Capacitor Discharge Experiment Analysis Spreadsheet

Copy of the spreadsheet I used to analyse the data obtained in the experiment to determine the capacitance of a capacitor in this video.

The spreadsheet automatically calculates capacitance from inputted time and potential difference readings using a natural log analysis. The data plots are added to a carefully formatted graph. A line of best fit is automatically plotted. The gradient and y-intercept of the line are automatically calculated from the data plots and the value of the capacitance is calculated from the gradient. This spreadsheet is perfect for rapidly analysing experimental data.

A second method of analysis is also possible using a second graph - a direct plot of p.d. versus time (exponential data). Instructions are included to guide the user in determining the value of the time constant and that is then used to calculate a value of C that can be compared with the first method.

This is a Numbers spreadsheet. It is possible to convert Numbers spreadsheets to Excel files but I cannot guarantee an easy to use output since the tables may be converted to separate worksheets in the Excel file.

Suitable for most physics specifications.