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An AC generator, or alternating current generator, is a fundamental device in electrical engineering that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
It operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831. The core components of an AC generator include a rotor (typically a rotating magnet) and a stator (containing stationary wire coils). As the rotor spins within the stator, it creates a changing magnetic field that induces an alternating current in the coils. This process produces a sinusoidal voltage output, with the frequency determined by the rotation speed and the number of magnetic poles.
The Concept of AC generator is covered in Electromagnetic Induction.
AC generators are crucial in power plants, where they transform various forms of energy (such as thermal, hydro, or wind) into the electrical power that supplies our homes and industries.
Understanding the interplay between factors like
is key to grasping how these generators function and how they can be optimized for different applications. By experimenting with an interactive animation, students can visualize how altering these parameters affects the generator's output, gaining a deeper appreciation for the physics behind this essential technology that powers our modern world.
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IIT-Delhi, IIM-Lucknow
IIT Delhi. 14+ Years of experience as Academics Head & Mentor
