Measuring Inductance Value of Handmade Inductor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around measuring the inductance value of a handmade inductor using an LC series circuit. Participants explore the setup involving an oscilloscope and a function generator to determine the inductance during resonance, including questions about measurement points within the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the appropriate measurement point for channel 2 on the oscilloscope, asking whether to measure across the capacitor or the inductor.
  • Another participant suggests that measuring across the series combination would be most effective, noting that at resonance the LC impedance is zero, allowing for the observation of the generator and resistor voltage.
  • A participant confirms that measuring across either the capacitor or inductor would yield the largest voltage at resonance.
  • One participant mentions that they did not include a resistor in their circuit and questions if the setup would still function correctly.
  • Another participant responds that the generator or oscilloscope might have a 50-ohm impedance, indicating that the absence of a resistor would not significantly affect the resonant frequency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of including a resistor in the circuit, with some suggesting it is not critical while others imply it may be beneficial. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal measurement approach and the impact of the missing resistor.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption that the function generator and oscilloscope are properly connected to the circuit, but the implications of not including a resistor are not fully explored. The discussion does not clarify the specific effects of impedance on the measurements.

Gretik
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Hi all!
I tried to make an inductor.
Naturally, I am not sure about it's inductance value.
I made an LC series circuit on a bread board.
I am using a oscilloscope and an a function generator to find the value of L during the resonant frequency. Channel one goes from function generator straight to the oscilloscope. Can somebody tell me please what should channel 2 measure? ...the voltage across the capacitor or the inductor??

Thanks a lot.
 
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Either One would work but you'll most easily measure across the series combination. At resonance the LC impedance is zero so you'll see only the voltage of the generator and resistor.

You can measure across the capacitor and you'll see the largest voltage at the resonance. Same with the inductor.

BTW, you should connect the RLC circuit to the function generator or you'll read zero everyplace.
 
I did connected across the generator. BTW I didn't put the resistor in my circuit... should still work, right?
 
Yes. The generator and/or the scope might be a 50 ohm impedance. Won't change the resonant frequency much at all.
 

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