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Cathode Ray Oscilloscope - Measuring Potential Difference

The document outlines a procedure for measuring potential difference using a Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (C.R.O.) with dry cells and an AC power supply. It details the setup, adjustments, and calculations needed to observe and record voltage readings, emphasizing the accuracy and sensitivity of the C.R.O. as a measuring instrument. Key findings include the relationship between the height of the trace on the screen and the voltage, as well as the method for calculating the root mean square value of AC voltage.

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9 views

Cathode Ray Oscilloscope - Measuring Potential Difference

The document outlines a procedure for measuring potential difference using a Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (C.R.O.) with dry cells and an AC power supply. It details the setup, adjustments, and calculations needed to observe and record voltage readings, emphasizing the accuracy and sensitivity of the C.R.O. as a measuring instrument. Key findings include the relationship between the height of the trace on the screen and the voltage, as well as the method for calculating the root mean square value of AC voltage.

Uploaded by

kebaineeofentse64
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cathode Ray Oscilloscope - Measuring Potential Difference

Aims: To measure potential difference using a C.R.O.

Materials: Dry cells, connecting wires

Apparatus: Cathode ray oscilloscope, signal generator, a.c. power supply, microphone, ticker
timer

Method:

1. The C.R.O. is switched on. When a bright spot appears on the screen, it is brought to the
centre of the screen by turning the X-shift and Y-shift controls.
2. The brightness of the spot is adjusted by turning the brightness control. The focus control
is turned slowly and the sharpness of the spot is adjusted.
3. The selector switch is pushed to DC position. The time-base is turned off. The Y-gain is
set to 1 V / div.
4. The terminals of a dry cell are connected to the Y-input and the earth terminals as shown
in Figure (a).
5. The displacement of the bright spot from the zero position is recorded. Then, the time-
base is turned on and what happens to the bright spot and its position is observed. The
voltage across the dry cell is calculated by multiplying the value of the displacement of the
bright spot or line with the Y-gain.
6. The Y-gain setting is changed to 0.5 V / div and the time-base is turned off.
Steps 4 and 5 are repeated. The voltages of the dry cell calculated from the two settings
are compared.
7. The Y-gain is set back to 1 V / div. The terminals of the dry cell are reversed and
connected back to the Y-input terminals. The position of the bright spot or line on the
screen is observed and compared.
8. Steps 4 to 7 are repeated by using two dry cells connected in series.
9. The selector switch is now pushed to AC position. The time-base is turned off. The Y-gain
is kept at 1 V / div.
10. A 2 V AC from the power supply is connected to the Y-input and earth terminals as shown
in Figure (b). A vertical trace is seen on the screen. The length of the vertical trace from
the zero position is measured. The peak voltage is then calculated from the Y-gain setting.
11. The time-base is now switched on. The shape of the trace is observed.
Observations:
Discussion:

1. The voltage across the dry cell is the same as the e.m.f. of the cell. A smaller gain per
division will give a more accurate reading as it is more sensitive.
2. A vertical trace is seen on the screen when an a.c. voltage supply is connected to the
C.R.O. The a.c. supply will cause the bright spot to move up and down vertically at high
speed, forming a vertical trace.
3. The height of the vertical trace from the zero position represents the peak voltage. The
peak voltage of the a.c. supply can be calculated by measuring the height of the trace from
the zero position.
Peak voltage, VP = Height of the trace from the zero position (number of division)
× Y-gain setting
4. The effective potential difference of the a.c. supply is the root mean square value (r.m.s).
The r.m.s. value of the a.c. voltage can be calculated by using:
Vr.m.s= VP2√
5. The advantage of using the C.R.O. as a voltmeter is that it is more accurate. This is
because it has a nearly infinite internal resistance and therefore, the current that passes
through it is negligible.

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