What is the total capacitance for the RC circuit lab problem with given data?

AI Thread Summary
To find the total capacitance for the RC circuit, the individual capacitances C1 and C2 must be calculated using the half-life data and the given resistance. C1 is determined to be approximately 34.6 µF, while C2 is about 17.3 µF. For capacitors in series, the total capacitance is found using the formula 1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2, and for capacitors in parallel, the total capacitance is C_total = C1 + C2. The discussion emphasizes the correct application of these formulas to arrive at the final total capacitance. Proper calculations will lead to the completion of the lab problem.
xswtxoj
Messages
87
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I did the RC circuit lab
I measure the actual resistance of 1000Ω
Function Generator Resistance: 50 Ω
Function Generator Frequency: 1.4Hz

resistor used was 41uF in C1
Resistor used was 22uf for c2


So i have to find c1, c2 and use c1,c2 to calc. the total capacitance for series/parallel

Data:
Half Life:
C1: 1.200 milli sec
C2: 0.600 milli sec
Series C1, C2: 1.400 millisec
Parallel C1,C2: 2.000 millisec


Homework Equations




C= (t 1/2)/ Rln2



The Attempt at a Solution



C1: ( 1.200e-3)/ 50Ω * ln2 = 3.46E-5
C2: (.600 e-3)/ 50Ω* ln2= 1.73e-5

for parallel/ series capacitors, I'm not sure where to continue.

is it add up the c1 and c2 and that's my series capacitance? and 1/c1 +1/c2= my parallel capacitance?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Use c = c1+c2 if they are in parallel.
Use 1/c = 1/c1 + 1/c2 if they are in series.
 


once i used my solve individual C's to solve in the series/ parallel then I'm done right?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

What is the equivalent capacitance for this circuit?
Replies
4
Views
2K
What is the Potential Difference Between c and d in This Circuit?
3
Replies
108
Views
11K
RC circuits and potential difference
Replies
2
Views
6K
Solving the Capacitance Circuit: Time Constant & Charging Process
Replies
4
Views
2K
What Is the Total Capacitance of a Square Circuit with Identical Capacitors?
Replies
1
Views
7K
What is the RC time constant and how do you determine it through an experiment?
Replies
2
Views
19K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top