  In order to obtain the damping and resistance coefficients of a pendulum, we
constructed an optical system containing a photogate for measuring the speed of
the pendulum at the lowest point of motion. The photogate consisted of a
photoresistor, a laser, a mechanical body, and a pendulum ball. A 3D printer
was used to produce the mechanical body and pendulum balls of various sizes.
Furthermore, we used Arduino to automate measurement of the speed at the lowest
point of motion and increase the precision. We found that the resistance
coefficient was proportional to the size of the balls, regardless of the ball
mass, in agreement with the drag equation for a small Reynolds number.
