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Lecture Demonstrations Laboratory


The Demonstrations Manual


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Electrostatics
Electric Fields And Potential
Capacitance
Current and Resistance
Electromotive Force And Current
DC Circuits
Magnetic Materials
Magnetism
Inductance
Back EMF in an Inductor and Induction Coil
LR Circuit
Induction
Complex Circuits
Semiconductors And Tubes
Transmission Lines and Antennas

LR Circuit

Purpose:

To demonstrate the time constant of the circuit and its dependence on L and R.

Procedure:

Connect R and L in series and use the PASCO generator's square waves as a signal source. Start with 100Ohm resistor and 4.25mH air core coil and display the voltage across the inductor (see 2nd picture). Vary the values of L by sliding the iron rod through the inductor. Note that the brass/copper rod does not affect L. Show the voltage across the resistor to demonstrate the current dependence in the circuit (see 3rd picture). A schematic of the set up is shown below (4th picture).

Hints:

Use differential input oscilloscope to display both the charge and the current dependence.
A camera pointing at the scope's screen is available for the use in room 203.

Comments:

If you have a suggestion for the use of this demo which might benefit others, you can enter it below.

Equipment:

  • Large Bread Board
  • Inductor
  • Connecting Wires
  • Oscilloscope
  • Resistor
  • Wave Generator