Analyzing the rotational motion of a rectangular board via smartphone sensors: a conservation-of-mechanical-energy approach

Abstract This paper describes the use of a smartphone’s motion sensors in investigating the rotational motion of a rectangular board rotating around a fixed axis. The smartphone’s motion, orientation, rotational rate, and acceleration are simultaneously recorded across the x-, y -, and z -axes. In the experiment, the experimental data (angular position and angular speed of the rotating board) were recorded and were processed to demonstrate the conservation of mechanical energy during rotation. We expect that this article gives an idea of how smartphone-based physics experiments can be useful for physics teachers. Moreover, this experiment helps students better understand the rotational motion of a rectangular board in relation to the conservation of energy.