Generation of an AC voltage, rectification and smoothing with Cobra SMARTsense

Principle

An alternating voltage is induced in a coil in the (alternating) field of a periodically moving magnet. The characteristic of a diode to allow electric current only to pass in one direction is used to rectify the induced alternating voltage. A capacitor that is connected in parallel to the load (resistance) smoothes the rectified alternating voltage.

Benefits

• For datalogging with tablets

• Experimenting literature for students and teachers available

• Minimal preparation time - start instantaneously

• Simple operation of the app, therefore appropriate for all education level

• Multimedia documentation (pictures, videos, etc.) within the free measure app

Tasks

1. Generation of an alternating voltage with the generator.

2. Observation of the change of signal during rectification and smoothing with various electric components.

Learning objectives

Principle of energy conversion from kinetic energy to electric energy by an alternating voltage generator as well as the functionality of a diode used as rectifier and of a capacitor used to smooth the signal.