Datalogging

Data logging involves the use of electronic devices to sense, measure and record physical parameters in an experiment. A wide variety of sensors are available: motion, force, current, voltage, temperature, pressure, photogates, etc.  Data logging measurements are made in real time and displayed simultaneously using either a graphic calculator or a computer.  Alternatively data may be collected remotely using a data-logger and subsequently downloaded into a graphic calculator or computer.  With hand-held technology it is possible to collect, store, display and analyse data both at and away from the laboratory bench.  Data collected can be displayed in tables and graphs and the software available allows for sophisticated analysis.  Data logging technology allows the student to collect and store data in a short period of time and to focus on its analysis.  It also has the advantage that the experiment may be repeated easily if necessary.