AC Generator

Question 1

what is current

Answer 1

Rate of flow of charge (electrons) around a circuit

Question 2

state and describe the two types of current

Answer 2

• Alternating current (ac): Electrons continuously change direction
• Direct current (dc): Electrons flow in one direction only)

Question 3

give an example of an ac generator

Answer 3

wind turbine

Question 4

what do the magnets do in AC generator

Answer 4

Provide constant magnetic field across the coil

Question 5

what does the coil (armature) do in AC generator

Answer 5

Usually made from many turns of wire, is rectangular so that its sides are perpendicular to the magnetic field

Question 6

what do the slip rings do in AC generator

Answer 6

Cylindrical conductors that make constant contact with the coil during rotation, they allow the direction of the induced electromotive force (e.m.f.) to alternate and therefore cause an alternating current (a.c.)

Question 7

what do the carbon brushes do in AC generator

Answer 7

Make an electrical connection between the rotating coil and a circuit, avoiding the wires becoming twisted