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.
4.) Do not forget the capacitance meter.

This lab requires laptops. The computer cart containing the laptops can be wheeled by faculty into the lab room.