Open Source-Based Gas Law

Experiment for Physics

Education

THO SIEW WEI, BASERI HUDDIN HUSSAIN,

ROSLY JAAFAR
Physics Department,
Faculty of Science & Technology, UPSI,
35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak
 Content
1. Pressure Law
2. Problem Statements
3. Research Objectives
4. Framework of the Study
5. Literature Review
6. Methodology
7. Dealing with the Experiment
8. Discussion
9. Conclusion
10. Acknowledgement
11. References
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Pressure Law
• Pressure Law – Relationship between
pressure and temperature (volume
constant)
• Pressure law experiment in school &
university still using the conventional
method. Those quantities (pressure and
temperature) were observed and recorded
manually.
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Pressure Law

Figure 1 Conventional Pressure Law Experiment

Sources: Hoo Sze Yen (Form 4 Experiments Physics SPM 2008)

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 Problem Statements
Those problems are summarised and listed
below:
1. Random error which is due to incorrect
eye position of the observer.
2. Systematic error which is due imperfect
methods of observation.
3. The data of pressure and temperature
cannot be recorded simultaneously.
4. The Cost of MBL system in the market is
too expensive.
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Research Objectives
1. To develop a Microcomputer-Based Laboratory
(MBL) system incorporating the technology of
PHOENIX (Data Logger), pressure sensor,
temperature sensor and the courseware
package developed by using the Python
Programming Language.
2. To design the complete experimental set (Gas
Pressure Law) for use in the thermodynamics
course.
3. To validate the complete experimental set (Gas
Pressure Law) for use in the thermodynamics
course.
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Framework of the Study
Hardware
Configuration

Problem Experimental
Testing and
Statements Apparatus
Evaluation
Development
Courseware
Development

Result

Figure 2 An Overall of Research Framework

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 Literature Review
• MBL device is designed to collect data via
various probes, which detect a physical
quantity and then store the data and plot the
graph on the computer (Widjaja, Y.B., 2002).

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 Literature Review
• Steinberg R. (2003) claims that using MBL
technique, science teachers have
opportunities to engage students
intellectually, to explore more meaningful and
exciting subject matter.

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 Literature Review
• However, researchers claim that the cost of
the product is too great to apply in all
stages of education (Gintautas, V., &
Hubler, A., 2009; Ajith Kumar B P, 2006).

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 Methodology
Calibration of Sensors

Courseware Development

Experimental Set Development

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 Calibration of Sensors
Boil water or change air pressure
by using syringe

Use a standard reference Set a sensor (Temperature or

(Temperature or Pressure) Pressure)

Measure the voltage output of

the sensor

Responding Variable Manipulated Variable

Plot graph (Temperature or Pressure) versus Voltage

Curve Fitting

Develop Equation
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 Calibration
Computer Standard
Voltage
Sensor

+
-
PHOENIX
sig + -

Standard
Pressure
Sensor
‘T’ shaped Phidgets
pipe Pressure
Sensor
Syringe

Figure 3: Calibration for Pressure Sensor

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Calibration
Standard
Computer Voltage
Sensor

+
-
PHOENIX
Sig. + -

Standard
Temperature
Sensor PT100
Temperature
Sensor
Beaker
Heater

Figure 4: Calibration for Temperature Sensor

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Courseware Development
• The MBL courseware interface was developed by
using Python Programming Language version
2.4.3.
• The developed courseware followed the steps as
outlined in the ADDIE instructional design model.
• There are five phases in ADDIE model – Analysis,
Design, Development, Implementation, and
Evaluation.

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 Courseware Development
1. Analysis
• MBL system (hardware and software) that can
be applied for tertiary physics education.
• The preliminary criteria of the design for MBL
system must be low cost and should be simple
to operate.

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 Courseware Development
2. Design
• MBL system for gas law experiments will be
developed based on the PHOENIX Data
Logger.
• The hardware for the system will use PT100
temperature sensor and Phidgets pressure
sensor.
• The courseware programming was written by
using the Python Language (One of OSS).
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Courseware Development
3. Development
• To develop and assemble the content
assets that were discussed in the design
phase. (MBL_Software.py)
• The system was run on different computers to
test its versatility.
• The debugging procedures and solves those
problems in different computer environment
were performed.
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Courseware Development
4. Implementation
• To ensure user manual, laboratory manual &
tools (sensors and PHOENIX data logger) were
in good condition.
• The practical exercise is done by a group of
students using the system. While performing
the experiment, the students will answer the
questionnaires which reflect their perception on
the use of the built system.
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Courseware Development
5. Evaluation
• The review and evaluate each phase (analyze,
design, develop, implement) was done to
ensure it was accomplishing what it was
supposed to.
• Once the data and feedback was collected,
some changes were made for the system
improvement.
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
Experimental Set Development
The experimental set based on the Gas Pressure Law
(Gay-Lussac’s Law) was developed.

Relationship between pressure and temperature

(volume constant)
– Laboratory Manual
– User or Operating Manual

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

Experimental Set Development
Data
Logger
Retort
Pressure Stand
Sensor
Stopper
Erlenmeyer
flask
Temperature
Sensor
Heater
Figure 5: New Design of Experimental Set
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Dealing with the Experiment

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 Developed Courseware

Figure 6: MBL Courseware User Interface (MBL_Software.py)

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Developed Courseware

Figure 7: Help Menu for MBL Courseware

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Dealing with the Experiment
Computer

Data
Logger
Retort
Pressure Stand
Sensor
Stopper
Erlenmeyer
flask
Temperature
Sensor
Heater

Figure 8: New Design of Pressure Law Experiment

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Dealing with the Experiment
PHOENIX

Phidget
Pressure
Sensor

PT100
Temperature
Sensor

Figure 9: Pressure Law Experiment

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Dealing with the Experiment

Pressure
Sensor
Stopper

Temperature
Sensor
Erlenmeyer
flask

Figure 10: Pressure Law Experiment

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
Dealing with the Experiment

Figure 11: Result of Pressure Law Experiment

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 Dealing with the Experiment

Result :
when pressure = 0
95.184
temp = −
0.351
temp = − 271.18o C
Figure12: Result of Absolute Temperature (0 K)
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Experimental Result
Experiment Absolute Temperature Percentage Error
(oC) (%)

1 -278.53 1.97

2 -270.10 -1.12

3 -264.85 -3.04

Average -271.16 -0.73

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 Discussion of Product
• This product was developed to solve two major
problems; to produce result with small
percentage error and reduce the cost of MBL
system.
• This low cost developed package can be used
as laboratory exercise and demonstration kit for
teaching and learning process.
• This simplified product can be used to replace
the conventional pressure law experiment due
to the low-cost system, computerized, easy
setup and smaller error.
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI
 Conclusion
• MBL system to study the pressure law in physics
education had been successfully developed.
• This technique replaced the conventional method
where students have to spend more time on
manual data recording and graph plotting.
• The average absolute zero Kelvin was -271.16oC,
which is closed to the theoretical absolute zero
Kelvin (-273.15oC).
• The deviation of the experimental result is within
the range of ± 5% from the theoretical value.

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 Acknowledgement
This project was supported by a grant from FRGS: 04-02-06-07
Development of MBL Apparatus in Tertiary Physics Education,
Ministry of Higher Learning (FRGS). I would like thank to Md.
Zahar Othman for his hard work during project implementation.
Finally, I want to thank the visiting lecturer, Ajith Kumar (IUAC,
New Delhi) for valuable information, discussions, and suggestions
regarding the PHOENIX Development System and software
development.

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 References
Ajith Kumar B. P. (2008). Phoenix Programmer's Manual. Retrieved on August 2009,
from http://www.iuac.res.in/~elab/phoenix/docs/prog_manual.pdf

Gintautas, V., & Hubler, A. (2009). A simple, low-cost, data-logging pendulum built
from a computer mouse.

Steinberg, R. (2003). "Effects of Computer-based Laboratory Instruction on Future

Teachers’ Understanding of the Nature of Science." Journal of Computers in
Mathematics and Science Teaching 22(3): 21.

Sze Yen, H. (2008). "Physics Experiments Form 4." Retrieved 9 Jan, 2009, from
http://www.zyenhoo.com/physics/F4_experiments.pdf

Widjaja, Y. B. (2002). How Realistic Approached And Microcomputer-Based

Laboratory Supported Lessons Work In Indonesian Secondary School
Classroom. Kruislaan, Amstel Institute Universiteit Van Amsterdam. Master of
Science: 151.

Tho Siew Wei, UPSI

 Photo: Pressure Law Experiment

Thank You
Any question?
Tho Siew Wei, UPSI