Capacitors Using Charge Sensors Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Capacitors Using Charge Sensors - Lab Report Example The application of various capacitors with different capacitance also makes it important to determine unknown capacitance besides voltage calculation by using the equation (Q=CV) Six different capacitors were obtained from the lab and their capacitance measured. A parallel circuit was created composing of 1.0ÃŽ ¼F capacitor and 0.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor (making 1.1ÃŽ ¼F. A second capacitor of 1.0ÃŽ ¼F was charged into 5V. The charged capacitor was then touched to the 1.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor (uncharged) in the circuit. The 1.1ÃŽ ¼F was again discharged. The aforementioned steps were then repeated with a 0.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor used in place of 1.0ÃŽ ¼F as the charge transfer capacitor. Then, instead of discharging the 1.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor the 0.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor was recharged to 5.0V followed by reconnecting it. The 1.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor was then charged to 5.0V followed by sharing its charge with uncharged capacitor that has unknown capacitance. The final reading was made from the voltmeter and then used t o arrive at the unknown capacitance by use of the equation Q=CV. The unknown capacitance was then directly measured from the digital voltmeter. A parallel-plate capacitor was constructed through inserting a waxed paper in between aluminium plates. The construct was then pressed together by placing on top a 1.0kg weight. A charge sensor was then mounted with a 0.01ÃŽ ¼F capacitor. The combined capacitance of 0.01ÃŽ ¼F capacitor, together with the charge sensor, was then measured by using the digital voltmeter’s capacitance capability.