Rc & Rl Circuits with Oscilloscope

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Purpose: In this lab, we will get introduced to using the oscilloscope and its many functions and uses. We will learn how to take AC voltage and period readings by using the oscilloscope. We will also use the oscilloscope to prove the exponential decay and rise of the R-C and R-L circuits. We will show that the time constant for the R-C circuit is equal to RC and the time constant for the R-L circuit is L/R. Equipment: Oscilloscope, Resistance Decade Box, Variable Capacitance Box, Inductor, Capacitance/Inductance Meter, Connecting wires, Function Generator, Multimeter. Procedure: In Part A, we connected the function generator to the VERTICAL (y input) of the oscilloscope, pushed the sine wave button on the function generator, and set its frequency to 90 Hz. Then Ms. Theint and Ms. Cortes turned on the oscilloscope, adjusted its focus and intensity controls, turned the amplitude control of the function generator to maximum, and adjusted the volts/div and swept time/div controls to make 1 or 2 sine-waves cover the full screen. By reading the horizontal number of divisions and computed the experimental frequency, we were able to calculate the percent error. After that, we changed the function generator frequency to 3,000 Hz and 52,000 Hz and repeated the same procedure. In Part B, we changed the frequency of the generator to 90 Hz again and kept it fixed at this value. We counted the vertical number of divisions from peak to trough to calculate the peak to trough voltage V; in the case, the amplitude of the AC wave was half of it so that VA = V/2. Then we computed the root-mean-square voltage by using Vrms = VA/2. Also, we calculated the percent error. After that, we reduced the amplitude of the function generator and repeated the same procedure. In Part C, we connected the function generator, resistor, and capacitor in series, as well as setting the

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