Two Simple Experiments Using FFT with Digital Devices in the Introductory Physics Laboratory

Abstract

We propose two experiments suited for high school and/or undergraduate physics laboratory which are aimed at the discovery of the practical meaning and utility of the FFT analysis as a mathematical and graphical instrument. They intend to discriminate different periodic signals in various situations, ranging from basic, demonstrative measurements to very complex, real-research experiments. In our proposal, inexpensive digital instruments can be used, with surprisingly accurate results.