Damped Harmonic Oscillator with Arduino

The benefits of using experiments in physics classes are widely discussed in the literature, but sometimes experimental setups are not available. In this paper we present different ways of using experiments in physics classes based on the Arduino board, since it involves low cost materials and can be built by the own students in several cases. In this work we addressed the well known damped harmonic oscillator and performed the data acquisition through the Arduino board, a LDR (Light Dependent Resistor), a infrared photodiode sensor and a computer. The setup of the proposed experiment and the technical details related to assembly are discussed in a clear way in order to be reproduced by anyone interested in the subject. We found a significant difference in the results obtained through the LDR and the photodiode. The later has given better results and has reproduced a regular decay in the amplitude of the oscillator even when the experiment was performed in a highly illuminated room. The Arduino board, alongside the referred peripherals, has shown great potential for building low cost experimental setups to be used in physics classes, both for expositive and hands on approaches.