[Virginia Tech Department of Physics]

Lecture Demonstrations

Electricity & Magnetism
   

E23: RC Circuit

 

Purpose: To show the charging and discharging of a capacitor in an RC circuit.

Description:

 

DC power supply, 2 7.5-mF capacitors connected in parallel, voltmeter, ammeter, SPDT switch, light bulbs of 40- to 150-W power rating.

Connect the circuit as shown in the diagram in the setup notes. Move the switch to charge and discharge the capacitor, noting the variation in current, voltage, and lighting of the bulb. Vary the resistance by using bulbs of different power ratings.

Equipment List: Storage Location: Hahn N 130A

 

Analog Voltmeter B1.3
  Analog Ammeter B1.3
  Capacitor bank B1.2
  SPDT Switch B1.2
  Lightbulb in base B1.2
  DC Power Supply E5.3
  Cords: Banana and Alligator D.H

References:

Manual: None

  Setup Notes: E23 PIRA #:
Manufacturer(s): Other school's Demonstration web pages

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