Physics Home > Teaching Labs > Electricity & Magnetism > Velocity of Light

Topics

Points of Emphasis

Prerequisites

Lab Activities

Students apply Maxwell's equations to calculate the capacitance, C, of a parallel plate capacitor, and to calculate the inductance, L, of a solenoid inductor. By measuring the resonant frequency of a circuit containing these elements, the students are able to determine a value for c and show that this value is the same as the accepted value for the speed of light.

The apparatus used is very simple. The capacitor is a pair of aluminum plates held apart by small glass spacers. The inductor is made from copper wire wound on a plexiglass tube. A function generator is used to drive the circuit and an oscilloscope to observe the resonance.

Course Level

Introductory: P4, P14, P16

Student Handouts

Equipment

Number of set-ups available: 10 Per lab station: 1 HP 54600A oscilloscope 1 function generator 1 capacitance substitution box 1 inductor 1 solenoid 2 large aluminum plates 4 small glass plates 1 ruler 1 venier caliper 3 BNC to banana adaptors 2 straight BNC connectors 1 BNC T-connector 2 36" banana leads 6 shorter banana leads

Notes

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