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RC Time Constant

The document outlines an experimental setup to measure the time constant (τ) of a series RC circuit and compare it with theoretical values. It includes a list of required apparatus, theoretical background, detailed procedures for charging and discharging phases, and tabulated results for both phases. The results indicate that the experimental time constant closely aligns with the theoretical calculation, validating the concept of time constant in RC circuits.

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27 views6 pages

RC Time Constant

The document outlines an experimental setup to measure the time constant (τ) of a series RC circuit and compare it with theoretical values. It includes a list of required apparatus, theoretical background, detailed procedures for charging and discharging phases, and tabulated results for both phases. The results indicate that the experimental time constant closely aligns with the theoretical calculation, validating the concept of time constant in RC circuits.

Uploaded by

logu888666
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP:

Ex. No:
MEASUREMENT OF TIME CONSTANT OF A SERIES
Date: RC CIRCUIT

Aim:

To measure the time constant (τ) of a series RC circuit experimentally and


compare it with the theoretical value.
Apparatus Required:
[Link] Apparatus Range Qty
1. Resistor 390KΩ 1
2. Capacitor 470 µF 1
3. Multimeter - 1

4. Breadboard - 1
5. RPS (0-30) V 1
6. DPST Switch - 1
7. Stopwatch - 1
8. Connecting wires - As required

Theory:
The time constant (denoted by the symbol τ, tau) of an RC (resistor-capacitor)
circuit is defined as the time required for the charge on the capacitor to reach
approximately 63.2% of its maximum value when charging, or to decay to about 36.8%
of its initial value when discharging.

τ= R x C … (1)

The voltage across the capacitor as it charges over time is given by the equation:

VC = VS (1-e-t/RC) … (2)

When discharging this series RC network, the time constant is the same, but the
exponential discharge equation is given by:

VC = VS (e-t/RC) … (3)
Model Graphs:

Capacitor voltage charging over time in a series RC network circuit

Capacitor voltage discharging over time in a series RC network circuit.


Where,

 VC is the voltage across the capacitor in V (Volt)


 VS is the voltage of the source in V (Volt)
 t is the time since the closing of the switch in s
 R is the resistance in Ω (Ohms) & C is the capacitance in F (Farads)

Procedure:
1) Assemble the RC circuit on a breadboard as per circuit diagram.

Charging Phase:

2) Connect the DC power supply across the RC circuit.

3) Record the voltage across the capacitor at regular time intervals/desired


voltage values using a multimeter with the help of stopwatch.

4) Continue the readings until the capacitor reaches its maximum charge
(equal to the supplied voltage from the DC source).

Discharging Phase:

5) Disconnect the DC power supply and after the capacitor has reached its
maximum charge.

6) Allow the capacitor to discharge through the resistor.

7) Record the voltage across the capacitor during discharge at similar time
intervals/desired voltage values.

8) Plot a voltage vs. time graph for both the charging and discharging
phases.
Tabulation 1: For Charging Phase
Supply voltage VS = 10 Volts.
Theoretical Practical
Percentage of Charge of value value
Capacitor Capacitor
Time Time
Charge values (V)
(Seconds/ (Seconds/
(%)
Minutes) Minutes)
13.53
20
36.79
40
50
63.21 (τ)
70
86.47 (2τ)
95.02 (3τ)

Tabulation 2: For Discharging Phase


Supply voltage VS = 10 Volts.
Theoretical Practical
Percentage of Charge of value value
Capacitor Capacitor
Discharge values (V) Time Time
(%) (Seconds/ (Seconds/
Minutes) Minutes)
95.02
86.47
70
63.21
50
40
36.79 (τ)
20
13.53 (2τ)
Result:
The time constant (τ) of a series RC circuit was measured experimentally and the
experimental value of the time constant closely matched the theoretical value calculated
using the formula τ=R×C .Thus the experimental results validate the theoretical concept
of the time constant in a series RC circuit.

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