Utilizing Sensors in a Smartphone for Physics Experiments

The phenomena of physics can best be studied by doing experiments. We have introduced an inexpensive and facile method to conduct physics experiments using a sensor in a smartphone. We have examined a magnetic sensor in the smartphone to measure accurately the magnetic field due to current in wires. Two different shapes, i.e. a straight wire and a loop of wire were used in the experiment. The experimental data obtained using the smartphone sensor was in good agreement with the theoretical calculation. We conclude that the smartphone sensor can replace sensor tools such as Teslameter in such experiments.

Recent publications:

1. Using Smartphone’s magnetic sensor for low-cost experiment in studying magnetic field due to Helmholtz and anti-Helmholtz coil, Physics Education 54 (1) 015023 (2019)

2. Utilization of the Magnetic Sensor in a Smartphone for Facile Magnetostatics Experiment: Magnetic Field due to Electrical Current in Straight and Loop Wires Physics Education 52(1): p.015015

3. Measurement of 3-axis Magnetic Fields Induced by Current Wires using a Smartphone in Magnetostatics Experiments, Phys. Educ, 52, 065011 (2017)