RC Circuit Aim: To determine the time constant of an given C.R. circuit. Apparatus: A network board consisting of 1) Capacitors 2) Resistors 3) Ammeter 4) Battery 5) Tap key 6) Stop clock 7) Connecting wires. Formula: ‘Time constant of the C.R Circuit theoretically can be calculated by below formula T=RC Where C = Capacitance in farads R = Resistance in ohms Time constant of RC circuit can be calculated practically by graph Theory: When a condenser ‘C’ is charged through a resistance ‘R’ then Voltage increases exponentially in accordance with the formula. V=V, (1-e%®°) Where V is the Voltage in time t and Vois the maximum Voltage The product ‘CR’ is called time constant. Scanned with CamScannerIt is the time taken to establish (1-e“®°) part of the maximum charge in the condenser. It is equal to the time taken to establish 0.632 part of the total charge. When a condenser is discharged through a resistance, the voltage falls in accordance with the formula. V=V,eu"" The time constant in this case is equal to the time, taken to decrease the voltage of ‘e’ part of the maximum voltage. It is equal to the time taken to discharge to a value of 0.368 part of maximum voltage. i.e. we can say that V a1 dq/dt = -t)e¥®° When I = 0.36 I, t= RC Procedure: © The circuit is connected as the above circuit diagram, taking a set of R and C. © The capacitor C is charged by pressing the tap key for a short time till the deflection in the voltmeter is maximum. © Then release the tap key. Now the capacitor starts discharging through R. © The deflection decreases rapidly in the beginning and then the rate of fall becomes slower as time passes. © Note the voltmeter reading at suitable regular intervals (5 sec). © Note the observations in the table. © Repeat the experiment for different sets of R and C values. Scanned with CamScannerCircuit Diagram: —™ Battery (5V) c+ w an | Graph: Draw a graph with time't’ along the X-axis and the Voltage ‘V’ along the Y-axis. Draw a line parallel to X-axis at V= 0.36VO. This line meets the curve at one point. From this point draw a line parallel to Y-axis which meets the X-axis at one point. The value of the time on the X-axis at one point. The value of the time on the X-axis corresponding to V= 0.36VOgives the time constant,tc of the C.R.Circuit. The theoretical value of the time constant can be calculated b using the formula t.=RC. The theoretical and experimental values of the time constant are to be compared. + amet) Scanned with CamScannerObservation Table for : Rl =- or TI=RIXCI= S.N Time (Sec) Current (A) Scanned with CamScannerObservation Table for : R, Q TL=RXG S.No Time Current (Sec) (A) Scanned with CamScannerPrecautions: 1. The connecting wires should be cleaned well sand paper. 2. The positive plate of the condenser should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery during the charging of the condenser. 3. Before switching the power supply ensure that the voltmeter reads zero. 4. The condenser should be completely discharged before charging it. Result: ‘Time constants for given combination of R and C are Theoretical Values: Scanned with CamScanner