RC Time Constant

PHY 201 & 231

Based on Loyd #33. In this experiment, students will use a series combination of a power supply, a capacitor, and resistors to determine the RC time constant and measure voltage across a resistor as a function of time. The students will determine the RC time constant of two series RC circuits. From measurements made on a series RC circuit, the value of an unknown capacitor will be determined. The value of an unknown resistor will be determined from an RC circuit in parallel with a voltmeter.

Equipment

Notes

1.) Put out the Extech power supplies. If there are not enough, use the Sargent-Welch power supplies.
3.) 10uF capacitors are kept in a drawer found on shelf X40. These capacitors are only needed if one on a Kirchhoff's Law circuit board is broken or has become detached.
4.) Do not forget the capacitance meter.
5.) If setup for Finch, add Oscilloscope, Function Generator, 3-BNC to Banana adapters, 4-Alligator clips, 2-2k ohm Resistors, and 2-0.04 microFarad capacitors. Store these parts in labeled tiny drawer on hardware shelves near JE107.

This lab requires laptops, which will be unlocked and distributed by the instructor.