University of San Carlos

Cebu City
Physics Department

Written Report
on

Experiment 5: Oscilloscope II and Rectifier

Subject: Physics 32 Lab

Class Schedule: Saturday (7:30-10:30)

Students Name: Cherry Lyne Cardoza

Course & Year : BSCOMPE-II
2nd Semester of 2014-2015

Submitted to:
EDGAR B. OTADOY
Teacher

Date Submitted: March 21, 2015

Experiment 5: Oscilloscope II and Rectifier

Review of Related Literature

During 1920, following Rontgens discovery of x-ray in 1895, it was established that xrays were electromagnetic radiation that exhibited wave properties. X-ray crystallography and its
usefulness in studying the crystalline structure of atoms and molecules were being established.
However, a detailed understanding of atom was still lacking. Many physicists believed that a
new, more general theory was needed to replace the rudimentary Bohr model of the atom. An
essential step is needed. This essential step in this development was made by a young French
student, Prince Louis V. de Broglie. He began studying the problems of the Bohr model in 1920.
De Broglei was well versed in the work of Planck, Eisntein, and Bohr. He was aware of
the duality of nature expressed by Einstein in which matter and energy were not independent but
were in fact interchangeable. He used this knowledge about this. He thought that if
electromagnetic induction have both wave and particle properties, then material particles should
also have both wave and particle properties. Electrons and protons, which we usually think as a
particle have both wave and physical properties (Freedman, pg 1416). For him, the symmetry of
nature encourages such an idea, and no laws of physics prohibit it. And so De Broglie formulated
a formula to compute the wavelength of the particle. He used Plancks quantum theory and
Einsteins special theory of relativity. De Broglie postulated that the wavelength of the
electrons is given by the expression = h/mv (Kirkpatrick, pg 522).
In 1925, a laboratory accident made by C. Davisson and L.H. Gemer of Bell Telephone
Laboratories, led to experimental proof for de Broglies wave length hypothesis. The accident
proves that particles do exhibit wave behavior. Many physicists start observing different kinds of
waves. The Principle of Superposition was used which sum up the displacements of the waves
present. Two waves of equal frequency and amplitude that are almost in phase. The result is a
larger wave (Thornton, pg 177). The net displacement depends on the harmonic amplitude, the
phase, and the frequency of each of the individual waves. When we add the waves at a given
position and time, we simply add their instantaneous displacements. This can lead to constructive
and interference effects like we saw in an x-ray scattering.

Materials and Apparatus:

Oscilloscope
Step-down transformer
LJ board
4 diodes

1k resistor
1 electrolyte capacitor 100 F
2 BNC splitters
6 long measuring cables
6 short measuring cables

Procedure:
The output voltages of the transformer in channel Y1 of the oscilloscope was checked
before constructing the rectifier circuit. After constructing the circuit given in the laboratory
manual, the input and output signals were connected to Y1 and Y2. The signals shown in the
oscilloscope were drawn and the output signals on both channels shown in the oscilloscope were
recorded. Also, the TIME/DIV and VOLT/DIV values were recorded beside the graph. The
average value of the output signals were estimated and represented as a horizontal line segment.
The connections were removed and the full bridge rectifier circuit given as figure 8 in the
laboratory manual was constructed. The position of the diodes was observed with correct
polarity. The input is no longer connected to the oscilloscope and only the output is connected in
channel Y1. The waveform obtained was drawn as Graph B.
A 100 F electrolytic capacitor was connected across the 1K resistor R. The position of
the capacitor was connected with correct polarity. Ripples are shown in the oscilloscope and the
VOLT/DIV was decreased in order to display the ripples in their proper size. The input channel
was switched to AC in order to display the ripples only.
XY-mode
The circuit given in the laboratory manual as Figure 9 was constructed and the
oscilloscope was set to XY-mode. The curve shown in the oscilloscope was drawn as Graph D in
the worksheet. After that, the diode in the circuit was replaced with LDR (Light Dependent
Resistor). The same process in the previous circuit was repeated. The changes in the LDR
resistance were observed when you slowly place the palm of your hand over it.

Results and Discussions

Step 1: Input Signal
Vtransformer

Volt/div

Number of divisions

Vpp (V)

6
6

5
5

3.6
1.6

18
8

Graph A
Y1
Y2

Volt/div

Time/div
Volt/div
Time/dive

5
2
5

2
1

Axis Title

0
0
-1

Y1
0.5

1.5

2.5

3.5

Y2

#REF!

Axis Title

The graph shows the values obtained in both of the channels of oscilloscope. It is
considered as a half sine wave. Y1 is a DC signal for there are no negative values and does not
vary in time. On the other hand, the Y2 wave is an AC signal for it has both the negative and the
positive values. Also, you can clearly see that it varies with time.
Graph B
Y1

Volt/div

5V

Time/div

5ms

0.6
0.4

Y1

0.2
0
0

In this circuit, only the output is connected and on the Y1. Thats why only the waveform
of Y1 is shown. Unlike Graph A, this graph is strictly DC for it only have the positive values.
The difference between the graph of Y1 in graph A and in graph B is that Y1 is continuous.
Graph C
Y1

Volt/div

5V

Time/div

5 ms
Y1

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.2

1.4

1.6

To study only the ripples, DC signal was removed. On the actual, this will look like
ripples in the oscilloscope. The ripple effect is caused by the 100 F that is connected across the
resistor.
Graph D
Y1

Volt/div

2V

0.12
0.1
0.08
0.06

Y1

0.04

Y-values2

0.02
0
2.5

3.5

4.5

5.5

This effect is caused by the diode. Diode is a semiconductor device with two poles that
are called anode (+) and cathode (-). It acts like a switch to the flow of voltage.
Graph E
Y1

Volt/div

2V

15
10
5
0
0

10

12

Graph E shows the characteristic of the LDR (Light Dependent Resistor). As you slowly
cover it with palm of your hands, its characteristic changes. This happen because you are putting
some extra conducting path with your skin which will affect the results.

Conclusion
Experiment 5: Oscilloscope II Rectifier is related to Experiment 4: Function Generator
and Oscilloscope. The difference of these two experiments is that the latter is focused on how the
machine works while the former is focused on different circuits namely rectifier circuit, the full
bridge rectifier circuit, and the circuit for LDR and diodes. However, the student can still apply
the learnings of the past experiment. In fact, this is very essential.
The main objectives of this experiment is to study the rectifying properties of diodes and
to show on the oscilloscope the V-I characteristic of a diode and the light dependent resistor.
These objectives are achieved in the experiment. The methodology is very easy to follow and the
figure of the circuits is clearly illustrated.
Based on the result, the students can learn how the diode differs from LDR. Also, the
student can learn and improve their knowledge about the wave signals of AC and DC.

Recommendation
The over-all experiment is good but somehow lacking. It would be better if the different
kinds of waves are discussed further. The given theory for this experiment is mainly about diodes
which is correct but it seems like the other components are not being discussed. Like the LDR,
some students might be curious about what is the real use of the LDR and wants to go further.
However, all in all, it was a pretty good experiment for learning more about the circuits.

References
Kirkpatrick, Larry., Francis, Gregory (2007). Physics: A Conceptual World View, 7th
Edition. Belmont, USA: Brooks/Cole
Young, Hugh., Freedman, Roger (2014)., Sears and Zemanskys University Physics with
Modern Physcis Technology Update, 13th Edition. Philippines: Pearson Education South Asia
PTE, LTD.
Thornton, Stephen., Rex, Andrew (2006). Modern Physics: For Scientist and Engineers,
13 Edition. Canada: Brooks/Cole
th