Determining Horizontal Sweep for RC Circuit Time Constant - Physics Lab

In summary, the conversation discusses a series RC circuit with specific values of resistance and capacitance, being charged to a voltage of 5.0 V. The question is asked about setting the vertical gain on an oscilloscope to achieve a vertical displacement of 4.0 DIV and the value of the horizontal sweep to have the characteristic time constant of the circuit span 2.0 DIV. The solution involves using the characteristic time formula for an RC circuit and is similar to the first part of the question. The conversation indicates that the topic is new and the participant is having trouble understanding it.
  • #1
AGGENGR
20
0
Warning! Posting template must be used for homework questions.
Consider a series RC circuit with an
R = 3.0 Ω
and a capacitance of 12 µF being charged to a voltage of 5.0 V. (Note, you will not include units in your answers.)

If you wished the charging of this capacitor to have a vertical displacement of 4.0 DIV from 0 charge to fully charged, what value must you set the vertical gain on the oscilloscope to achieve this?
- FOUND THIS ONE: 1.25 V/DIV

What is the value of the horizontal sweep that you would need to use if you wished the characteristic time constant of this circuit to span 2.0 DIV on the oscilloscope screen?

-LOST HERE.

So i am having trouble understanding the last part and am down to one try...we are also doing this lab BEFORE having covered this in lecture soo I am kinda lost...
 
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  • #2
Look up characteristic time for an RC circuit. It is a simple formula, use it and the second part is very similar to the first part.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Look up characteristic time for an RC circuit. It is a simple formula, use it and the second part is very similar to the first part.
I tried looking this up but am not sure what you mean?

Again we just started RC Circuits so I am a little lost..
 
  • #4
The characteristic time is related to the time constant of the RC circuit.
 
  • #5
thanks!
 

1. What is an RC circuit?

An RC circuit is a circuit that consists of a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) connected in series or parallel. The circuit can be used to filter or delay signals, and is commonly used in electronic devices.

2. How do I calculate the time constant of an RC circuit?

The time constant (τ) of an RC circuit can be calculated by multiplying the resistance (R) in ohms by the capacitance (C) in farads. The formula is τ = RC. The time constant represents the time it takes for the capacitor to charge or discharge to approximately 63% of its maximum voltage.

3. What is the purpose of the resistor in an RC circuit?

The resistor in an RC circuit is used to limit the flow of current and control the rate at which the capacitor charges and discharges. It also helps to prevent damage to the circuit by limiting the amount of current that flows through it.

4. How does changing the value of the capacitor affect the RC circuit?

Changing the value of the capacitor in an RC circuit affects the time constant and the frequency response. A larger capacitor will result in a longer time constant and a lower frequency response, while a smaller capacitor will result in a shorter time constant and a higher frequency response.

5. What is the difference between a series RC circuit and a parallel RC circuit?

In a series RC circuit, the resistor and capacitor are connected in a series, meaning that the same current flows through both components. In a parallel RC circuit, the resistor and capacitor are connected in parallel, meaning that the voltage across both components is the same.

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