The Smart Cart is the ultimate tool for your physics lab and includes built-in sensors for measuring force, position, velocity, three axes of acceleration, and three axes of rotational velocity. Patent No. 10481173
- 1x Hook
- 1x Rubber bumper
- 1x Magnetic bumper
- 1x USB cable for charging
See the Buying Guide for this item's required, recommended, and additional accessories.
Product Summary
The patented Smart Cart is the ultimate tool for studying kinematics, dynamics, Newton’s Laws, and more. It is based on a durable ABS body with nearly frictionless wheels, just like our high quality PAScars. Now, we’ve added built-in sensors that measure force, position, velocity, and acceleration. The versatile Smart Cart can collect measurements on or off a track and transmit the data wirelessly over Bluetooth. In essence, it is a wireless dynamics cart that combines all the necessary sensors, without requiring any additional hardware.
Smart Carts are ideal for studying mechanics topics, such as kinematics and dynamics. The built-in load cells enable two Smart Carts to visually demonstrate Newton’s Third Law with ease. Additionally, built-in sensors for force and acceleration enable students to investigate Newton’s Second Law in minutes. Smart Carts truly are a physics lab on wheels, and now you can own the most advanced physics cart ever created, all without the restrictions of cables.
Features
- Built-in ±100 N force sensor
- 3-axis accelerometer
- 3-axis rotational velocity sensor
- Bluetooth® connectivity
- Rechargeable battery
- Motion encoder measures position and velocity on or off the track
- Magnetic bumper for force sensor
- 3-position plunger
- Mass tray
- Velcro® tabs
- Force sensor hook and rubber bumper
Applications
- Kinematics
- Newton’s Laws
- Impulse
- Conservation of Momentum
- Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
- Conservation of Energy
- Simple Harmonic Oscillators
- Magnetic damping
- Determining g using acceleration on an incline
- And much more!
What's Included
- 1x Hook
- 1x Rubber bumper
- 1x Magnetic bumper
- 1x USB cable for charging
Product Specifications
| Force Range | ±100 N |
| Force Resolution | 0.1 N |
| Force Accuracy | ±1.0% |
| Force Maximum Sampling Rate | 2.0 kHz |
| Position Resolution | ±0.2 mm |
| Max Velocity | ±3.0 m/s |
| Velocity Max Sample Rate | 500 Hz |
| Acceleration Range | ±16 g |
| Acceleration Max Sample Rate | 500 samples/second |
| Max Rotational Speed Sampling Rate | 500 samples/second |
| Max Wireless Range | 30 m (unobstructed) |
| Maximum Measurable Rotation Rate (Gyro) | ±245 deg/second |
| Mass Without Accessories | 245 g |
| Patent No. | 10481173 |
| Magnetic Bumper Mass | 23.6 g |
Battery & Logging
| Stored Data Points Memory (Logging) 1 | Not Supported |
| Battery - Connected (Data Collection Mode) 2 | >7 hr |
| Battery - Logging (Data Logging Mode) 3 | Not Supported |
| Battery Type | LiPo |
1 Minimum # of data points with all measurements enabled, actual results depend on enabled measurements.
2 Continuous use in a connected state until battery failure, actual results will depend on sample rate, active measurements, and battery condition.
3 Logging until battery failure, actual results will depend on sample rate, active measurements, and battery condition.
* Normal classroom use is the sensor in active use for 20min/lab for 120 lab periods/yr.
Software Required
This product requires PASCO software for data collection and analysis. We recommend the following option(s). For more information on which is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison: SPARKvue vs. Capstone »
Connectivity Options
This product can connect directly to your computer or device with the following technologies. No Interface required. See the following guide for details regarding device compatibility: Wireless Bluetooth Product Compatibility »
Dedicated Datalogging with SPARK LXi
Consider an all-in-one, touchscreen data collection, graphing, and analysis tool for students. Designed for use with wired and wireless sensors, the SPARK LXi Datalogger simultaneously accommodates up to five wireless sensors and includes two ports for blue PASPORT sensors. It features an interactive, icon-based user interface within a shock-absorbing case and arrives packaged with SPARKvue, MatchGraph!, and Spectrometry software for interactive data collection and analysis. It can additionally connect via Bluetooth to the following interfaces: AirLink, SPARKlink Air, and 550 Universal Interface.
Buying Guide
| Recommended Accessories | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| NewSmart Ballistic Cart Accessory | ME-1245 | $199 |
| NewSmart Cart Vector Display | ME-1246 | $79 |
| Smart Fan Accessory | ME-1242 | $75 |
| Smart Cart Rod Stand Adapter | ME-1244 | $20 |
| Smart Cart Charging Garage | ME-1243 | $115 |
| Bumper Accessory Set | ME-9884 | $19 |
| NewSmart Cart Motor | ME-1247 | $79 |
| Replacement Parts | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Bumper Set | ME-9885A | $26 |
| Micro USB Cable | PS-3584 | $10 |
| Also Available | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Cart (Blue) | ME-1241 | $169 |
| USB Bluetooth Adapter | PS-3500 | $14 |
Product Guides
Dynamics System Configuration
Dynamics Systems provide an engaging and affordable method for physics educators to teach a variety of complex concepts. We offer a variety of cart and track options that enable educators to personalize their Dynamics System, while staying within their budget. Compare our cutting-edge carts, sleek and expandable tracks, and various price points to determine which system suits your applications.
Lab Activities & Experiments
| Experiment: Average & Instantaneous Velocity & Speed | 583.75 KB | |
| Experiment: Centripetal Acceleration & Force | 462.56 KB | |
| Experiment: Hooke’s Law | 319.93 KB | |
| Experiment: Impulse Demonstration | 226.11 KB | |
| Experiment: Newton’s Second Law Demonstration | 180.02 KB | |
| Experiment: Static & Kinetic Friction | 543.98 KB | |
| Experiment: The Differences Between Velocity & Acceleration | 452.53 KB | |
| Experiment: Work-Energy Theorem | 438.72 KB | |
| Lab: Average = Speed & Velocity | 107.80 KB | |
| Lab: Conservation of Energy | 182.41 KB | |
| Lab: Conservation of Momentum | 171.35 KB | |
| Lab: Graphical Analysis Motion | 118.65 KB | |
| Lab: Momentum & Explosions | 112.21 KB | |
| Lab: Momentum & Impulse | 104.61 KB | |
| Lab: Speed & Velocity Graphs | 101.01 KB | |
| Lab: Work & Kinetic Energy | 158.68 KB |
Experiment Library
Perform the following experiments and more with the Smart Cart (Red).
Visit PASCO's Experiment Library to view more activities.
Change in Kinetic Energy
Students measure the force from the Smart Fan, then investigate the relationship between the change in kinetic energy and the distance traveled. From this they discover the work-energy theorem.
Oscillation of a Cart and Springs
The period of oscillation of the cart and spring system is measured using the Smart Cart Position Sensor. The effect on the period is investigated when changing the spring constant, amplitude of the oscillation, and the mass of...
Work-Energy Theorem
A Force Sensor is used to measure the changing force applied by the stretched elastic cord, while the Smart Cart records its resulting velocity. Calculations are made and the work done by the elastic cord is compared to the increase...
Speed and Velocity Graphs
Use a Smart Cart to perform a conceptual exploration of graphs of speed versus velocity.
Impulse and Momentum
A cart with a bumper runs down a track and collides with the end stop. The cart experiences a variable force during the time of the collision, causing it to change its velocity. In this experiment, the relationship between momentum,...
Acceleration on an Inclined Track
The purpose of this lab is to study the relationships between position, velocity and acceleration for a Smart Cart moving up and then down an inclined track.
Support Documents
| Manuals | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Smart Cart Manual | English - 972.15 KB | |
