RL Circuit Lab
Names: ______________________________________________________________
Background
1.
Reactance (X) is defined as the resistance or opposition to alternating
current as a
result of
inductance or capacitance.
XL = 2pfL
where
f =
frequency in hertz, and L = inductance in henrys
2. Impedance (Z) is defined as the total opposition
to an alternating current in a circuit
having
resistance and reactance.
Z = (R2
+ XC2)1/2 for capacitive reactance
or Z = (R2 + XL2)1/2
for inductive reactance
XC is capacitive reactance, XL is inductive
reactance
3. Ohm's
Law for AC Circuits
Same as
before (V = IR) except use Z for R.Z represents the total resistive force
opposing
the current.
E = I Z
The Lab
1. Use a
breadboard to connect the following circuit.
a.
The power supply is AC as covered below.
b.
Place an inductor (coil) in series with a 4700
W
resistor as shown belown.

2. Connect the AC voltmeter across the inductor
(remember to push the AC/DC
selector
in to select AC). Observe the connection as illustrated by the instructor.
3.
Connect the signal generator to the breadboard (red to red, black to black).
4. Set
the voltage to 9 volts and set the frequency to the first position indicated
in the
table
below.
|
Frequency (Hz) |
EL |
|
500 |
|
|
1000 |
|
|
2500 |
|
|
5000 |
|
|
10000 |
|
5.
Record the voltage reading in the column labeled EC1 above.
6. Set
the frequency dial on the signal generator to the next position and record
the
voltage
readings in the table.
7.
Repeat for the remainder of the frequencies.
8. What
conclusions can you draw from this experiment. Be specific. Explain the
data.
(attach a
separate sheet for your conclusions.)
Tektronix CFG250
Function Generator

1. Power
button: Push to turn on or off
2. Power on
light
3.
Function buttons - set to sine wave (push button on far right)
4. Range
buttons - set to frequency range desired
5. Frequency
control - set to frequency desired
6. Amplitude
- Depending on position of Volts Out button, determines signal level - set
to
mid range.
7. Volts
out range button. Set to range desired - we will be using 9 volts, so should
be in
out
position.
10. DC Offset. Pull this control out to activate The
control sets teh DC leval and polarity of the
signal at
the Main output. When the control is pressed in, the signal is centered at
zero V dc.
14. Main output connector - insert red and black
prongs into the breadboard input receptacles.
Remainder of buttons - do not use