[Physics Class Notes] on Electric Generator Pdf for Exam

As the name itself suggests, an electric generator generates electricity. The electric generator or an AC electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of current or alternating emf. In other words, the electric generator converts its kinetic energy into potential difference without violating the law of conservation of energy. Electric generators work on the principle of Electromagnetic induction. 

Depending upon the type of electricity produced the electric generator is classified into AC generator and the DC generator. The electric generators are mainly used to provide power supply to domestic lines, industrial purposes, and commercial factories.

Physics as a subject is very interesting and mesmerizing at the same time. The subject correlates with other subjects like mathematics and chemistry. Your learnings should not only be confined to examination purposes and thus we aim at making it more interesting and fun. In this particular article, we shall discuss one such important concept of Physics and try to make the most out of the topic. 

We shall be learning the following from the particular article – 

• Electric generator – An introduction

• Working of an electric generator

• Components of an electric generator

• Important facts

• Frequently asked questions

Explain the Working of Electric Generator

Before getting started with the working of an electric generator, let us first study the components of an electric generator.

Components of an Electric Generator

The schematic representation of an electric generator is as shown below. The construction of a generator is identical to the electric motor only difference being instead of a battery a galvanometer is used. The galvanometer is a device used for detecting the presence of electricity.

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The Electric Generator Consists of the Following Components

• A rectangular wireframe or a rectangular coil, which is connected to the brushes.

• Two strong magnets can be any kind like horseshoe magnets, a bar magnet, etc.

• The ends of the coils are connected to the rings as shown in the diagram. The edges of the rings are further connected to brushes.

• To detect the electricity a galvanometer is used.

As technology improves, an electric generator has its advancement and is widely used. An actual generator used for domestic purposes or industrial lanes it will consist of the following components:

Working of An Electric Generator

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Now let us understand what is the working of the generator. A rectangular coil is placed between the two magnets. Let us assume that we are rotating the coil in a clockwise direction with the help of axles connected to the rings. 

On rotating the coil in a clockwise direction AB arm will move upwards and the CD arm will move downwards. We can apply Fleming’s Right-hand rule to the AB arm and the current flows from A to B. Similarly, we use Fleming’s Left-hand rule to the CD arm and we note that current flows from C to D. Hence the current will flow from B₂ to B₁.

Now after half rotation we see that CD will be on the left side and AB arm on the right side. Now, applying Fleming’s right-hand rule to the CD arm, results in the current flowing from C to D, and using Fleming’s left-hand rule for the AB arm, the resulting current flows from A to B. Hence the current will enter B1 and flow through B2.

Thus the direction of current changes after every rotation resulting in producing the altering current. Hence the electric generator generally is also known as the AC generator. If we want to produce DC, we will place a commutator between the rings.

This is the explanation for the construction and working of an electric generator. The above concept explains the electric generator in detail. If the question demands the construction of an AC electric generator we can give the same explanation.

Did You Know?

• The first electric generator developed was back in 1660. Back in time, Otto invented a device that generated electricity due to friction. It was termed static electricity.

• The credit for the invention of electric generators goes to Micheal Faraday. 

• He invented an electric generator as an application of his electromagnetic induction theory. He gave a simple experimental demonstration using a large horseshoe magnet and coil.

• Due to generators even during power cuts, we can do our daily routines without interruption.