Physics 109 - RL Time Constants |
In this experiment you will study another physical system that
exhibits an exponential decrease as a function of time. The
combination of a resistor R and inductor L in series exhibits an
exponential transient response which you can observe by measuring
the volage across the resistor in the circuit below.
Instead of observing a decay in a single shot by opening a switch, you will repeatedly trigger the transient by using the AC function generator to generate SQUARE WAVES. Every time the voltage of the generator jumps up or down, you will see the transient response to the sudden change.
Theoretically, the time constant, tau, in this circuit is
given by the ratio L/R. The goal of the experiment is to check
this theory and determine the value of the inductance L. You
should initially use a range of resistance values between 10 and
2000 Ohms and take at least 10 measurements. Plot 1/tau versus R for your initial check of
the relationship.
Marking Scheme