Exploring RC time constants with oscilloscope

5F30.20C | Cb2
Catalog: 
5F30.20C
Location: 
Cb2
Room: 
PS F175
Quantity: 
1
Setup Time: 
1 hour
Instructors: 
Adams
  • The resistance across the scope inputs is about 1M, the same as out circuits res
    The resistance across the scope inputs is about 1M, the same as out circuits resistance causing the voltage drop across R to be about 1/2 the applied voltage. Change the calibration of Ch1 so that voltage is the same.
  • The time constant is much smaller as the gap in the capacitor is made wider.
    The time constant is much smaller as the gap in the capacitor is made wider.
  • All the components of the circuit can be seen here. The capacitor gap is small.
    All the components of the circuit can be seen here. The capacitor gap is small. A high dielectric constant material is made with water saturated sponges in a zip lock bag. This is then inserted into the capacitor.
  • The resistance is set on a decade resistance box to 1.1 Mega Ohm.
    The resistance is set on a decade resistance box to 1.1 Mega Ohm.
  • The function generator is set to a square wave of 797.3 Hz. The negative side of
    The function generator is set to a square wave of 797.3 Hz. The negative side of the function generator, Channel 1, Channel 2 and the capacitor are connected together.
  • The oscilloscope settings and wiring.
    The oscilloscope settings and wiring.
Description: 

PASCO large capacitor and a decade resistor box along with and oscilloscope show the RC time constant.

Instructions: 

Set up R,C and signal generator in series.
Set channel one to the signal generator and select square wave.
Connect channel two in parallel with the C. Have the C last in the circuit so that the signal generator and oscope share a common ground.

Parts: 


oscilloscope (14-1)
function generator (Dh2)
decade resistance box (De3)
capacitor (Ca1)
3 red cables
2 yellow cables
2 green cables
1 black
water dielectric
2 BNC to dual cable connectors

Equipment Information: 
The RC and RL time constant demos can be set up with a common oscilloscope in the middle.
Vendor: 
PASCO