Question

How does an electric generator work?

Answer 1

Electric Generator

1. An electric generator can be defined as a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
2. Generator exploits motional emf, which arises when we move a wire through a magnetic field.
3. EMF is defined as electromotive force.
4. When there is no flow of current on the circuit, the potential difference present between the electrodes inside a cell is called the emf.
5. Hence, it is the total energy supplied to each charge in order to make the charge flow inside the circuit to generate a current.
6. The figure suggests a primitive model for a generator.

Working Principle of Electric Generator

1. Electric generators work on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
2. Electromagnetic induction is defined as the process in which the conductor is placed between the changing magnetic field.
3. The voltage will be induced when the intensity of the magnetic field either increases or decreases such that the conductor is perpendicular.
4. There is a uniform magnetic field $B$ pointing into the screen, and there is a current $I$ passing through the circuit.
5. If the entire loop is pulled to the right with speed $v$, the charges in segment $RS$ experience a magnetic force whose vertical component $qvB$ drives current around the loop, in the clockwise direction.
6. The emf is, $\epsilon =\oint f_{mag}.dl=vBh$, where $h$ is the width of the loop.