RL CIRCUITS

INTRODUCTION:
In this lab report, we attempt to investigate the behaviour of current passing through a coil and the
changes observed in it, due to an abrupt change introduced in the applied voltage that exists across its
terminals. Furthermore, we analyze the AC behavior of the current as it passes through the coil so as to
observe its actions & applicability as a frequency filter
PROCEDURE:
I. STEP CHANGES:
While performing the experiment we see that the inductors, oppose the sudden changes in current and
hence end up smoothening and slowing down the changes in current observed brought about by changes
in circuit. Graphing our results as a Voltage v. Time & Current v. Time curve, we get the following:

Hence, the Equation 1 accurately describes the decay when the voltage is recorded and the curve plotted
by the equation fits the data almost perfectly.

The values recorded from our analysis are:

Rs = 99.22 ± 0.3956 Ω

L = 676.0 ± 8.384 mH

A0 = 3.393 ± 0.003844
From this we get the following results:

RT =R L + R S¿ 133.7 ± 0.4677+99.22 ±0.3956 Ω¿ 232.92Ω

 676.0 × 10−3 H −3
τ L= =2.92∗10 s
232.92Ω
Theoretical value for the same is given by: 3.995 * 10-3 ± 1.393 * 10-4 s

ANALYSIS:
Hence, we see that the recorded value is less than the theoretical value but lies within the range of
uncertainty. The difference can be accounted for due to error in recording as well as communication
between the devices. Furthermore, we also see that a sudden shock in voltage is absorbed by the circuit in
the sense that only a small and gradual change is observed in the flow of current.
 PART-II

II. RESPONSE TO AC APPLIED VOLTAGE:

Based on theory, we predict that the current going through the circuit will be much lower in this case and
the amplitude of current shall increase as governed by the equation:
εm 1
I m=
RT (
∗
√1+ ω2 τ 2L )
The set-up of the circuit followed is given by:

The following values are observed through the course of the experiment:

V_pp Ch1
H_z V_pp Ch2 (V)
500 4.80 V 10.2 V
450 5.29 V 10.2 V
400 5.92 V 10.4 V
350 6.72 V 10.4 V
300 7.76 V 10.4 V
250 9.2 V 10.4 V
200 11.3 V 10.4 V
150 13.6 V 10.4 V
100 16.5 V 10.4 V
50 20.3 V 8.4 V
Rs = 99.96 Ω
L = 683.3 mH

And we have the value of τ L =1.797∗10−3 ±3.55∗10−0.05 s

Plotting the values, we get the following curve:

On comparison we get that the value lies within the range of uncertainties of theoretical value, as well as
the fact that the current peak lags the voltage peak, as inferred from Ch1 leading Ch2.
ANALYSIS:
Here we see that the inductor-resistor combination acts as a filter due to a current-opposing emf being
introduced in the inductor, which then allows current of only certain frequencies to pass through the
circuit.
In the modified circuit, introduction of speaker with a small inductance will increase the net inductance of
the circuit. Based on the formula of Hz, we can infer that increased inductance will lead to higher
frequencies current to pass through. Hence, this speaker will be a tweeter for high freuqncies.
UNCERTAINTIES:
2
2
∆ RT
∆τ
TL
=
√( ∆L
L )( )
+
RT

∆ RT = √ ∆ R2S +∆ R2L

∆ τ L =1.546 ×10−4 s R L=133.7± 0.4674 ΩR S=99.22 ± 0.3956Ω L=676.0 ± 3.384τ L =2.920 ×10−3

CONCLUSION:
Over the course of the experiment we are able to understand and appreciate the operations of RL circuits,
primarily in terms of how changes in Voltage affect the flow of current through these circuits. Then, we
attempt to construct a frequency pass filter using this circuit combination and through a practical example
infer that a RL circuit is high frequency pass filter, allowing current of high frequencies to pass through
the circuit.