Activity Overview
In this activity, students' will use a voltage probe to collect voltage data from a discharging capacitor. They will model potential data using an exponential function.
Before the Activity
Connect the voltage probe to Channel 1 on the CBL 2™ or Vernier LabPro®
Connect the CBL 2 or LabPro to the calculator using the Unit-to-Unit cable
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 175 - 182 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Connect the voltage probe and resistor across the capacitor
Verify that the wires are in the correct position to confirm that the capacitor is charged
After the capacitor is charged, remove the battery from the circuit and begin data collection
Examine the graph of potential versus time displayed on the calculator and record the y-intercept on the Data Sheet
Graph the capacitor discharge described by the expoential model
Record the time at which the capacitor voltage reaches half its initial value
After the Activity
Students' will complete the Data Collection and Analysis Sheet and answer the questions listed in it.
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary