Page 65 - Ai Robogenius

The accelerometer measures movement in three directions: side to side, up and
down, and forwards and backwards. It measures movement along three axes:

X-axis: Tilting from left to right.

Y-axis: Tilting forwards and backwards.

Z-axis: Moving up and down.

Let us look at how accelerometers are used in airbags in modern vehicles. An
accelerometer detects the rapid deceleration of a vehicle, and if this occurs, the
airbags are deployed to protect the passengers.

The accelerometer allows the
SMART Micro:bit to track movement in
SPARK different directions.

COMPASS SENSOR

The Micro:bit also has a compass sensor, which
helps the device detect magnetic fields and

determine the direction it is facing. This sensor uses
the Earth's magnetic field to detect the device's Compass
orientation relative to the cardinal.directions: Sensor
North, South, East and West.

When you hold the Micro:bit, the compass sensor detects the strength and
direction of the magnetic field around it. It then uses this information to calculate

the heading (the direction the device is facing) and displays it on the screen. You
can see the direction represented as a number, typically between 0° (North) and
360° (also North) or the Micro:bit can show a visual indicator like an arrow pointing
to the current direction.

The compass sensor works based on the Earth's magnetic field, much like the
compass you use to navigate. As you turn the Micro:bit, the sensor continuously

updates its reading, allowing it to track the direction and orientation of the device
in real time.

Sensors in Micro:Bit
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