Scribd
Upload
25 views2 pages

Lab Report Capacitor Complete

This lab report investigates the charging and discharging behavior of a capacitor in an RC circuit, focusing on the time constant and current variation over time. The experiment confirms the exponential nature of these processes and compares experimental results with theoretical calculations. Recommendations for improved accuracy and stability in measurements are also provided.

Uploaded by

melvinotieno123456
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
25 views2 pages

Lab Report Capacitor Complete

This lab report investigates the charging and discharging behavior of a capacitor in an RC circuit, focusing on the time constant and current variation over time. The experiment confirms the exponential nature of these processes and compares experimental results with theoretical calculations. Recommendations for improved accuracy and stability in measurements are also provided.

Uploaded by

melvinotieno123456
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Lab Report: Charging and Discharging a Capacitor

Name: ____________________

Date: ____________________

Course: ____________________

Instructor: ____________________

1. Introduction
The purpose of this experiment is to study the charging and discharging behavior of a
capacitor in an RC circuit. The time constant (tau) is determined and compared with
theoretical calculations. The experiment also examines how current varies with time during
both charging and discharging processes.

2. Theory
A capacitor stores electrical energy when connected to a voltage source and discharges
when disconnected. The time constant (tau) of an RC circuit is given by:

tau = R × C

where:
- R is the resistance (Ω)
- C is the capacitance (F)

The voltage across a charging capacitor follows:


VC(t) = Vs(1 - e^(-t/RC))

For discharging:
VC(t) = V0 e^(-t/RC)

3. Materials
- 4.7 µF capacitor
- Multimeter
- DC power source
- 10 kΩ resistor
- Switch
- Connecting wires
4. Procedure
1. The circuit was set up as per the provided diagram.
2. The power source was set to 5V and switched off initially.
3. The power was turned on, and a stopwatch started to measure charging time.
4. The power was switched off, and the stopwatch recorded the discharging time.
5. Steps 3 and 4 were repeated for multiple voltage values.
6. The current was calculated using Ohm’s law.
7. Graphs of current vs. time were plotted.
8. The experimental time constant was determined.

7. Analysis & Discussion


1. The graphs for resistors were examined to determine if they followed Ohm’s Law.
2. The charging and discharging curves followed an exponential behavior.
3. The experimental time constant was determined from the graph and compared with the
theoretical value tau = R × C.

Impact of Temperature:
- Resistance may change with temperature.
- Wire-wound resistors maintain more stable resistance than carbon resistors.

8. Conclusion
- The experiment verified the exponential nature of capacitor charging and discharging.
- The experimental time constant was close to the theoretical value.
- Wire-wound resistors showed more stability than carbon resistors.
- Applications include timing circuits, filters, and energy storage systems.

9. Recommendations
- Improve measurement accuracy with automated data logging.
- Use resistors with minimal temperature dependence for precise results.

5. Experimental Data
V (V) 5 8 11 14 17 20
I (A) 1.58 1.60 3.69 1.88 1.12 1.20
I (A) 1.50 1.40 3.90 1.70 1.80 1.12
I (A) 1.40 1.30 3.69 2.0 1.23 1.30

Lecturer’s Signature: ____________________

Lab Technologist’s Signature: ____________________

You might also like