5L20.20 • RLC Circuits AC: RLC — Resonance

Photo Shows the Apparatus used by the University of Texas at Austin.

Instructions / Notes:

• Move the large knife switch in center of the circuit board to the AC position.
  • The large knife switch is used to connect the massive 3 Henry coil to the circuit.
  • With it closed in the AC position, the massive coil is part of a RLC Series Circuit.
• Make sure that the small toggle switch under the capacitor is switched to the RLC position. (See the above illustration)
• Again, the Capacitor and Inductor are connected in Series to the light bulb.
• Via a second small toggle switch that is located at the bottom of the circuit board - flip on the main power switch to the AC On position.
  • Move the iron core in and out of the ~3 henry inductor coil.
  • The light bulb's brightness will indicate the resonance point.
  • The provided AC volt meter will read about 40 volts at the resonance point.
• Demo Uses 60 Hz, 120 V, A.C current. Be cautious of what you touch.
• Turn-Off the Main Power Switch After Each Use.

Last updated on March 19, 2018