Circuits 2

Waves are all around us – from ocean waves to vibrations in the earth's crust caused by earthquakes, and many more. Electromagnetic waves such as light, radio and other invisible forces pervade our physical universe. If we wish to study these waves, we need to convert them to an electrical signal. Often, oscillatory phenomena are too fast to be followed with the naked eye but can be translated into an electrical signal. Oscilloscopes are indispensable instruments which enable scientists, engineers and others to visualise events that change with time by converting the signals into a voltage. 

This experiment builds on your previous experience in Circuits 1. You will be introduced to the oscillatory voltages and learn how to use many oscilloscope functions. It illustrates how simple arrays of resistors and capacitors behave when subjected to a time-varying voltage. In particular, you will familiarise yourself with the oscilloscope functionality before investigating the frequency response of RC circuits to different time-varying voltages. 

Current students can find more information [on Learn Ultra]. 

In this session you will have

• Used time varying voltages in RC circuits
• Practiced, using an oscilloscope, measuring the frequency and voltages of time varying signals
• Understood Lissajous figures
• Measured phase shifts in RC circuits and demonstrated a differentiating circuit