Question

Draw a labelled diagram of a simple AC generator.

Answer 1

Hint: In this question, the concept of the simple AC generator. The A.C generators are used to generate alternating currents using the principle of Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. The flux change is produced by changing the orientation of the loop or effective area of the loop as shown in the figure below.

Complete solution:
The basic important elements of an A.C. generator is a coil, or an armature coil mounted on a rotor shaft, field magnets attached on the sides are to provide the magnetic field. The coils are connected in the end to the external circuit with the help of slip rings and brushes.

When the coil is rotated in the uniform magnetic field denoted as \[{\mathbf{B}}\], the change of flux takes place in the coil by the virtue of change in orientation of the coil. Thus, according to the Faraday’s Law the current is induced in the coil. This current is transported to an external circuit by the means of slip rings and the two brushes denoted as $B_1$ and $B_2$ as shown in the figure given above. The composition of the brushes depends on the application commonly it is of carbon or graphite.
Hence, we can see that an AC generator converts mechanical energy to the electrical energy by generating alternating current as per the detailed explanation given above.

Note: The direction of magnetic field due to magnets placed on both sides is in the direction from north to south and the understanding of Faraday’s Law is crucial in the understanding of the working and principle of an AC generator.