Smart Cart – Blue

Product Code: ME-1241

Description

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.

Lab Activities & Experiments

Perform the following experiments and more with the Smart Cart.
Visit PASCO’s Experiment Library to view all activities for this product.

  • Experiment: Average & Instantaneous Velocity & Speed
  • Experiment: Centripetal Acceleration & Force
  • Experiment: Hooke’s Law
  • Experiment: Impulse Demonstration
  • Experiment: Newton’s Second Law Demonstration
  • Experiment: Static & Kinetic Friction
  • Experiment: The Differences Between Velocity & Acceleration
  • Experiment: Work-Energy Theorem
  • Lab: Average = Speed & Velocity
  • Lab: Conservation of Energy
  • Lab: Conservation of Momentum
  • Lab: Graphical Analysis Motion
  • Lab: Momentum & Explosions
  • Lab: Momentum & Impulse
  • Lab: Speed & Velocity Graphs
  • Lab: Work & Kinetic Energy

AAPT Article

The Smart Cart is the ultimate tool for studying kinematics, dynamics and more. It is based on a durable ABS body with nearly frictionless wheels just like our high-quality PAScars. But now we’ve added built-in sensors that measure force, position, velocity, and 6 degrees of freedom in acceleration. The Smart Cart can make these measurements on or off a dynamics track and transmit the data wirelessly over Bluetooth®.

The most advanced physics cart ever created and all without the hassle and restrictions of cables. Best of all, the Smart Cart represents a huge cost savings over having to purchase all the components (cart, several sensors, an interface) separately.

Smart Ballistic Accessory!

The Smart Ballistic Accessory mounts to the Smart Cart for a classic demonstration on the independence of X and Y motion. Connects to the Smart Cart accessory port. Control the launching conditions based on measurements made by the Smart Cart in either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software.

Smart Cart Vector Display!

The Smart Cart Vector Display adds visual vectors to your Smart Cart for Force, Acceleration, or Velocity. Connect to the Smart Cart’s accessory port to Visualize vectors in real-time! Arrows light up proportional to the sensor reading showing either positive or negative direction and magnitude.

Smart Fan Accessory

The Smart Fan Accessory works with all PASCO Dynamic Carts but adds new features and functionality when connected to a Smart Cart. Use PASCO Capstone software to wirelessly adjust the level of thrust, set start/stop conditions, or use calculations for precise control of the fan.

Smart Cart Rod Clamp

Mount on your Smart Cart and use it as a mounted force sensor.

Smart Cart Charging Garage Accessory

Keep your Smart Carts charged in the lab. Holds up to five Smart Carts and accessories.

Features

  • Built-in ±100N force sensor
  • 3-axis accelerometer
  • A Built-in wheel encoder
  • Bluetooth® connectivity
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Magnetic bumper for force sensor
  • 3-position plunger
  • Mass tray
  • Velcro® tabs
  • Force sensor hook and rubber bumper

Applications

  • Kinematics
  • Acceleration on an incline (determining g)
  • Newton’s Laws
  • Impulse
  • Conservation of Momentum
  • Elastic & Inelastic Collisions
  • Conservation of Energy
  • Simple Harmonic Oscillators (using the spring set)
  • Magnetic damping (using the Magnetic Damping Bumper)
  • 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%
Force Maximum Sampling Rate 2 kHz
Position Resolution ±0.2 mm
Max Velocity ±3 m/s
Velocity Max Sample Rate 500 Hz
Acceleration Range ±16 g
Acceleration Max Sample Rate 500 samples/second
Maximum Rotational Velocity Sampling Rate 500 samples/second
Maximum Measurable Rotation Rate (Gyro) ±245 deg/second
Max Wireless Range 30 m (unobstructed)
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.

Recommended Accessories

Cart Mass (Set of 2) ME-6757A
Smart Fan Accessory ME-1242
Smart Cart Rod Stand Adapter ME-1244
Smart Cart Charging Garage ME-1243
Bumper Accessory Set ME-9884
Smart Cart Motor ME-1247

Replacement Parts

Magnetic Bumper Set ME-9885A
Micro USB Cable PS-3584

Also Available

Smart Cart (Red) ME-1240
Dynamics Cart Magnetic Damping ME-6828
USB Bluetooth Adapter PS-3500
Standard Metal Cart Metal Track 1.2 m System ME-5715

Support Documents

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