerometer and has no wires to impede movement.
This sensor improves upon our older wired PASPORT 100 N (PS-2200) and 5 N (PS-2201) load cells, providing the same functionality, with the added convenience of options between direct USB or Bluetooth connection. It is compatible with any device that runs PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue software, including Mac®, Windows®, Chromebook™, smartphones, iPad®, and Android™ tablets. To start collecting data, students simply connect the sensor via USB to an interface or pair the device via Bluetooth and connect to PASCO software.
With the Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer, students can easily measure tension and compression forces in PASCO Structures while also providing acceleration data for all three dimensions plus the resultant. It is also included in the Building Better Bridges Kit.
When comparing Load Cells, PASCO currently offers three types:
- Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer (described above)
- PASPORT 100 N Load Cell
- PASPORT 5 N Load Cell
- Wirelessly streams data to any device running PASCO software for real-time insights.
- Logs measurements to the onboard memory for long-term data collection
- Load Cell Range: ±50 N
- Load Cell Resolution: 0.03 N
- Load Cell Accuracy: 0.1 N
- Load Cell Max Sample Rate: 2 kHz
- Acceleration Range: ±16 g (three-axis)
- Acceleration Max Sample Rate: 500 Hz
- Connectivity: Direct USB or Bluetooth 4.0
- Battery Life (Data Collection Mode): >40 hours
- Battery Life (Data Logging Mode): Yes, time depends on sample rate
- Stored Data POints Memory (Logging): >20,000
- Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer
- Force Resolution: 0.03 N
- Force Max. Sample Rate: 1 kHz
- Acceleration Range: ±16 g
- Bluetooth 4.0 or USB connectivity
- Static and kinetic friction coefficients
- Centripetal acceleration
- Newton's Second Law
- Acceleration and crash cushions
- ✓ Any PASPORT interface
- ✓ 550
- ✓ 850
- Best Force Resolution at 0.002 N
- Force Max Sample Rate: 2 kHz with 550/850 Interfaces
- Hooke’s Law
- Newton’s Third Law
- Force balance stand for measuring mass
- Buoyant force
- ✓ Any PASPORT interface
- ✓ 550
- ✓ 850
- Force Resolution: 0.03 N
- Higher Max Sample Rate at 5 kHz on 550/850 Interfaces
- Centripetal force acting on a rotating object
- Swinging pendulum
- Newton's Third Law
- Static equilibrium
- ✓ 550
- ✓ 850
- ✓ Legacy 500/750 ScienceWorkshop Interfaces
- Force Resolution: 0.03 N
- Best Max Sample Rate at 10 MHz on 550/850 Interfaces
- Extra strain gauges cancel side-loads
- 8-pin DIN plug Mounts on standard 12.7 mm support rods
- Oscillating mass
- Elastic and inelastic collisions
- Swinging pendulum
- Bluetooth 4.0 or USB connectivity
- Force Range (-1320 N to 5280 N) in one direction
- Force Over-Limit Protection: -500 N to 2000 N per beam
- Max Sample Rate: 10 kHz
- Wide surface for jumping, standing, and walking
- Measure impulse and maximum force
- Measure the normal (vertical) force acting on a person riding an elevator
- Use two Force Platforms to investigate Newton’s Third Law
- Bluetooth 4.0 or USB connectivity
- Force Range (-1320 N to 5280 N) in two directions
- Force Over-Limit Protection: -500 N to 2000 N per vertical beam; ±2,000 N parallel beam
- Maximum Sample Rate: 10 kHz
- Measure sideways force during a broad jump
- Measure normal and parallel forces on a wall as a ladder leans against the wall
- Measure the normal and parallel forces as a person walks or runs across the platform
- Pull an object across the platform and measure the normal and frictional forces
- ✓ Any PASPORT interface
- ✓ 550
- ✓ 850
- Force Range (-1100 N to 4400 N) in one direction
- Max Sample Rate: 1 kHz (2 kHz with the 850 Interface)
- Good for measuring hang time when a person jumps
- Good for finding quality of balance for subject
- ✓ Any PASPORT interface
- ✓ 550
- ✓ 850
- Force Range (-1100 N to 4400 N) in two directions
- Max Sample Rate: 1 kHz (2 kHz with the 850 Interface)
- Excellent for measuring human walking
- Good for finding quality of balance for subject
- Bluetooth 4.0 or USB connectivity
- Measures force up to ±50 N and acceleration up to ±16 g
- For measuring loads in bridges or other structures made with PASCO Structures System
- Measure vibrations with the accelerometer that has no wires to impede movement
- ✓ Any PASPORT interface
- ✓ 550
- ✓ 850
- Range: ±100 N
- Accuracy: ±1% (±1 N)
- Resolution: 0.02 N
- Safe Overload: ±150 N
- Requires PS-2198 Six Load Cell Amplifier or PS-2206 Dual Load Cell Amplifier
- For measuring loads in bridges or other structures made with PASCO Structures System
- ✓ Any PASPORT interface
- ✓ 550
- ✓ 850
- Range: ±5 N
- Accuracy: ±1% (±0.05 N)
- Resolution: 0.001 N
- Safe Overload: ±7.5 N
- Requires PS-2198 Six Load Cell Amplifier or PS-2206 Dual Load Cell Amplifier
- For measuring loads in bridges or other structures made with PASCO Structures System
Jump to the tables to compare specifications like range, resolution, accuracy, sample rates, and more.
Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer Features
Get the Lab
Investigations with the Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer
Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of studies to do with your class.Software Required
The Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer requires either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software for data collection and analysis. For more information on which software is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison Guide.
Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer Compatible Accessories
The Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer should be plugged into a charger before use. It can connect directly to your computer or device using Bluetooth. No interface is required. Use it in collaboration with the following PASCO products:
Building Better Bridges Kit
Teach engineering concepts through bridge and truss construction with this complete engineering kit. With a Wireless Load...
Load Cell and Amplifier Set
The Load Cell and Amplifier Set measures forces at any location within a PASCO Structures System. It includes a 6-port Amplifier...
Truss Set
Easily assemble the I-Beams into a variety of different trusses and structures.
Hooked Mass Set
A rugged cast-iron mass set that is coated with enamel.
Comparison Tables
Force sensors are a classic component of any physics lab and provide students with a chance to visualize motion in real-time. We have spent decades developing innovative force sensors and load cells that continue to push the boundaries of motion experiments. The following table compares connectivity, features, and applications for our ScienceWorkshop, PASPORT, and Wireless Force Sensors, as well as our load cells.
| Sensor | Interface | Features | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Force Acceleration Sensor | ✗ No Interface Required |
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| PASPORT High Resolution Force Sensor |
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| PASPORT Force Sensor |
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| ScienceWorkshop Force Sensor |
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Force Platforms
| Sensor | Interface | Features | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Force Platform | ✗ No Interface Required |
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| Wireless 2-Axis Force Platform | ✗ No Interface Required |
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| PASPORT Force Platform |
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| PASPORT 2-Axis Force Platform |
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Load Cells
| Sensor | Interface | Features | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Load Cell and Accelerometer | ✗ No Interface Required |
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| PASPORT 100 N Load Cell |
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| PASPORT 5 N Load Cell |
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Related Product Bundles
Explore bundles that pair force sensors with other PASCO products for your physics and engineering labs!
Wireless Sensor Starter Bundle
This bundle contains all four of our new wireless sensors at a very affordable price. Measure Temperature, Force, Acceleration, pH and Pressure either individually or simultaneously.
Bridge Set
Contains the materials needed to build larger trusses and bridges, as well as a flexible Road Bed and Car for studying dynamic loading as the car traverses the bridge.
Building Better Bridges Kit
Teach engineering concepts through bridge and truss construction with this complete engineering kit. With a Wireless Load Cell and I-beams that function like real I-beams, this kit guides students from basic ideas about force to understanding how bridges are constructed.
PEER Physics Gravitation Kit
This kit includes materials to teach the activities in the Gravitation chapter of the PEER Physics curriculum.
Additional Resources
If you have additional questions regarding our equipment or software, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.