RLC circut and Transformers

Resonance in RLC Circuit

SET UP

An RLC circuit was set up and for the first part of the lab.  The values of the inductor, resistor, and capacitor were found using a multimeter, then the theoretical resonance frequency was solved for using those measured. The experimental resonance frequency was found using the function generator and a multimeter and measuring the frequency that holds the max current.

Parts 1 & 2

For part two, the experimental impedance was found with the measured values from the multimeter and the formula Z=((R^2 + (Xl-Xc)^2)^1/2. That value was compared to the theoretical value of impedance; Z=R. Our percent difference was nearly 0!

For part three, the theoretical frequency and experimental frequency were found using LoggerPro. As we can see on the graph, there is a phase angle difference of 180 degrees. If the frequency was increased, the amplitude decreases when measuring across the capacitor and the amplitude increases when measuring across the inductor. (See white board photos below) 

Transformers

A transformer is made of two inductors linked together by an iron core (not a giant crime fighting robot). The iron core redirects magnetic flux in one inductor to the other. Eddy currents are currents created by a changing magnetic field which are undesirable. The Eddy currents produced increases energy lost. A solution to this is laminating the plates of the metal. The lamination reduces the size of the induced loop and therefore reduces the amount of energy lost.