4.4.3 The A.C.

Generator
Simple A.C Generators
EXTENDED

 The generator effect can be used to generate a.c in an alternator

 A simple alternator is a type of generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical
energy in the form of alternating current

An alternator is a rotating coil in a magnetic field connected to commutator rings

 A rectangular coil that is forced to spin in a uniform magnetic field

 The coil is connected to a centre-reading meter by metal brushes that press on two
metal slip rings (or commutator rings)
o The slip rings and brushes provide a continuous connection between the coil and
the meter
 When the coil turns in one direction:
o The pointer defects first one way, then the opposite way, and then back again
o This is because the coil cuts through the magnetic field lines and an EMF, and
therefore current, is induced in the coil
 The pointer deflects in both directions because the current in the circuit
repeatedly changes direction as the coil spins
o This is because the induced EMF in the coil repeatedly changes its direction
o This continues on as long as the coil keeps turning in the same direction
 The induced EMF and the current alternate because they repeatedly change direction
Exam Tip
Motors and generators look very similar, but they do very different things.

When tackling a question on either of them, make sure you are writing about the right one!
A motor takes in electricity and turns it into motion. A generator takes in motion
and generates electricity.

You might be expected to give explanations of how these two things happen - make sure that you
understand their subtle differences!

Graphs for A.C. Generators

EXTENDED

 The A.C. generator creates an alternating current, varying in size and direction as the
coil rotates
 The size of the induced EMF depends on the number of field lines it cuts
o The induced EMF is greatest (maximum value) when the coil is horizontal, or
parallel with the field lines, as in this position it cuts through the field at the
fastest rate
o The EMF is smallest (0) when the coil is vertical, or perpendicular with the field
lines as in this position it will not be cutting through field lines

Alternating EMF showing the position of the magnet relative to the coil

 When the magnet is in position 1 the magnetic field lines of the magnet do not cut the
coil
o This means that there is no EMF induced in the coil
 When the magnet is in position 2 the magnetic field lines of the magnet are at 90° to the
coil
 o This means that there will be maximum EMF induced in the coil
 When the magnet is in position 3 the magnetic field lines of the magnet do not cut the
coil
o This means that there is no EMF induced in the coil
 When the magnet is in position 4 the magnetic field lines of the magnet are at 90° to the
coil
o This means that there will be maximum EMF induced in the coil
o As the poles of the magnet are reversed compared to position 2 the induced EMF
will also be in the opposite direction compared to position 2
o This means that the graph will show a negative trace

Exam Tip
Make sure you can remember how the induced EMF relates to the number of field lines cut by
the coil:

 When the plane of the coil is perpendicular to the field lines

o When the number of field lines cut is at its maximum
o Induced EMF = 0
 When the plane of the coil is parallel to the field lines
o When the number of field lines cut = 0
o Induced e.m.f is at its maximum

The A.C output from an alternator leads to a current which is both in the positive and
negative region of the graph