Experiment 7

Measurement of unknown inductance and capacitance by three voltmeter

method
Objectives
 To learn to use three voltmeters to find the value of unknown inductance and capacitance
 To calculate the value of unknown inductance and capacitance via application of phasor
mathematics
Theory (Unknown Inductance)

Circuit Diagram

Figure 3.1
On analyzing the circuit in Figure 3.1, it is observed that the two elements, i.e., resistor and
inductor, are connected in series which implies that the same amount of current is passing
through each element. The voltage drop in the inductor (V3) lags the supply current whereas
voltage drop in the resistor (V2) is in phase with the supply current. Moreover, we know that the
sum of voltage drops in the loop must be equal to the supply voltage (Kirchhoff Voltage Law).
Therefore, the phasor representation of the circuit in question can be shown in Figure 3.2 as:
Figure 3.2
Note that the phase of the inductor voltage is not at 90 o w.r.t supply voltage because the inductor
in question is not an ideal one (it has some stray resistance). The mathematical derivation is now
shown.
By applying Pythagorean Theorem:

The voltage across the resistor, measured by the voltmeter is given by:
V2 = IR
V2
I=
R
Whereas the voltage across the inductor, measured by the second voltmeter is given by:
V3 = IZ
V
Z= 3
I

and,
 Theory (Unknown Capacitance)

Circuit Diagram

Figure 3.3
On analyzing the circuit in Figure 3.3, it is observed that the two elements, i.e., resistor and
capacitance, are connected in series which implies that the same amount of current is passing
through each element. The voltage drop in the capacitor lags the supply current whereas the
voltage drop in the resistor is in phase with the supply current. Moreover, we know that, the sum
of voltage drops in the loop must be equal to the supply voltage (KVL). Therefore, the phasor
representation of the circuit in question can be shown in the following diagram as:

Figure 3.4
Note that the phasor of the capacitor voltage is not at 90 o with respect to the supply voltage
because the capacitor in question is not an ideal one (it has some stray resistance). The
mathematical derivation is now shown.
By applying Pythagorean Theorem:
The voltage across the resistor, measured by the voltmeter is given by:
V2 = IR
V2
I=
R
Whereas that across the capacitor is measured by the second voltmeter as:
V3 = IZ
V
Z= 3
I

Pre Lab Task(s)

What do you understand by Kirchhoff Voltage Law (KVL)? Write a small description. Attach an
extra A4 paper if needed (No copying from others).

In-Lab Task(s)
Procedure (for Unknown Inductance)
1. Make the circuit according to Figure 3.1, with the value of resistance known.
2. Connect the voltmeters as shown in Figure 3.1.
3. Note down the readings of each voltmeter and record them in the table below.
4. Take at least three readings with different resistors, keeping the unknown inductance same.
5. Calculate the value of phase angle, current, and unknown inductance for each iteration and
take the average of the inductance values. This is the value of unknown inductance.
Observations and Calculations
Sr Resistor V1 V2 V3 Phase I Z L
. # (Ω) (V) (V) (V) (∅ ¿ (A) (Ω) (H)
1k 120v 120v 38.18mv 14 2.7m 2.7m

Average value of the unknown inductance = ___2m_________ H.

Procedure (for Unknown Capacitance)
1. Make the circuit according to Figure 4.1, with the value of resistance known.
2. Connect the voltmeters as shown in Figure 4.1.
3. Note down the readings of each voltmeter and record them in the table.
4. Take at least three readings with different resistors keeping the unknown capacitance same.
5. Calculate the value of the phase angle, current, and unknown capacitance for each iteration
and take the average of capacitance values. This is the value of the unknown capacitance.

Observations and Calculations

Sr Resistor V1 V2 V3 ∅ I Z C
.# (Ω) (V) (V) (V) (A) (Ω) (F)
1
2
3

Average value of unknown capacitance = ____________ F

Critical Analysis / Conclusion

Post-Lab Task(s)

1. Write a one-page note on the phenomenon of inductance and capacitance.

2. What effect does a capacitor and inductor have on the resistance? Compare and comment on both.