Using Arduino in Physics Teaching: Arduino-based Physics Experiment to Study Temperature Dependence of Electrical Resistance

Nowadays, the rapid developments in science and technology have an impact on education as well as on all gear units. The integration of technology into the education process offers effective opportunities, particularly in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In this context, Arduino platform has started to be used as a low cost, easy to use microcontroller in physics teaching. In this study, an Arduino-based physics experiment that can be used in physics laboratories was designed. We have used Arduino platform to study temperature dependence of electrical resistance and to define the temperature coefficient for a conductor. Experimental data were collected using the Arduino ohmmeter and a temperature sensor. The resistance-temperature curve obtained is in the expected character and the temperature coefficient is in the expected value. With this experiment, the student can easily observe the temperature change of the conductor's resistance and calculate the temperature coefficient of the resistance. The Arduino-based apparatus is presented as a simple and low cost alternative to physics laboratories.