A 3-in-1 level, plumb, and angle measurement tool for elementary physics laboratory experiments

Abstract

Many experiments in elementary physics classes involve angle measurements or require a level surface. To measure angles of inclined planes with the horizontal, for example, one uses a transparent protractor, or measures the length and height of the plank to get the sine, and hence the angle. To determine if a surface is level, commercial levels may be used, if available. These methods can be prone to errors, cumbersome, and time consuming to use. This novel tool is more accurate, convenient, and easy to use. It saves valuable laboratory time that can be dedicated to discussing the experiments. It is safe, inexpensive, and, with few moving parts, is relatively maintenance-free. Further, in itself, the tool is an interesting conversation piece that integrates mathematics and physics concepts.