A low-cost Arduino-based experimental system for quantitative analysis of electromagnetic braking using Newtonian dynamics: a project-based learning activity

This study reports the development of a low-cost Arduino-based experimental system for the quantitative analysis of electromagnetic braking using Newtonian dynamics. The system is based on an Atwood-type configuration in which the motion of a neodymium magnet was investigated in air and inside copper and aluminium tubes. Position–time data were acquired using an Arduino Uno and an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, recorded in real time in Microsoft Excel via the PLX-DAQ interface, and subsequently analysed to determine the kinematic behaviour of the coupled system. The experimental setup was first validated in air, yielding a gravitational acceleration of approximately 9.76 m s −2 . The position–time data showed accelerated motion in air, whereas the motion in the conductive tubes approached approximately constant velocity because of magnetic braking. The magnetic braking forces were calculated using Newtonian dynamics as 0.230 N for the copper tube and 0.220 N for the aluminium tube, consistent with the higher electrical conductivity of copper. The system was implemented as a project-based learning activity with gifted high-school students at a Science and Art Center (BILSEM). By collecting and analysing real-time experimental data, students interpreted the effects of electromagnetic braking through graphical analysis and Newtonian dynamics while relating concepts from mechanics and electromagnetism. The proposed activity offers an accessible and reproducible approach to integrating quantitative experimentation, data analysis, and inquiry-oriented physics learning.