Development of Ultrasonic Sensors Based Mechanical Energy Experiments

Energy is one of the basic concepts in physics which is included as an abstract concept that is not easily captured by students to its physical properties. Therefore it is necessary to optimize the experimental tool in physics learning, especially in the learning of mechanical energy to facilitate understanding the concept. Technology research is growing rapidly and is able to contextually present abstract phenomena that are sensor-based technology and one of them is an ultrasonic sensor. This study aims to develop a mechanical energy experimental tool using ultrasonic sensors to facilitate students in understanding the concept of energy. The development of the experimental tool used research and development methods. To test the feasibility of the experimental tool developed and the accompanying practicum module, a series of feasibility tests have been carried out including calibration tests, feasibility tests by physicists, and empirical tests by users. The instrument used is a checklist item compiled based on the standard indicators of the feasibility of an experimental tool. The results of the development showed that the experimental tool had a precision percentage of 98.1% and a high accuracy of 99.99% with a value of t = (0.383 +/- 383X10(-4)) s. Based on the feasibility test by physicists 93.75% of indicators as standardized experimental tools have been achieved, as well as the experimental modules fulfilling 90.90% of the standard set. Similar results were also report by users that the experimental tool was feasible to be used in schools' level, but there were still obstacles related to the sensitive nature of ultrasonic sensors with surrounding movements and constraints in making variable variations to be tested which had an impact on the less optimal graphic display.