Question

A commutator changes the direction of current in the coil of

• A. a DC motor
• B. a DC motor and an AC generator
• C. a DC motor and a DC generator
• D. an AC generator

Answer 1

The correct option is C a DC motor and a DC generator

A device that reverses the direction of flow of current through a circuit is called a commutator. Commutators are used in dynamos (DC Generators) and many DC Motors as well as universal motors.

In a motor, the commutator applies electric current to the windings. By reversing the current direction in the rotating windings in each half turn, a steady rotating force (torque) is produced.

In a generator, the commutator picks up the current generated in the windings, reversing the direction of current with each half turn, converts AC current into DC current.