Physics 4
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  • HOME
    • Introduction
    • Pre-course Setup
  • PHYSICS 4AL
    • 4AL Grading Policy
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Google Drive
    • Report Writing
    • 4AL Lab Sections /Office hours
    • Unit 1 - Training (Winter 2023)
    • Unit 2 - Motion (Winter 2023)
    • Unit 3 - Oscillations (Winter 2023)
    • Unit 4 - Project (Winter 2023)
  • PHYSICS 4BL
    • Grading Policy
    • Lab Sections/ Office Hours
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Google Drive
    • Report Writing
    • Unit 1 - Training
    • Unit 2 - Sound
    • Unit 3 - Circuits
    • Unit 4 - Optics
    • Unit 5 - Project
    • Pre-Lab Assignments
  • RESOURCES
    • Physics
    • Python
    • Arduino
    • Electronics
    • Software Download
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Unit 4 - Circuits 2

RLC and Filtering Circuits - Winter 2021

With our knowledge about RC circuits, we will continue to the study of RLC circuits. ​We will examine the concept of resonance by applying a range of frequencies to our RLC circuit. When a system is on resonance, the amplitude of the oscillations will increase drastically. In mechanical systems this amplitude increase can be very destructive, with a common example shown being the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge due to the wind. In a much less frightening way, this lab will look for the resonance by sweeping over the frequencies applied to an RLC circuit.​

When an inductor (L) is added in series to the RC circuit a phenomena known as oscillation begins to occurs. The reason is because the capacitor and the inductor are out of phase in their voltages, therefore they begin to oscillate when supplied with a step function voltage, better known as "ringing." You will study how to create RLC circuits and supply a square wave or step voltage to create this oscillation. In addition, you will determine what effect a resistor has on this oscillation. 

In addition you will take a step back and enjoy the application of RC circuits. You will create a filtering device that will smooth out the pseudo analog voltage produced by your Arduino. This voltage modulation is known as pulse modulation by which the electronic device you power (for example an LED or motor) thinks that is receiving a constant DC voltage when in fact it is now. Instead, the Arduino is rapidly turning off and on in digital fashion, however, ratio of how long its on vs off is the pulse width which mimics the voltage. In order to create a TRUE DC signal, you will filter out the higher frequency components of the pulse with an RC circuit. 

Unit 3 Reference Material

  • Unit 4 Slides (Comin

Additional Circuits Background References

To review physics laws on mechanics, please check out  OpenStax texbook.
  • University Physics Volume 2
​​Here are important Chapters:
  • 10.5 RC Circuits
  • 14.5 Oscillations in an LC Circuit
  • ​14.6 RLC Series Circuits
Please also refer to Wikipedia:
  • RLC Circuits
  • Q factor
edited Jan 19, 2023 by Javier Carmona
  • HOME
    • Introduction
    • Pre-course Setup
  • PHYSICS 4AL
    • 4AL Grading Policy
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Google Drive
    • Report Writing
    • 4AL Lab Sections /Office hours
    • Unit 1 - Training (Winter 2023)
    • Unit 2 - Motion (Winter 2023)
    • Unit 3 - Oscillations (Winter 2023)
    • Unit 4 - Project (Winter 2023)
  • PHYSICS 4BL
    • Grading Policy
    • Lab Sections/ Office Hours
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Google Drive
    • Report Writing
    • Unit 1 - Training
    • Unit 2 - Sound
    • Unit 3 - Circuits
    • Unit 4 - Optics
    • Unit 5 - Project
    • Pre-Lab Assignments
  • RESOURCES
    • Physics
    • Python
    • Arduino
    • Electronics
    • Software Download
  • EXTERNAL LINKS
    • GradeScope
    • CCLE
    • MyUCLA
    • CampusWire
    • UCLA Calendars
    • UCLA Physics Dept.