Light Intensity vs. Distance Experiment

In this experiment the student measures intensity as a function of distance from a point of source and from an extended (5 cm x 5 cm) source. Manipulation of a computer model verifies that for the point source, the intensity drops off like an inverse square. But for the extended source the data cannot be fit by an inverse square relationship.

PASCO Advantage: As the student slides the light sensor away from the Light Source, the Optics Track keeps everything aligned. The Rotary Motion Sensor measures the position, allowing the Intensity vs. Distance graph to be plotted in real time. Students immediately see the relationship between distance and intensity of light.

What’s Included

• 1x 1.2 m Optics Track (OS-8508)
• 1x Basic Optics Light Source (OS-8470)
• 1x Aperture Bracket (OS-8534A)
• 1x Hooked Mass Set (SE-8759)
• 1x PASPORT High Sensitivity Light Sensor (PS-2176)
• 1x PASPORT Rotary Motion Sensor (PS-2120A)
• 1x Dynamics Track Mount (CI-6692)

Product Experiments

• Light Intensity vs Distance Experiment