Ch. 18: Electrical Potential & Capacitors
Reading
College Physics, Ch. 18
AP Classroom: We will continue with practice tests. Time yourself.
The Big Ideas
Labs
Several labs illustrate the topics. Most students find the Capacitor lab to be the most interesting. The Solar Design Project is interesting too, but we'll see how much time we have available.
College Physics, Ch. 18
AP Classroom: We will continue with practice tests. Time yourself.
The Big Ideas
- Volts = energy per unit charge, as in Joules/Coulomb
- Capacitors are the descendants of Leyden Jars. They store electric charge, which can be discharged quickly. They are used in circuits for many reasons.
Labs
Several labs illustrate the topics. Most students find the Capacitor lab to be the most interesting. The Solar Design Project is interesting too, but we'll see how much time we have available.
- Capacitor lab (RC Circuit-Build lab)
- Optional: Solar Design Project, wherein we design a Solar Power Plant using software
- Virtual: Capacitors weblab
| 14._electric_potential_and_capacitors_lecture_notes.docx |
Capacitor lab (R-C Circuits lab)
This is a circuit-build lab, using actual hardware components and breadboards. If you've never built circuits, you'll find it's fun. IMPORTANT: Remember to bring the lab handout and lab report instructions!
This is a circuit-build lab, using actual hardware components and breadboards. If you've never built circuits, you'll find it's fun. IMPORTANT: Remember to bring the lab handout and lab report instructions!
| 11._capacitor_lab_handout.pdf |
| capacitor_lab_report_instructions__r-c_circuit_build_lab_.docx |
Homework
Problems are hosted in Canvas. See due date there.
Problems are hosted in Canvas. See due date there.
Virtual: Capacitors weblab
| phet_capacitor_lab__2020_.docx |
(Optional) Solar Power Design problem
| Solar Power Design Problem instructions.docx |
Below: Some ideas for making your own capacitors...
Below: Question - what are the drawbacks with replacing your car battery with a bank of capacitors???