LECTURE DEMONSTRATION MANUAL | Instructional Research Lab : ucla physics
RC Time Constant

E.2.2 Time Constant

In the "unitary imbecilometer" circuit the capacitor C charges slowly through the resistor R. When the voltage across C reaches the threshold of the neon light N (about 90 V), the capacitor discharges through the bulb, flashing it, and the cycle repeats. The frequency of flashes can be varied by varying R or C.

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