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.
2.) Put out the smaller Kirchhoff's Law Circuit boards found on S56 in place of the RC Circuits boards found on S57.
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.