Lab 9.

Switch
RC Circuits

Goals

R
• To appreciate the capacitor as a charge storage device.

Power + +
• To measure the voltage across a capacitor as it discharges through a resistor, and to compare

5V
the result with the expected, theoretical behavior.

Supply • To use a semilogarithmic graph to verify that experimental data is well described by an
Voltmeter
Capacitor
exponential decay and to determine the decay parameters.
• To determine the apparent internal resistance of a digital multimeter. V
Introduction
A diagram of a simple resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit appears in Figure 9.1. A power supply is
used to charge the capacitor. During this process, electrons accumulate on one side of the capacitor
and repel electrons from the other. This gives the appearance of continuous charge flow through
the capacitor, but "flow" will stop when the power supply is incapable of forcing any additional
electrons onto the negative side of the capacitor.
A digital multimeter set to measure voltage behaves in a circuit like a large (in ohms) resistor
(Represented here as a resistor
3 V and 12 ideal meter30
in parallel).20
When the power supply is disconnected
from the capacitor, charge “leaks” from one side of the capacitor, through this resistor, back to the
other side of the capacitor, until no voltage appears across the terminals of the capacitor. This
leakage is the repulsion of all the electrons on one side of the capacitor, and the attraction of the
electron deprived opposite side.

Switch

+ +
Power
5V R V
Supply Voltmeter
Capacitor

Figure 9.1. Diagram of RC circuit and power supply.

77
CHAPTER 9. RC CIRCUITS 78

The power supply in Figure 9.1 is represented by a battery. Note that the positive output of the
power supply is connected to the plate of the capacitor marked with a plus sign. The capacitors
used in this experiment are polarized, meaning charge accumulation only works properly in one
direction. Electrolytic capacitors (the polarized type we are using) can be made inexpensively and
are widely used in power supplies. As you may remember from chemistry, the sign of the voltage
is critical in electrolytic reactions. Make sure that the positive end of the capacitor is connected to
the positive output of the power supply in your circuit.
The voltmeter in Figure 9.1 is enclosed by a dashed line. The voltage sensing circuit is represented
by a circle with a “V” inside. All voltmeters have resistance, and this resistance is represented by
the resistor symbol inside the box. Our goal is to measure the value of this resistance, R.

Theory
We plan to monitor the voltage across the capacitor as a function of time after the switch is opened.
The functional form of this dependence can be derived by circuit analysis using Kirchhoff’s loop
law. A simplified diagram of the circuit after the switch is opened is shown in Figure 9.2. For the
purposes of analysis, we indicate the positive direction of current by an arrow. This choice defines
the sign of positive charge, Q on the capacitor. (Q is positive when the arrow points toward the
plate with positive charge.) It also defines the positive direction of ∆V . (∆V is positive when the
arrow points in the direction of increasing potential.)

C i R

Figure 9.2. Diagram of RC circuit and power supply.

Because our circuit contains no source of emf, the only potential differences in the circuit appear
across the capacitor and across the resistor. By Kirchhoff’s loop rule, the total potential change as
you go all the way around the loop (∆Vloop ) must be zero. Let the potential difference across the
capacitor be ∆VC and the potential difference across the resistor be ∆VR . Then

∆Vloop = ∆VC + ∆VR = 0 . (9.1)

In the presence of a positive charge Q on the capacitor, ∆VC must be negative, as the potential drops
as one moves from a positively charged plate to a negatively charged plate. The capacitance, C, of
a capacitor is defined so that the magnitude of ∆VC is Q/C. Therefore ∆VC = −Q/C. Likewise,
potential drops as charge passes through a resistor in the direction of positive current, I. The
magnitude of this drop is given by Ohm’s law, so that ∆VR = −IR. Substituting these relations into
Kirchhoff’s loop rule yields
CHAPTER 9. RC CIRCUITS 79

Q Q
∆VC + ∆VR = − − IR = 0 or I = − (9.2)
C RC
When the switch in Figure 9.1 is closed, a positive charge Q = ∆V × C, where ∆V = 5 V, is on
the top plate of the capacitor. According to our choice of positive direction, both Q and ∆VC are
initially negative. While negative charges and potential differences may appear to be inconvenient,
they make no difference as far as the math is concerned. It is safe to choose the direction of
positive current arbitrarily and work from there, if you wind up with a negative current in the end,
it indicates that flow is actually in the opposite direction to what you selected. With a negative
charge on the top plate of the capacitor, a positive current I will flow through the resistor. In this
case, a positive current will decrease the magnitude of Q, but since Q is initially negative, the
corresponding dQ/dt is positive. Therefore I = dQ/dt. One of the handy features of Kirchhoff’s
loop rule is that I always equals dQ/dt if you set it up correctly. This is not always true for other
approaches to circuit analysis. This relation allows us to reduce Kirchhoff’s loop rule to a simple
equation with one derivative.

Q dQ 1 dQ 1
= −R or =− (9.3)
C dt Q dt RC

Equation 9.3 is a simple differential equation. The expression on the right hand side of Equation 9.3
is easily integrated, but its solution depends on the initial charge across the capacitor. If we start
with an initial charge Q0 on the capacitor, the charge as a function of time, Q(t) is given by

 t 
Q(t) = Q0 exp − (9.4)
RC
Since the voltage across the capacitor is directly proportional to the charge stored on it at any
instant of time, the voltage difference ∆VC can be written as

Q0  t   t 
∆VC (t) = exp − = ∆V0 exp − (9.5)
C RC RC
where ∆V0 is the initial voltage across the capacitor. The voltmeter measures this voltage directly.
When t/RC equals one (that is, when t = RC), the voltage has decayed to 1/e of its original value.
The quantity RC is called the time constant of the decay process. When R and C are expressed in
the SI units of ohms and farads, respectively, the RC time constant has units of seconds.
Before proceeding, verify that the expression for Q(t) given above is really a solution to the differ-
ential equation preceding it. Include this verification in your lab notes.

Experiment
Set up the circuit shown in Figure 9.1 using the Fluke voltmeter (larger yellow one). Have your
TA check it before continuing. With the power supply set to 5.0 V, close the switch and charge the
capacitor. When the switch is opened, the voltage begins to decrease. Try it! Now read the initial
CHAPTER 9. RC CIRCUITS 80

voltage, then open the switch and read the voltmeter at 10-second intervals until the voltage is less
than 10% of its original value. Repeat this process two more times, making sure that the initial
voltage is the same for all three trials.

Analysis
To determine the resistance of the voltmeter, make a table in Excel listing the observed voltages
and times for your three data sets. (Enter the time data only once.) Add an additional column
in the spreadsheet to average the three voltage readings corresponding to each time. Then calcu-
late the standard deviation of the mean of these three values for each time. (Refer to the Uncer-
tainty/Graphical Analysis Supplement at the back of the lab manual for additional details.) The
standard deviation of the mean gives an estimate of the uncertainty in the individual voltage mea-
surements.
Plot the average voltage values as a function of time with error bars. Your error bars should look
like the one in Figure 9.3. The circle in Figure 9.3 marks the calculated average value for one data
point, yavg . The top and bottom bars mark the maximum and minimum values (ymax and ymin ) on
either end of the range of y-values within one standard deviation (σ ) of yavg . Thus the top bar is
located at ymax = yavg + σ , while the bottom bar is located at ymin = yavg − σ . Get help from your
TA if you aren’t sure how to plot error bars in Excel.
ymax

yavg

ymin
t
Figure 9.3. Diagram of a data point with upper and lower error bars.
y1max z1max
Clearly this is not a linear graph. To determine the value of RC, one could perform an exponential
curve fit using Excel. However, Excel’s y 1avg curve fit function zdoes not provide
1avg
z the uncertainty estimate
2max

we need. Excel’s Regression function y 1min will provide an uncertainty,

z 1min but
z
it requires
2avg
a linear function.
y
Taking the natural logarithmTheof bothandsides
values y y
of Equation 9.5 will produce the linear equation we
2max

1avg 2avg z 2min

need. are not consistent, because
their uncertainty ranges
y 2avg
The values z and z
1avgare 2avg
do not overlap. consistent because their
y2min uncertainty ranges overlap.
t
ln ∆VC (t) = ln(∆V0 ) − (9.6)
RC
A plot of ln [∆VC (t)] vs t should produce a line of slope −t/RC and that equals ln (∆V0 ) at time
t = 0. The intercept is not very useful this case, except to confirm our knowledge of ∆V0 . The
slope, however, gives us 1/RC. Assuming that the value of C marked on the capacitor is reasonably
accurate, we can calculate R, the internal resistance of the meter. In practice, the uncertainty in the
marked value of C is ±20%. With this and the uncertainty (standard error) in the slope given by
Excel’s Regression feature, we can estimate the uncertainty in R.
CHAPTER 9. RC CIRCUITS 81

A graph with the logarithm of one quantity on one axis versus a non-logarithmic quantity on the
other axis is called a semilog graph. (The logarithm appears on only one of the two axes.) Plot
a semilog graph of your data. Again include the error bars with each plotted point. Does your
graph support the hypothesis that the relationship between the voltage and time is an exponential
function? Using the value of C marked on your capacitor, compute the value of the R of the
voltmeter and compare it to the value from the manufacturer’s specification.

Internal resistance of an inexpensive voltmeter

Repeat your measurements of ∆VC (t) versus time using the relatively inexpensive (smaller, red or
black) digital voltmeter at your lab station. Repeat the analysis above to determine its internal
resistance. How does it compare with the internal resistance of the relatively expensive Fluke
digital voltmeter?
The internal resistance of a voltmeter is one measure of its quality. To measure the potential
difference across a component with a high resistance, the internal resistance of your voltmeter
should be much higher than the resistance of the component. A voltmeter with a high internal
resistance can be used in applications where the measurement error of a meter with a low internal
resistance would be unacceptably high.

Summary
Begin by “filling in the blanks” of the argument for a simple exponential function being a straight
line when plotted semi-logarithmically. Then state your findings clearly, succinctly, and com-
pletely.

No Effort Progressing Expectation Scientific

No deliberately identified Description of Some aspects of the All major shortcomings
SL.A.a reflection on the efficacy experimental procedure experiment may not have of the experiment are
of the experiment can be leaves it unclear what been considered in terms identified and reasonable
Is able to found in the report could be improved upon. of shortcomings or suggestions for
analyze the improvements, but some improvement are made.
experiment and are identified and Justification is provided
recommend discussed. for certainty of no
improvements shortcomings in the rare
Labs: 1-3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12
case there are none.

No attempt is made to An explanation for a An explanation is made A reasonable explanation

SL.B.b explain the patterns in pattern is vague, OR the which aligns with the is made for the pattern in
data explanation cannot be pattern observed in the the data. The explanation
Is able to verified through testing, data, but the link to is testable, and accounts
explain patterns OR the explanation physics principles is for any significant
in data with contradicts the actual flawed through reasoning deviations or poor fit.
physics pattern in the data. or failure to understand
principles the physics principles.
Labs: 1-3, 5, 7, 9-11
CHAPTER 9. RC CIRCUITS 82

No Effort Progressing Expectation Scientific

No explicitly identified The description of the The description of the The physics concepts
CT.B.a attempt to describe the physics concepts physics concepts in play underlying the
physics concepts underlying the for the week is vague or experiment are clearly
Is able to involved in the experiment is confusing, incomplete, but can be stated.
describe experiment using or the physics concepts understood in the broader
physics student’s own words. described are not context of the lab.
concepts pertinent to the
underlying experiment for this week.
experiment
Labs: 1-3, 5, 7, 9-12

No equations are Some equations are All the required All equations required
QR.A presented in algebraic recorded in algebraic equations for the for the experiment are
form with known values form, but not all experiment are written in presented in standard
Is able to isolated on the right and equations needed for the algebraic form with form and full steps are
perform unknown values on the experiment. unknown values on the shown to derive final
algebraic steps left. left and known values on form with unknown
in mathematical the right. Some algebraic values on the left and
work. manipulation is not known values on the
Labs: 3, 6, 9-12
recorded, but most is. right. Substitutions are
made to place all
unknown values in terms
of measured values and
constants.

No attempt is made to The pattern described is The pattern has minor The patterns represent
QR.B search for a pattern, irrelevant or inconsistent errors or omissions. OR the relevant trend in the
graphs may be present with the data. Graphs are Terms labelled as data. When possible, the
Is able to but lack fit lines present, but fit lines are proportional lack clarity - trend is described in
identify a inappropriate for the data is the proportionality words. Graphs have
pattern in the presented. linear, quadratic, etc. appropriate fit lines with
data graphically Graphs shown have equations and discussion
and appropriate fit lines, but of any data significantly
mathematically no equations or analysis off fit.
of fit quality
Labs: 1-3, 5, 7, 9-11

No attempt is made to An attempt is made to The analysis is The analysis is

QR.C analyze the data. analyze the data, but it is appropriate for the data appropriate, complete,
either seriously flawed, gathered, but contains and correct.
Is able to or inappropriate. minor errors or
analyze data omissions
appropriately
Labs: 1-4, 6, 7, 9-12

"Some data required for "Data recorded contains Most of the data is All necessary data has
IL.A the lab is not present at errors such as labeling recorded, but not all of it. been recorded throughout
all, or cannot be found quantities incorrectly, For example the the lab and recorded
Is able to record easily due to poor mixing up initial and measurements are in a comprehensible way.
data and organization of notes. " final states, units are not recorded as numbers Initial and final states are
observations mentioned, etc. " without units. Or data is identified correctly. Units
from the not assigned an are indicated throughout
experiment
identifying variable for the recording of data. All
Labs: 1-12 ease of reference. quantities are identified
with standard variable
identification and
identifying subscripts
where needed.
CHAPTER 9. RC CIRCUITS 83

No Effort Progressing Expectation Scientific

No graph is present. A graph is present, but "A graph is present and The graph has correctly
WC.B the axes are not labeled. the axes are labeled, but labeled axes,
OR there is no scale on the axes do not independent variable is
Is able to draw the axes. OR the data correspond to the along the horizontal axis
a graph points are connected. independent (X-axis) and and the scale is accurate.
Labs: 3, 6, 9, 11 dependent (Y-axis) The trend-line is correct,
variables or the scale is with formula clearly
not accurate. The data indicated.
points are not connected,
but there is no trend-line.
"

No circuit diagram is Components of the "Circuit diagram is Circuit diagram contains

WC.D drawn. circuit are missing, or missing key features, but minimal connecting
connected incorrectly. contains no errors. It lines, components are
Is able to draw Components are not may be difficult to follow neatly arranged to ensure
a circuit clearly labelled. electrical pathways, but it labels are readily
diagram can be determined which identified to appropriate
Labs: 3, 4, 9, 10 components are components.
connected with sufficient
scrutiny. "
CHAPTER 9. RC CIRCUITS 84

Print this page. Tear in half. Each lab partner should submit their half along with the lab report and then retain until the end of semester when returned with evaluations indicated by TA.

Lab 9 RC Circuits:

Name: Lab Partner:

EXIT TICKET:
 Turn off the power to all the equipment, including the battery-powered digital voltmeters.
 Please put all leads and small components in the plastic tray provided.
 Quit Capstone and any other software you have been using.
 Straighten up your lab station. Put all equipment where it was at start of lab.
 Required Level of Effort.
 Complete the pre-lab assignment  Arrive on time
 Work well with your partner  Complete the lab or run out of time

SL.A.a QR.A IL.A

SL.B.b QR.B WC.B
CT.B.a QR.C WC.D

Lab 9 RC Circuits:

Name: Lab Partner:

EXIT TICKET:
 Turn off the power to all the equipment, including the battery-powered digital voltmeters.
 Please put all leads and small components in the plastic tray provided.
 Quit Capstone and any other software you have been using.
 Straighten up your lab station. Put all equipment where it was at start of lab.
 Required Level of Effort.
 Complete the pre-lab assignment  Arrive on time
 Work well with your partner  Complete the lab or run out of time

SL.A.a QR.A IL.A

SL.B.b QR.B WC.B
CT.B.a QR.C WC.D