Blinking Neon Bulb

5F30.60A | Cb2
Catalog: 
5F30.60A
Location: 
Cb2
Room: 
PS F175
Quantity: 
1
  • When the capacitor is charged to about 80v the neon bulb flashes.
    When the capacitor is charged to about 80v the neon bulb flashes.
  • Equipment layout for this demo.
    Equipment layout for this demo.
  • Circuit schematic.
    Circuit schematic.
  • Decade resistance box used in circuit.
    Decade resistance box used in circuit.
  • Decade capacitance box used in circuit.
    Decade capacitance box used in circuit.
  • Power is supplied by a stack of 9v batteries connected in series.
    Power is supplied by a stack of 9v batteries connected in series.
Description: 

An relaxation oscillator is made with a resistor, capacitor, and a neon lamp.

Instructions: 

A neon lamp is put in parallel with a capacitor in a RC circuit. When the capacitor is charged to approximately 80v the neon lamp flashes, partially draining the capacitor and starting the process over again. The period of oscillation is RC dependent and can be varied by changing either the value of the resistance or capacitance. A amount of applied voltage will also effect the period of oscillation.

Parts: 

Neon lamp, decade resistance box, decade capacitance box, and battery stack (approximately 10-11 9v batteries), a DC power supply can also be used.