VIGNAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE

Engineering Physics Lab

Dept. of Basic Science

and Humanities

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 Instructions to Students

1. A prior study about the experiment is essential for good performance in the

class. Read the instruction manual carefully before coming to the lab class. If you

come unprepared to the lab; your performance would be accordingly affected.

2. You are expected to perform the experiment, complete the calculations and data

analysis, and submit the report of every experiment on the same day within the

laboratory slot assigned for it.

3. You must bring with you the following material to the lab report sheets (A4 size

paper), pen, pencil, small scale, this instruction manual, graph sheets, calculator

and a file cover and any other stationary item required.

4. At least one set of observation should be signed by the instructor.

5. It is important to estimate the maximum possible error of the results using the

given apparatus/data.

6. Each graph should be well documented; abscissa and ordinate along with the

units should be mentioned clearly. The title of the graph should be stated on the

top of each graph paper.

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 INDEX

S.No Name of the experiment Page. No

1. Dispersive power of the material of a prism Spectrometer 5

2. Determination of wavelength of a source - Diffraction Grating 12

3. Newton's Rings - Radius of curvature of Plano convex lens 16

4. Single slit diffraction using laser 20

5. Rigidity Modulus: Torsional pendulum 23

6. Melde's Experiment - Transverse and Longitudinal modes 28

7. Time constant of an R-C circuit 32

8. L-C-R circuit 35

9. Magnetic field along the axis of a current carrying coil 44

(Stewart and Gee's method)

10. Energy gap of a material of p_n junction 49

11. Evaluation of Numerical Aperture of a given fiber 53

12. Charastics of LED and LASER 56

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Particulars of the experiments performed

S.No Date Name of the Experiment Page No

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1. Spectrometer: Dispersive power of a prism

Aim: To determine the dispersive power of the prism.

Apparatus: Spectrometer, prism, magnifying lens, mercury vapour lamp, spirit

level, reading lens.

Formula: -

 A D 
sin  
Refractive index is  
 2 
 A
sin  
2

Where A = angle of the prism

D = Angle of the minimum deviation
2  1
The dispersive power of the material of the given prism 
 1
  2
Where 1 and  2 are the refractive indices of two colours and   1 .
2

Where 1 is the refractive index of the blue colour

 2 is the refractive index of the red colour

Description: The spectrometer mainly consists of

a) a collimator
a) a telescope
b) a prism table
c) a circular scale and the vernier
a) The collimator:-
Consists of a convergent lens fitted to the inner end of a hollow tube, fixed to the
instrument. Another hollow tube , which exactly fits into the fixed tube and can
be moved in or out by working pinion, carries at its outer end a slit of adjustable
width. The axis of the collimator is set perpendicular to the axis of the rotation
of the prism table. The collimator is fixed to the instrument and cannot be
rotated. The collimator is used to obtain a parallel beam of light from a given
source.

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b) The telescope: -
This is an astronomical telescope whose objective is fitted to the inner end of a
hollow tube. Exactly fitting into this tube there is another tube which can be
moved in or out by working a pinion. At the outer end, the tube carries the
Ramsden’s eye piece with cross wires. The cross wires consists, generally of the
fibers from a spider’s web, fixed across the tube one vertically and another
horizontally in front of the eye-piece towards the objective side. The distance of
the cross-wires from the eye-piece can be altered by pushing in or drawing out
the eye-piece. The axis of the telescope is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of
the prism table. The telescope can be turned about an axis coinciding with the
axis of rotation of the prism table and can be clamped on any position by the
screw S1 . The angle of rotation can be measured, on a circular scale which is fixed

to the telescope and moved along with it. By means of the tangent screw the
telescope, after it is clamped, can be turned through very small angles and thus
fine adjustments can be made. The telescope is used to receive the parallel beam
of light from collimator.
c) The prism table:-
It is a small circular table provided with three leveling screw and is used for
keeping the prism on it. The prism table can be raised or lowered and clamped in
any position by a screw. By means of another screw it can be fixed to the vernier
table and the two will then turn together. The vernier is provided with a clamped
screw and a tangent screw for fine adjustment. The prism table can be rotated
about a vertical axis passing through its centre.
d) The circular scale:-
This is a circular metal plate attached to the telescope and rotated with it.
Usually graduated into half degree and the reading can be noted on two vernier
which are fixed diametrically opposite to each other.
Adjustments: Before the instrument is used for measurement purpose, the
following adjustments are made.
a) Eye-piece: - The telescope is turned towards a white surface say a wall and
the eye-piece is moved in or out until the cross-wires are seen clearly.
b) Telescope: - The telescope is directed towards a distant object, say a telegraph
post or a tree and by working the pinion, the telescope is adjusted until the
image of the object is formed in the plane of the cross-wires with no parallax

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between the image and the cross-wires. Now the telescope is ready to receive
a parallel beam of light.
c) Collimator: - The slit of the collimator is illuminated with sodium light. The
telescope is brought in line with the collimator and the distance of the slit
from the collimating lens is adjusted until a clear image of the slit with well-
defined edges is formed in the plane of the cross wires without any parallax
error and also the slit is adjusted to be vertical and narrow.
d) Prism table: - A spirit level is kept on the prism table parallel to the line
joining to the leveling screws. The two screws are adjusted until the air
bubbles of the spirit level comes to the centre. Then the spirit level is turned
on the table perpendicular to this position and the third screw is adjusted
until the air bubble comes to the centre. Now the surface of the prism table
will be horizontal. After making the adjustments of the
spectrometer, the least count of the vernier is found by the relation
l.m.s.d
L.C  where ‘N’ is the number of divisions on the vernier scale.
N
Determination of angle of the prism (A):
Procedure: The primary adjustments of spectrometer are to be done as explained.
Then the prism is placed at the centre of prism table such that both refracting
edges of the prism are facing the collimator symmetrically as shown in fig. Then
the prism is fixed. The telescope is released and rotated to observe reflected
image of the slit from one face say ‘AB’. The tangent screw of the telescope is
worked until the reflected image coincides with vertical cross wire. The readings
of the two verniers are noted. The telescope is rotated such that the reflected
image of the slit from second face ‘AC’ is focused. Then readings of both verniers
are noted. Then difference between the respective readings of the vernier gives
the value ‘2A’, from which the refracting angle can be determined.
Determination of angle of minimum deviation (D):-
Procedure: - The vernier table is clamped and the prism table is released. The
prism clamped centrally on the prism table such that the surface of the ground
glass is almost parallel to the axis of the collimator and the light from collimator
incident on the polished surface of the prism emerges out from the other polished
surface as shown in fig. The telescope is turned to observe the refracted image of
the slit. Looking at the image the prism table is slowly turned such that the
image moves towards the direct position. The telescope is also moved so as to

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keep the image of the slit in the field of view. At certain stage it will be found
that the image changes its direction of motion even through the prism is
continued to move in the same direction.
The position of the prism is fixed when refracted image of the slit just retraces its
path, which is the minimum position of deviation. The telescope is focused such
that the image coincides with the vertical crosswire. The readings of two verniers
are noted. Then prism is removed and the telescope rotated such that the direct
image of the slit coincides with the vertical crosswire. Then the reading of two
verniers gives the angle of minimum deviation of the prism (D). Then refractive
index of the prism is found by the formula

 A D 
sin  
 
2 
 A
sin  
2
Precautions:
1. The optical adjustments must be done carefully before starting the
experiment.
2. The slit should be narrow as possible.
3. The prism must be set symmetrically on the prism table.
4. Reading on both verniers is to be taken.
5. The polished surface should not be touched. It should be handled by its edges.

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Table 1: Angle of prism

Readings of reflected image

Difference in vernier
Readings (2A)
S.no Left Right
A
Ver I Ver II Ver I Ver II Ver I Ver II

Angle of prism (A) =

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Table 2: Angle of minimum deviation (D)

Readings of
Direct Differences
Minimum
reading In readings
S.no Deviation
D
Ver I Ver II Ver I Ver II Ver I Ver II

 A D 
sin  
The refractive index of the prism    2 

 A
sin  
2

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Table 2: Observations

Vernier I Vernier II Average

Min Direct Angle Min Direct Angle Angle

Colou Deviation reading Of Min Deviation Reading Of Min Of Min Μ
r Position Deviation Position Deviation Deviation
(D)

Blue b

r
Red

b   r
Dispersive power  
 1

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2. Diffraction grating: Wave length of source

Aim: To determine the wavelength of a given source of light by using the diffraction
grating in the normal incidence position

Apparatus: Plane diffraction grating, spectrometer, spirit level, reading lens, sodium
vapour lamp.

Description: a plane diffraction grating consists of a parallel sided glass plate with
equidistant fine parallel lines drawn very closely upon it by means of a diamond point.
The number of lines drawn is about 15,000 per inch.

Theory: When light of wavelength  is incident normally on a diffraction grating having

N lines per cm and if θ is the angle of diffraction in the nth order spectrum, then

nN   sin 

sin 
Normal incidence method 
Nn

D
2d sin  
Minimum deviation method   2
nN

Where  = wavelength of a given spectrum

From which  can be determined.

Procedure: The usual initial adjustments of the spectrometer are done. The least count
of the vernier of the spectrometer is found.

1. Normal incidence: The slit of the spectrometer is illuminated with sodium vapour
lamp. The telescope is placed in line with the axis of the collimator and the direct
image of the slit is observed. The slit is narrowed and the vertical cross-wire is
made to coincide with the centre of the image of the slit ( T1 in fig). The reading of

one of the vernier is noted. The prism table is clamped firmly and the telescope
turned through exactly 920 and fixed in position ( T2 in fig).

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The grating is held with the rulings vertical and mounted in its holder on the
prism table such that the plane of the grating passes through the centre of the
table and the ruled surface towards the collimator. The prism table is released
and rotated until the image of the slit is seen in the telescope by reflection on the
ruled side of the grating. The prism table is fixed after adjusting the point of
intersection of the cross-wires is on the image of the slit. Then the vernier table is
released and rotated trough exactly 450 from this position so that the ruled side
of the grating faces the collimator. The vernier table is fixed in this position and
the telescope is brought back to the direct reading position. Now the light from
the collimator strikes the grating normally.
2. Measurement of  : The telescope is rotated so as to catch the first order
diffracted image on one side, say on the left. With sodium light two images of slit
very close to each other, can be seen. They are called D1 and D2 lines. The point of

intersection of the cross wire is set on the D1 line and its reading is noted on the

both vernier. Similarly the reading corresponding to the D2 line is noted.

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Then telescope is turned to the other side i.e. right side and similarly the
readings corresponding to D1 and D2 lines of the first order spectrum are noted.

Half the difference in the readings corresponding to any one line gives the angle
of diffraction (θ) for those lines in the first order spectrum.
The experiment is repeated for the second spectrum. The number of lines per cm
of the grating (N) is noted and the wavelength  of the spectral line is found by
the relation.
sin 

Nn

Observations:-

Number of lines (as marked on the grating) per inch = 15,000

15, 000
Number of lines per cm = =5906
2.54

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Order of
Spectrum Line Reading of spectrometer 2θ
(n)
sin 
Vernier I Vernier II 
Nn
Vernier Vernier Mean
Left Right Left Right I II

Precautions:

1. Always the grating should be held by the edges. The ruled surface should not be
touched.
2. Light from the collimator should be uniformly incident on the entire surface of
the gratin

Result: Mean value of  for D1 lines = cm.

= A0 .

Mean value of  for D2 lines = cm.

= A0 .

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3. Newton’s rings

Aim: To determine the wavelength of sodium light by forming Newton’s rings.

Apparatus: A convex lens is of focal length about 100cm, two optically plane glass plates,
travelling microscope, condensing lens and a sodium vapour lamp.

Formula:-

Dn 2  Dm 2
The radius of curvature of given Plano convex lens is given by R  cm
4 ( N  M )

Whrere  = 5893 108 cm

Description: The convex lens is placed on the optically plane glass plate P which is on
the platform of the travelling microscope. A black paper is placed under the glass plate.

The condensing lens C is placed at a distance equal to focal length of the lens from the
sodium vapour lamp. The emergent parallel beam of light is directed towards the glass
plate G kept directly above the centre of the lens and inclined 450 to the vertical. The
beam of light is reflected from the lower surface the lens and the top surface of the glass
plate P, Newton’s rings with alternate bright and dark rings are formed having a black
centre. These can be focused by microscope (It may happen that the centre of the ring
system is bright. This is due to the presence of dust particle between the lens and thick
glass plate. In such a case the surfaces of the lens and the glass place have to be
cleaned.)

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Procedure: The microscope is focused at the centre of the ring system. The microscope is
moved so that the cross wires pass over 16 or 17 dark rings. Then the microscope is
moved back until the vertical cross wire is set at end of the 15th dark ring. The reading
of the main scale and the number of vernier coincidence are noted from which the
reading of the microscope can be determined. The microscope is moved so that the
vertical cross-wire is set at the end of the 14th dark ring. The reading of the microscope
is noted. Similarly the readings of the microscope with cross-wire set successively at the
end of the 13th , 12th , 11th etc… 5th dark ring. The microscope corresponding to 5th, 6th,
7th … 15th dark ring on the other side of the centre are noted. From these observations,
the diameter of the 5th, 6th …..15th dark rings can be found.

The convex lens L is removed and its radius of the curvature R is determined either by a
spherometer or by Boy’s method. A graph is drawn with the number of dark rings on the
x-axis and the square of the diameter of the ring ( D 2 ) on the y-axis. The graph is a

straight line passing through the origin. From the graph, the values Dn 2 and

Dm 2 corresponding to nth and mth are found. The wavelength  of sodium light is found
by the formula

Dn 2  Dm 2
 cm
4 R( N  M )

Or taking the standard wavelength of sodium light, the radius of curvature of the lens
can be calculated. The value of radius of curvature of the lens is verified using
spherometer.

Precautions:-

1. While taking the observations the microscope should be moved only in one
direction to avoid the error due to back-lash.

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2. The lens L and the glass plate p, should be perfectly clean.

3. The slow motion tangent screw alone should be moved in taking observations.
4. The reading of the central rings up to 5 need not be considered as they will be
hazy and indistinct.

Observations:

Microscope reading Diameter D2

No. of dark
S.No D=b-a
Rings Left (a) Right (b)

2
1

2 4

3 6

4 8

5 10

6 12

7 14

8 16

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APPLICATIONS

1. Newton’s rings are employed to detect and measure small changes in radii of
curvature and in the length of bodies.
2. These kinds of observations have been used for determining elastic constants of
materials.
3. The flatness of glass surface can be tested by making use of Newton’s rings.
4. The thickness of a thin object like a mica-sheet can be determined.
5. The refractive index of a liquid like water or oil can be determined.

Result: Wave length of sodium light = ……. ……..A0.

The radius of curvature of the lens = ………….. cm.

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4. Single Slit Diffraction Using Laser

AIM
To determine the wave length of the given laser source using a single using a single slit
and by diffraction pattern.
APPARATUS
Diode laser with round base, Single Slit, Microscope
FORMULA:
a sin 

n

Where a is the width of the slit

 is the angle of diffraction
n is the order of diffraction

THEORY
When diffraction of light occurs as it passes through a slit, the angle to the minima in
the
Diffraction pattern is given by
a . sin θ = mλ; (m = 1,2,3,...)

Where a is the slit width, θ is the angle from the center of the pattern to the m th
minimum, λ is the wavelength of the light, and m is the order of the minimum (1 for the
first minimum, 2 for the second minimum, counting from the center out). See Figure 1.1.

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Since the angles are usually small, it can be assumed that

sin θ ≈ tan θ
From trigonometry,
tan θ = y / L
where y is the distance on the screen from the center of the pattern to the mth minimum
and D is the distance from the slit to the screen as shown in Figure 1.1. The diffraction
equation can thus be solved for the slit width:

PROCEDURE

1. Place the single slit parallel to the laser source such that the rays are incident on
the slit width.
2. Adjust the slit width such that we see clear diffraction pattern of the slit on
screen or wall.
3. Determine the distance L from the slit to the screen and distance between the
maxima is Y.
4. Take the readings on left and right side.
5. Vary the slit distance from the screen i.e. take the readings at different L.
6. The corresponding Y is measured.
7. Measure the slit width (a) by microscope.

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OBSERVATION TABLE

Slit width(a) = ------------------------------ cm

L cm Y Cm Y  a sin 
Order of the 
L n
left Right Mean
maxima

PRECAUTIONS

1. The laser beam should not penetrate into e yes as this may damages the eyes
permanently
2. The laser should be operated at a constant voltage 220V obtained from a stabilizer.
This avoids the flickering of the laser beam.

REASULT

The wavelength of the given LASER is =.......................

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5. Rigidity Modulus: Torsional pendulum

Aim: - To determine the rigidity modulus of the material of the given wire by dynamical
method using torsional pendulum.

Apparatus: - Torsional pendulum, stop watch, a vertical pointer, screw gauge and
vernier calipers.

Formula: - the rigidity modulus of the given wire is

4 MR 2  l 
  
a4  T 2 

Where M = mass of the disc

R = radius of the disc

l = is the length of the wire between two chucks

T = is the time period of the pendulum

a = radius of the wire

Description: - Tensional pendulum consists of a uniform metal disc suspended by a wire

whose rigidity modulus to be determined. The lower end of the wire is gripped in a
chuck fixed at the centre of the disc and the upper end is gripped in another chuck fixed
to a wall bracket as in fig.

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Theory: when the disc is turned through a small angle in the horizontal oscillations
about the axis of the wire. The time period of oscillations given by

I
T  2 ---------------------------- (1)
C

Where I is the moment of inertia of the disc about the axis of rotation and C is the
couple per unit twist of the wire.

 n
But C ----------------------------------- (2)
2l

Where A is the radius of the wire l is its length and n is the rigidity module.

From equation (1) and (2) we have

8 I l
n ------------------------- (3)
a4 T 2

In the case of a circular disc whose geometric axis coincide with the axis of rotation, the
moment of inertia I is given by

MR 2
I
2

Where M is the mass of the disc and R is the radius. On substituting values of I in
equation (3), we get

8 MR 2 l
n ------------------------- (4)
2 a4 T 2

Procedure: A meter wire whose ‘n’ is to be determined is taken. The disc is suspended
from one end of the wire. The other end of the wire is passed through the chuck fixed to
the wall bracket and is rigidly fixed. The length ‘l’ of the wire between the chucks is
adjusted to a convenient value (50 cm). A pin is fixed vertically on the edge of disc and a
vertical pointer is placed in front of the disc against the pin to serve as a reference to
count the oscillations.

The disc is turned in the horizontal plane through a small angle, so as to twist the wire
and released. There should not be any up and down and lateral movements of the disc.

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When it is executing torsional oscillations, time for 20 oscillations is noted twice and
l
mean is taken. The time period (T) is then calculated. Value is calculated.
T2
The experiment is repeated for different values of ‘l’ and in each case the time period is
l
determined. The value is calculated for each length. The observations are tabulated.
T2
l
From the observations mean value is calculated.
T2
The mass ‘M’ of the disc is measured with a rough balance and its radius ‘R’ is
calculated with vernier calipers. The radius of the wire ‘a’ is determined very accurately
with screw gauge, at three of four different places and means value is taken since it
occurs in fourth power.Substituting these values in equation (4) ‘n’ is calculated.
A graph is drawn taking the value of ‘l’ on the X-axis and the corresponding values of
l
T 2 on the Y-axis. It is a straight line graph passing through origin. From the graph is
T2
calculated.
l
Substituting this value of also ‘n’ is calculated.
T2
Precautions:
1. The wire should not be free from kings.
2. The disc should not wobble.

Observations:

Least count of screw gauge (L.C) = ……………. Cm

Average radius of the wire (a) = ………….. cm

Mass of the disc (M) = ………………… cm

Mean radius of the disc (R) = …………. cm

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TABULAR FORMS

i) Radius of the Wire (by Screw gauge)

S. PSR HSR L.C PSR + (HSR  LC) Diameter Radius,
No. (cm) a(Cr)

ii) To find l/T2 :

Time period for 20 oscillations

S.no Length Period T2 l
(l ) T T2
Trial I Trial II Mean

l
Mean =
T2

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EXPECTED GRAPHS

A graph is drawn between “l’ on x-axis and T2 and y-axis which is expected to be as
below:

Result:- Rigidity modulus (n) of the wire ……………dynes/ cm2

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6. Melde’s Experiment

Aim: To determine the frequency of an electrically driven tuning fork.

Apparatus: An electrically maintained tuning fork, a light smooth pulley fixed to a

stand, a light scale pan, thread, a storage cell, rheostat, plug key and connecting wires.

Description: A fork can be maintained in the state of continuous vibration electrically.

one terminal of the coil of an electromagnet is connected to the make and break
arrangement and the other end of the coil to the cell, rheostat and plug key connected in
series. In the normal position when the circuit is closed, the electromagnet attracts the
prong of the fork towards it. This breaks electrical circuit and the prong moves back
closing the circuit. The electromagnet again attracts the prong towards it. This is
repeated again and again and the fork is maintained in a state of continuous vibration.

One end of the thread of length about 3 meters is joined to a screw attached to one prong
of the fork and the other end is passed over a smooth pulley and light pan is fixed at the
other end of the thread. When the fork is vibrated electrically, stationary waves of well
defined loops are formed.

Meld’s apparatus can be arranged in two modes of vibration

a) When the direction of motion of the prong is at right angles to the length of the
string, the vibrations of the thread represent the transverse mode of vibration.

b) When the direction of motion of the prong is along the length of the thread, the
vibrations of the thread represent longitudinal mode of vibration.

Procedure:

1. The apparatus is arranged in transverse mode of vibration of the thread. A

suitable load is placed in the pan. The tuning fork is excited electrically. The
length of thread is adjusted by moving the pulley until well defined loops are
formed in it. The distance between a definite number of well defined loops is
measured with a meter scale from which the average length l of a single loop is
determined.

d 
l    cm
x 
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2. The total load attached to the thread inclusive of the mass of the pan is noted. If
it is Mg, the tension applied on the string is T = Mg. where g is acceleration due
to gravity.
The mass of the thread is determined correct to a milligram. The mass per unit
length of the string is then determined. The frequency n of the tuning fork is
founded by the relation

1 T
n
2l m

The experiment repeated for various tensions and the observations are tabulated
in table.1 and n is calculated.

3. The apparatus is arranged in longitudinal mode of vibration of the thread. The

experiment is done in similar manner as in 1. The average length l of a loop, the
tension T applied to the thread and the mass per unit length of the thread are
found. the frequency of the tuning fork is found by the relation

1 T
n
2l m
The experiment is repeated with different tensions and the observations are
tabulated in table.2 and n is calculated.

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Precautions:

1. A thin and inelastic thread should be used.

2. The loops should be well defined and confined to single plane.

The mean of the two average frequencies in the transverse and longitudinal modes gives
the correct frequency of the tuning fork.

OBSERVATIONS

1. Mass of the string (thread) = w = ………….. gm (correct to a mg)

2. Length of the string (thread) = y = ………….. cm

3. Linear density of the thread = (w/y) = ……………… gm / cm

4. Mass of the pan = m = ………….. gm (correct to a mg)

Mass per unit length of the thread (m) = ……… grams

Table.1 Transverse Mode

S.no T = Mg Length of Length of T

P loops = L Each loop l

T
Average =
l

1 T
Then n  =
2 m l

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Table.2 Longitudinal Mode

S.no T = Mg Length of Length of T

P loops = L Each loop l

T
Average =
l

1 T
Then n  =
2 m l

APPLICATIONS

1. Vibrations of bars or rods, vibrations of metallic plates, vibrations of belts,

vibrations of diaphragm, forced vibrations of a sound box in a gramophone or a
loud speaker in a radio etc.

2. In the case of a rectangular bar the frequency of vibrations is proportional to the

length of its side in the plane of vibration, and inversely proportional to the
breadth in that plane. The frequency is independent of the thickness at right
angles to the plane of vibrations.

3. The vibrations produced in bridges of road ways and railways can be experienced
while standing on it when a heavy vehicle or a train passes over it.

Result: The frequency of the tuning fork n =

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7. Time Constant of RC-circuit

Aim:

To study the exponential decay of current in a circuit containing resistance and a

capacitance and to determine the time constant.

Apparatus:-

Battery eliminator, resistors, capacitors, galvanometer, stop clock, tap key, connecting
wires.

Theory:

The circuit diagram for RC circuit is shown in figure.

When a condenser is discharged through a resistance, the charge falls is

t

q  qo e RC

The rate of discharge is

dq 1  RCt
 I  qo e
dt RC
t

I   I 0e RC

When t  RC then I  0.368I o

The time constant is equal to the time, taken to decrease the charge of ‘e’ part of the
maximum charge. It is equal to the time taken to discharge to a value of 0.368 part of
maximum charge.

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OBSERVATION TABLE

SET-1 SET-2 SET-3

S.No CURRENT IN
R1 = Ohms R2 = Ohms R3 = Ohms
AMPS
C1 = microfarads C2 = microfarads C3 = microfarads

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Comparison table:-

S.No Time Constant

R in Ohms C in
microfarads
Theoretical Experimental

EXPECTED GRAPHS

A graph is drawn by taking time on x-axis and decay of currents on y-axis. Draw an
intercept to the X-axis as shown in the graph the corresponding t gives the time
constant

Result

The time constant of a given RC – circuit is = ------------------------------- (Theoretical)

= ----------------------------------------------------- (Experimental)

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8. LCR CIRCUIT

Aim
To study the series and parallel resonance circuit find to and frequency and quality
factor.
Apparatus
Function generator, an inductance coil, three capacitors, a resistance box, a.c.
voltmeters, multimeter, one a.c. milliammeter, connecting wires.
Formula
Series resonant circuit:-
1
The resonance frequency is f 0 
2 LC
f0 f
Quality factor = Q   0
f 2  f1 
Parallel resonant circuit:-

1 1 R2
The resonance frequency is f 0  
2 LC L2

f0 f
Quality factor = Q   0
f 2  f1 

Where f 0 is the resonance frequency

L is the inductance
C is the capacitance
R is the resistance and
  f 2  f1 is the band width and f1 , f 2 can be obtained for graph.

Theory:-
Circuits containing an inductor L, a capacitor C, and a resistor R, have special
characteristics useful in many applications. Their frequency characteristics (impedance,
voltage, or current vs. frequency) have a sharp maximum or minimum at certain
frequencies. These circuits can hence be used for selecting or rejecting specific
frequencies and are also called tuning circuits. These circuits are therefore very
important in the operation of television receivers, radio receivers, and transmitters. In

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this section, we will present two types of LCR circuits, viz., series and parallel, and also
discuss the formulae applicable for typical resonant circuits.
A series LCR circuit includes a series combination of an inductor, resistor and capacitor
whereas; a parallel LCR circuit contains a parallel combination of inductor and
capacitor with the resistance placed in series with the inductor. Both series and parallel
resonant circuits may be found in radio receivers and transmitters.
Series resonance circuit:-

When an alternating e.m.f    0 sin t was applied to circuit having an inductance L,

capacitance C and resistance R in series as shown in fig. The current in the circuit at
any instant of time t is given by the following equation

Where it can also be proved that the maximum current io is

And from above equation the phase difference between the applied e.m.f and the
resultant current is given by

From equation (1) the impendence Z of the impedance of the circuit is given by

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1
The L - C - R series circuit has a very large capacitive reactance ( ) at low
C
frequencies and a very large inductance reactance (  L ) at high frequencies. So at a
1
particular frequency, the total reactance in the circuit is zero (  L  ).Under this
C
situation, the resultant impedance of the circuit is minimum. The particular frequency
of A.C at which impedance of a series L - C - R circuit becomes minimum is called the
resonant frequency and the circuit is called as series resonant circuit.
At resonance frequency

Or

The resonant frequency fo of the series resonant circuit is given by

The above equaton shows that the resonant frequency depends on the product of L and
C and does not depend on R. The variation of the peak value of current with the
frequency of the applied e.m.f is shown in fig.
Let f1 and f2 be these limiting values of frequency. Then the width of the band is

The Quality factor is defined as

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Q-factor is also defined in terms of reactance and resistance of the circuit at resonance,

Parallel resonant circuit:-

A parallel resonant circuit is shown in fig. Here an inductance L and a resistance R are
connected in series in one branch and a condenser of capacity C in another branch. A
source of alternating e.m.f is connected to this circuit. From the above fig admittance (Y)
can be calculated as

Where Z is the impedance of the circuit. The admittance is minimum or impedance is

maximum at a particular frequency (f), which is given by

At this frequency admittance is minimum and hence the current is minimum. such a

The impedance (or) dynamic resistance of the circuit

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The quality factor

Procedure:-
Series resonant circuit:-
1. Connect the circuit as shown in the circuit diagram.
2. Apply input signal using signal generator.
3. Take the output across the resistor and feed it to Ammeter input sockets.
4. Vary the frequency till the Ammeter records a sharp rise and fall, adjust the
signal such that the Ammeter defection is the maximum possible. This is the
resonant frequency of the connected combination of the circuit.
5. Adjust the signal generator amplitude such that to get full-scale deflection. In
Ammeter now reduce the frequency till the deflection falls considerably. Then
increase the frequency in regular intervals & note down the Ammeter readings.
6. Plot a graph between the meter defection divisions and frequency.

7. Repeat the procedure using different combinations of L, C & R and study how Q
is affected. Also study how Resonant Frequency depends upon different
combinations of L.C.R.

Parallel resonant circuit:-

1. Connect the circuit as per the circuit diagram.
2. Apply input signal, from a reliable signal generator. The output should be 10V
only.
3. Take the output across the tank circuit and connect to Ammeter input sockets.
4. Vary the frequency till the Ammeter records sharp fall. Adjust the signal such
that the deflection falls down considerably. Then increase the frequency in
regular intervals and note down the deflection.

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5. Adjust the signal generators amplitude such that, to get full-scale deflection.
Now reduce the frequency till the deflection falls down considerably. Then
increase the frequency in regular intervals & note down the deflection.
6. Plot graph between the meter deflection divisions and frequency.
7. Repeat the procedure for different values of R and study how Q is affected. Also
study how resonant frequency depends on different combinations of L.C.R.

Graph: -

1. For series resonant circuit

2. For Parallel resonant circuit

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Observations:-

Table:-I For series resonant circuit:-

S.No Frequency Current

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Table:-II for Parallel resonant circuit:-

S.No Frequency Current

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Result:-

The resonance and quality factor for LCR in series combinations are

The resonance and quality factor for LCR in parallel combinations are

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9. STUDY OF MAGNETIC FIELD ALONG THE AXIS OF A

CIRCULAR COIL -
STEWART AND GEE’S APPARATUS

AIM
To study the variation of magnetic field along the axis of a circular coil carrying current.

EQUIPMENT & COMPONENTS

Stewart and Gees type of tangent galvanometer, Rheostat, Ammeter, deflection

magnetometer, Battery eliminator, 4way & 2 way key.

FORMULA

The magnetic field (B) at a point on the axis of a circular coil carrying current "i" is
given by the expression

0 n i a 2
B Telsa

2 x +a2

2 32

Where 'n’ is the number of turns,

‘a’ the mean radius of the coil,
‘x’ is the distance of the point from the center of the coil along the axis, and
‘i’ is the current passing through the coil.
DIAGRAM OF EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

DESCRIPTION

The apparatus consists of a circular frame "c" made up of non-magnetic substance. An

insulated Copper wire is wounded on the frame. The ends of the wire are connected to

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the other two terminals. By selecting a pair of terminals the number of turns used can
be changed. The frame is fixed to a long base B at the middle in a vertical plane along
the breadth side. The base has leveling screws. A rectangular non-magnetic metal frame
is supported on the uprights. The plane of the frame contains the axis of the coil and
this frame passes through the circular coil. A magnetic compass like that one used in
deflection magnetometer is supported on a movable platform. This platform can be
moved on the frame along the axis of the coil. The compass is so arranged that the
center of the magnetic needle always lie on the axis of the coil.

The apparatus is arranged so that the plane of coil is in the magnetic meridian. The
frame with compass is kept at the center of the coil and the base is rotated so that the
plane of the coil is parallel to the magnetic needle in the compass. The compass is
rotated so that the aluminum pointer reads 00-00. Now the rectangular frame is along
East-West directions. When a current "i" flows through the coil the magnetic field
produced is in the perpendicular direction to the plane of the coil. The magnetic needle
in the compass is under the influence of two magnetic fields. "B" due to coil carrying
current and the earth's magnetic field "Be" which are mutually perpendicular. The
needle deflects through an angle 'θ' satisfying the tangent law.

PROCEDURE

With the help of the deflection magnetometer and a chalk, a long line of about one meter
is drawn on the working table, to represent the magnetic meridian. Another line
perpendicular to the line is also drawn. The Stewart and Gees galvanometer is set with
its coil in the magnetic meridian as shown in the fig. The external circuit is connected as
shown in the fig, keeping the ammeter, rheostat away from the deflection
magnetometer. This precaution is very much required because, the magnetic field
produced by the current passing through the rheostat and the permanent magnetic field
due to the magnet inside the ammeter affect the magnetometer reading, if they are close
to it.

The magnetometer is set at the center of the coil and rotated to make the aluminum
pointer reads (00-00) in the magnetometer. The key K, is closed and the rheostat is
adjusted so as the deflection in the magnetometer is about 60°. The current in the
commutator is reversed and the deflection in the magnetometer is observed. The

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deflection in the magnetometer before and after reversal of current should not differ
much. In case of sufficient difference say above 2° or 3°, necessary adjustments are to be
made.

The deflections before and after reversal of current are noted when d=0. The readings
are noted in Table. The magnetometer is moved towards East along the axis of the coil
in steps of 2cm at a time. At each position, the key is closed and the deflections before
and after reversal of current are noted. The mean deflection be denoted as E. The
magnetometer is further moved towards east in steps of 2cm each time and the
deflections before and after reversal of current be noted, until the deflection falls to 30°.
The experiment is repeated by shifting the magnetometer towards West from the center
of the coil in steps of 2cm, each time and deflections are noted before and after the
reversal of current. The mean deflection is denoted as w.

It will be found that for each distance (x) the value in the last two columns of the second
table are found to be equal verifying equation (1) & (2).

A graph is drawn between x [the distance of the deflection magnetometer from the
center of the coil along x-axis and the corresponding Tan e and Tan w along y-axis.
The shape of the curve is shown in the figure. The point A and B marked on the curve lie
at distance equal to half of radius of the coil (a/2) on either side of the coil.

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OBSERVATIONS

Horizontal component of earth’s = 0.38  10–4 Tesla (or Wb.m–2)

magnetic field Be

Radius of a coil a = ………….. meter

(Diameter of coil / 2)

Current carrying in the ammeter = …………. Amps

0 = 4   10–7

TABULAR FORMS

Distance Deflection in East Mean Deflection in West Mean 

 E  W Tan 
2
from the Direction E Direction W
Center of
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Coil x

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Distance in meter (x) Theoretical B Practical B

EXPECTED GRAPH

RESULT

Intensity of magnetic field of earth is calculated and verified for standard tables

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10. ENERGY GAP OF MATERIAL OF P-N JUNCTION

AIM:-

To determine the energy band gap material given semiconductor diode.

EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS:-

D.C Power Supply, Semi-conductor diode (Germanium or Silicon), thermometer, heating

arrangement to heat the diode, Voltmeter, Microammeter and connecting wires.

FORMULA:-

Eg  1.9833 104  slope  eV

THEORY:-

The Energy gap (Eg) of a material is defined as the minimum amount of energy required
for an electron to get excited from the top of the valance band to the bottom of the
conduction band. The energy gap for metals is zero since valance band and conduction
band overlap each other whereas the energy gap for the insulators is very high. The
energy gap for the semiconductors lies between the values for metals and the insulators.
Eg

The resistance of a semiconductor varies with the temperature as R  R0 (exp kT ) ----- (1)

Where is the resistance of the semiconductor at absolute zero.

K is the Boltzman constant and T is the temperature of the material.

By applying logarithms of both sides of the equitation (1), we get

) --------- (2)

1
This is a linear equation between log e10 and its slope is obtained from:
T

Slope = Eg

Eg = Slope

Eg  1.9833 104  slope  eV

Circuit Diagram:-

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DESCRIPTION

The experimental arrangement comprises an oil bath which is provided with sockets at
its mouth. The sockets are used to insert the thermometer and the semiconductor diode
in the oil bath. A heating element is fixed inside the oil bath which used to raise the
temperature of the oil bath by connecting to the AC main supply. The reverse biasing
voltage can be adjusted by means of the voltmeter and the reverse saturation current
can be measured with the help of a microammeter.

Connecting the two terminals of the given semiconductor diode (Germanium or Silicon)
to the DC Power supply and microammeter in such a way that the diode is reverse
biased. Immerse the diode in the oil bath. Insert the thermometer in the oil bath at the
same level as that of the diode.

Switch on the DC Power supply and adjust the reverse bias voltage to 5 Volts. Switch on
the AC main supply, then the temperature of the oil bath gradually increase.
Consequently, the current through the diode also increases. Note the value of the
current of every 5ºc increase of the temperature, when the temperature of the oil bath
reaches to about 65ºc, and then switch off the AC supply. Stir the oil by means of a
stirrer. Then, the temperature of the oil bath will rise and stabilizes at about 70ºc. Note
the temperature of the oil bath and the current through the diode. After few minutes,
the temperature of the oil bath will begin to fall and the current through the diode
decreases. Note the value of the current of every 5ºc decrease of the temperature, till
the temperature of the oil bath falls to the room temperature.

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Tabulate the values of current and temperature. Repeat the experiment for two or three
different voltages.

Graph:- Draw the graph taking on the X – axis and log 10

R
on the Y –axis. One should

get a straight line which does not pass through the origin. Find the slope of the straight
line.

Eg  1.9833 104  slope  eV

BC
slope  Slope = BC/AC
AC

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OBSERVATIONS

S.No Temperature Current (µA) Mean Resistance

(T)
Curren
t

ºc K Increasing Decreasing (µA) R= V/T in

temperature x10⁶ohms
temperature

1 30

2 35

3 40

4 45

5 50

6 55

7 60

8 65

9 70

RESULT

Energy gap of the given semiconductor = ______________ eV.

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11. Numerical Aperture of Optical fiber

Aim:-
To measure the Numerical aperture (NA) of the given fiber.
Apparatus:-
Numerical aperture measurement Jig. Optical fiber cable with source. Numerical
aperture of any optical system is a measure of how much light can be collected by the
optical system.
Formula:-
W
Numerical aperture ( NA)   sin  max
4 L2  W 2
max  sin 1 ( NA)
c  2max

Where L is the distance of the screen from the fiber end in meters. W is the diameter of
the spot in meter.
Principle:-
Numerical aperture (NA) refers to maximum angle at which the light incident on the
fiber end is totally internally reflected and transmitted properly along the fiber. The
cone formed by the rotation of this angle along the axis of the fiber is the cone of
acceptance of the fiber. The light ray should strike the fiber end it will get refracted and
leave the fiber.

Setup for NA measurement

a. One end of the meter fiber cable is connected to the PO of the source and the
other end to NA JIG.
b. The Ac main is plugged light must appear at the end of the fiber on the NA Jig.
The set PO knob is tuned clock wise to set to a maximum Po. The light intensity
would increase.

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c. The white screen with four concentric circles (10, 15, 20, and 25mm diameters) is
held vertically at a suitable distance to make the red spot from the emitting fiber
coincide with the 10 mm circle. The circumference of the spot must coincide with
the circle. The distance of the screen from the fiber end L is recorded and the
diameter of the spot 'W' is noted. The diameter of the circle can be accurately
measured with a scale.
d. The Numerical aperture is calculated from the
W
formula ( NA)   sin  max
4 L2  W 2
e. The same procedure is repeated for 15mm, 20mm and 25mm diameters.

Result:-

The Numerical aperture is measured as ...................................

The acceptance angle is calculated as .................................... (degrees)

Table:-
Distance between Diameter of the W 
NA 
source and screen spot W (mm) 4L  W
2 2 (degrees)
Circle
L (mm)

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Calculations:-

W
Numerical aperture ( NA)   sin  max
4 L2  W 2
max  sin 1 ( NA)
c  2max (degrees)

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12. Characteristics of LED And LASER

Aim

To study the volt-Ampere characteristics of LED and a LASER source

Apparatus

Millivoltmeter, microammeter, light emitting diode and low intensity laser, power
supply, connecting wires.

Theory

In LED or LASER, the input supply is electrical energy and the output from these is
light energy. That is, LED and LASER convert the electrical energy into light energy. A
laser beam is highly coherent, monochromatic and intense and hence should not be seen
directly with eye. The light coming out of an LED is not highly intense and highly
monochromatic and hence it can be seen directly with our eye. The volt- ampere
characteristics of these two devices are studied here and comparison is made between
these devices.

Procedure

The circuit diagram id connected as shown in the figure. 1.0 to 10 v D.C power supply is
connected to a LED and a micro ammeter in series as shown in figure.

A Millivoltmeter is connected across the terminals of the LED. The power is switched
ON, and varied slowly. The reading in the microammeter and the reading in the miili
voltmeter is noted. The procedure is repeated by slowly varying the power supply and at
each step the reading of the microammeter and Millivoltmeter are recorded. The
readings are tabulated in Table-I and a graph is drawn between voltage and current.

The LED is now disconnected from the circuit and a low power LASER diode is
connected in its place. The micro ammeter is replaced with a milli ammeter and the
milli voltmeter is replaced by voltmeter since the firing voltage of a LASER and LED are
different.

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Observations

Table-I

S.No Reading in the Milliammeter Voltage across LED

Table-II

S.No Reading in the Microammeter Voltage across LASER

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Model Graph

V-I characteristics of LED

P-I characteristics of LASER

58