University:
University of Cambridge
Course:
0653 IGCSE | Science - Combined
Academic year:

2023
Views:

24

Pages:

1
Author:

anon

IGCSE Coordinated Science: A.C Generator A.C Generator Describe a rotating-coil generator and the use of slip rings In a rotating coil generator, a current is induced whenever the coil of wire spins between the two magnets. However, every time the coil rotates 180o, the polarity and direction of the current alternates. Fleming’s left hand rule: Using Fleming’s left hand rule, we can understand why does the direction of the current induced alternate. In one half-turn, one end of the coil cuts through the magnetic field travelling upwards and then in the next half-turn, it cuts through the magnetic field downwards. Hence, as the coil is rotating in a magnetic field, the current generated alternates direction and polarity every 180o or half-turn. The slip rings in an A.C generator provide an unbroken connection between the coil and circuit as it spins around, meaning that the current generated is always alternating. If another type, called a split-ring commutator is used instead, it will provide a D.C current