AC generation - Revision history

Jmdonev at 16:53, 4 August 2021

2021-08-04T16:53:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:53, 4 August 2021
Line 17:		Line 17:
	The [http://phet.colorado.edu/ University of Colorado] has graciously allowed us to use the following Phet simulation. This simulation<ref name=d></ref> illustrates how a simplified AC generator could work, with a water turbine rotating a magnet that induces an alternating current in the stationary armature.		The [http://phet.colorado.edu/ University of Colorado] has graciously allowed us to use the following Phet simulation. This simulation<ref name=d></ref> illustrates how a simplified AC generator could work, with a water turbine rotating a magnet that induces an alternating current in the stationary armature.
	<html>		<html>
	<div style="position: relative; width: 300px; height: 225px;"><a href="~~http~~://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/~~generator_en~~.~~jnlp~~" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/generator-screenshot.png" alt="Generator" style="border: none;" width="300" height="225"/><div style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px; background-color: #FFF; opacity: 0.6; filter: alpha(opacity = 60);"></div><table style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px;"><tr><td style="text-align: center; color: #000; font-size: 24px; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Click to Run</td></tr></table></a></div>		<div style="position: relative; width: 300px; height: 225px;"><a href="https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/cheerpj/faraday/latest/faraday.html?simulation=generator" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/generator-screenshot.png" alt="Generator" style="border: none;" width="300" height="225"/><div style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px; background-color: #FFF; opacity: 0.6; filter: alpha(opacity = 60);"></div><table style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px;"><tr><td style="text-align: center; color: #000; font-size: 24px; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Click to Run</td></tr></table></a></div>
	</html>		</html>

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2018-09-03T22:23:43Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:23, 3 September 2018
(No difference)

energy>Jmdonev at 21:15, 26 August 2018

2018-08-26T21:15:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 26 August 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done 2018-05-18]]		[[Category:Done 2018-08-03]]
	<onlyinclude>Turbine-based '''AC electrical generation''' is when an [[electric current]] is induced by the interaction between [[charge]]d particles and [[magnetic field]]s which converts the [[kinetic energy]] of the [[turbine]] into the kinetic energy of [[electron]]s.</onlyinclude> This is where a [[high energy society]] gets most of its [[electricity]] from. According to the [[law of conservation of energy]], generators do not create [[energy]]. Rather, they convert a different form of energy into [[electrical energy]]. This form of electrical generation is used with all sources of [[energy]] that use the movement of a turbine. Examples of these include [[hydropower]], [[fossil fuel]]-based power, [[nuclear energy]], and [[solar thermal power plant]]s, among others. Almost all major [[power plant]]s generate [[alternating current]], as do [[diesel generator]]s.		<onlyinclude>Turbine-based '''AC electrical generation''' is when an [[electric current]] is induced by the interaction between [[charge]]d particles and [[magnetic field]]s which converts the [[kinetic energy]] of the [[turbine]] into the kinetic energy of [[electron]]s.</onlyinclude> This is where a [[high energy society]] gets most of its [[electricity]] from. According to the [[law of conservation of energy]], generators do not create [[energy]]. Rather, they convert a different form of energy into [[electrical energy]]. This form of electrical generation is used with all sources of [[energy]] that use the movement of a turbine. Examples of these include [[hydropower]], [[fossil fuel]]-based power, [[nuclear energy]], and [[solar thermal power plant]]s, among others. Almost all major [[power plant]]s generate [[alternating current]], as do [[diesel generator]]s.

Line 12:		Line 12:
	[[Electric current]] is generated when a rotating loop of wire, known as an armature, is placed in a uniform [[magnetic field]], or when a stationary armature is placed in a rotating magnetic field. In the first case, as the armature rotates, one half of the loop will always be moving in the opposite direction of the other half of the loop. This causes an [[electromotive force]] in opposite directions for both halves of the armature, which add together to allow a current to flow through the loop (see Figure 1)<ref name=AC>''AC Generator'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2</ref>. The same result can be achieved with a rotating magnet around a stationary armature. This generation of current is entirely dependent on the armature or magnet rotating, and this rotation is powered by turbines, which rotate due to one of the sources of energy listed above. For more information, visit [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2 hyperphysics].		[[Electric current]] is generated when a rotating loop of wire, known as an armature, is placed in a uniform [[magnetic field]], or when a stationary armature is placed in a rotating magnetic field. In the first case, as the armature rotates, one half of the loop will always be moving in the opposite direction of the other half of the loop. This causes an [[electromotive force]] in opposite directions for both halves of the armature, which add together to allow a current to flow through the loop (see Figure 1)<ref name=AC>''AC Generator'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2</ref>. The same result can be achieved with a rotating magnet around a stationary armature. This generation of current is entirely dependent on the armature or magnet rotating, and this rotation is powered by turbines, which rotate due to one of the sources of energy listed above. For more information, visit [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2 hyperphysics].

	As seen in Figure 2, both of the arms of the armature are connected to slipping contacts called brushes<ref>''AC Motor'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html</ref>. One of the brushes is connected to a wire which connects to a power [[distribution system]] and eventually leads back to the wire connecting to the other brush, completing the circuit and allowing the generator to power devices. As the armature rotates, the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]] changes direction. In other words, each half of the armature periodically changes direction as the armature rotates. This leads the current to experience a periodic reversal of the direction. In addition, as the [[magnetic force]] is directly proportional to the segment of the velocity of the [[charge]] that is perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]], the [[electromotive force]] in the circuit varies as the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the field varies. This sinusoidally varying [[voltage]] coupled with the periodically reversing current is characteristic of [[alternating current]] <ref name=AC></ref>.		As seen in Figure 2, both of the arms of the armature are connected to slipping contacts called brushes<ref>''AC Motor'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html</ref>. One of the brushes is connected to a wire which connects to a power [[Distribution grid\|distribution system]] and eventually leads back to the wire connecting to the other brush, completing the circuit and allowing the generator to power devices. As the armature rotates, the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]] changes direction. In other words, each half of the armature periodically changes direction as the armature rotates. This leads the current to experience a periodic reversal of the direction. In addition, as the [[magnetic force]] is directly proportional to the segment of the velocity of the [[charge]] that is perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]], the [[electromotive force]] in the circuit varies as the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the field varies. This sinusoidally varying [[voltage]] coupled with the periodically reversing current is characteristic of [[alternating current]] <ref name=AC></ref>.

	==Phet Simulation==		==Phet Simulation==

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2018-05-18T22:53:10Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:53, 18 May 2018
(No difference)

Jmdonev at 21:50, 11 May 2018

2018-05-11T21:50:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:50, 11 May 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-09-~~05]]~~		[[Category:Done 2018-05-18]]
	~~[[Category:Phets~~]]		<onlyinclude>Turbine-based '''AC electrical generation''' is when an [[electric current]] is induced by the interaction between [[charge]]d particles and [[magnetic field]]s which converts the [[kinetic energy]] of the [[turbine]] into the kinetic energy of [[electron]]s.</onlyinclude> This is where a [[high energy society]] gets most of its [[electricity]] from. According to the [[law of conservation of energy]], generators do not create [[energy]]. Rather, they convert a different form of energy into [[electrical energy]]. This form of electrical generation is used with all sources of [[energy]] that use the movement of a turbine. Examples of these include [[hydropower]], [[fossil fuel]]-based power, [[nuclear energy]], and [[solar thermal power plant]]s, among others. Almost all major [[power plant]]s generate [[alternating current]], as do [[diesel generator]]s.
	<onlyinclude>Turbine-based '''AC electrical generation''' ~~uses~~ the ~~unique interactions~~ between [[charge]]d particles and [[magnetic field]]s ~~to convert~~ the [[kinetic energy]] of the [[turbine]] into the kinetic energy of [[electron]]s~~, which creates a [[current]]~~.</onlyinclude> This is where a [[high energy society]] gets most of its [[electricity]] from. ~~In accordance with~~ the [[law of conservation of energy]], generators do not create [[energy]]. Rather, they convert a different form of energy into [[electrical energy]]. This form of electrical generation is used with all sources of [[energy]] that use the movement of a turbine~~, including~~ [[hydropower]], [[fossil fuel]]-based power, [[nuclear energy]], and [[solar thermal power plant]]s, among others. Almost all major [[power plant]]s generate [[alternating current]], as do [[diesel generator]]s.

	==Theory==		==Theory==
	[[File:AC generation.gif\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. An animation of a PhET simulation<ref name=d>''Generator'' [Online]. Available: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/generator</ref> showing how a changing [[magnetic field]] on a looped conductor induces the movement of electrons]]		[[File:AC generation.gif\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. An animation of a PhET simulation<ref name=d>''Generator'' [Online]. Available: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/generator</ref> showing how a changing [[magnetic field]] on a looped conductor induces the movement of electrons]]
	Faraday's Law states that a changing [[magnetic flux]] on a looped [[conductor]] will produce a [[magnetic force]] that causes the [[electron]]s in the conductor to move, creating a current. This is known as [[electromagnetic induction]], and it is the fundamental principle underlying many generators. The magnetic force applied to the electrons creates a [[voltage]] in the conductor that is known as an [[electromotive force]]. The strength and direction of the electromotive force is determined by the strength and direction of the magnetic field and the velocity of either the magnet or the conductor<ref>''Faraday's Law'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/farlaw.html#c1</ref>. [[Electric motor]]s work in the exact opposite ~~way, electric~~ [[current]] in a magnetic field creates motion.		Faraday's Law states that a changing [[magnetic flux]] on a looped [[conductor]] will produce a [[magnetic force]] that causes the [[electron]]s in the conductor to move, creating a current. This is known as [[electromagnetic induction]], and it is the fundamental principle underlying many generators. The magnetic force applied to the electrons creates a [[voltage]] in the conductor that is known as an [[electromotive force]]. The strength and direction of the electromotive force is determined by the strength and direction of the magnetic field and the velocity of either the magnet or the conductor<ref>''Faraday's Law'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/farlaw.html#c1</ref>. [[Electric motor]]s work in the exact opposite way—[[electric current]] in a magnetic field creates motion.

	See Figure 1 to see this theory in practice.		See Figure 1 to see this theory in practice.
Line 11:		Line 10:
	==Generator==		==Generator==
	[[File:AC Generator.jpg\|framed\|right\|Figure 2. A simplified diagram of an AC generator. The right half of the armature is moving left, while the left half is moving right. Therefore, the [[electromotive force]] on the right side is directed towards the near end of the armature, and the force on the left side of the armature is directed towards the far end of the armature. This allows a [[current]] to flow through the loop, as [[electron]]s can continuously flow counter-clockwise through the armature<ref>E. Hiob. (1998, June 11). ''electronics and trigonometry'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.bcit.ca/math/examples/elex/trig_vectors/</ref>]]		[[File:AC Generator.jpg\|framed\|right\|Figure 2. A simplified diagram of an AC generator. The right half of the armature is moving left, while the left half is moving right. Therefore, the [[electromotive force]] on the right side is directed towards the near end of the armature, and the force on the left side of the armature is directed towards the far end of the armature. This allows a [[current]] to flow through the loop, as [[electron]]s can continuously flow counter-clockwise through the armature<ref>E. Hiob. (1998, June 11). ''electronics and trigonometry'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.bcit.ca/math/examples/elex/trig_vectors/</ref>]]
	~~Electrical~~ [[current]] is generated when a rotating loop of wire, known as an armature, is placed in a uniform [[magnetic field]], or when a stationary armature is placed in a rotating magnetic field. In the first case, as the armature rotates, one half of the loop will always be moving in the opposite direction of the other half of the loop. This causes an [[electromotive force]] in opposite directions for both halves of the armature, which add together to allow a current to flow through the loop (see Figure 1)<ref name=AC>''AC Generator'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2</ref>. The same result can be achieved with a rotating magnet around a stationary armature. ~~Of course, this~~ generation of current is entirely dependent on the armature or magnet rotating, and this rotation is powered by turbines, which rotate due to one of the sources of energy listed above. For more information, visit [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2 hyperphysics].		[[Electric current]] is generated when a rotating loop of wire, known as an armature, is placed in a uniform [[magnetic field]], or when a stationary armature is placed in a rotating magnetic field. In the first case, as the armature rotates, one half of the loop will always be moving in the opposite direction of the other half of the loop. This causes an [[electromotive force]] in opposite directions for both halves of the armature, which add together to allow a current to flow through the loop (see Figure 1)<ref name=AC>''AC Generator'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2</ref>. The same result can be achieved with a rotating magnet around a stationary armature. This generation of current is entirely dependent on the armature or magnet rotating, and this rotation is powered by turbines, which rotate due to one of the sources of energy listed above. For more information, visit [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2 hyperphysics].

	As seen in Figure 2, both of the arms of the armature are connected to slipping contacts called brushes<ref>''AC Motor'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html</ref>. One of the brushes is connected to a wire which connects to a power [[distribution system]] and eventually leads back to the wire connecting to the other brush, completing the circuit and allowing the generator to power devices. As the armature rotates, the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]] changes direction. In other words, each half of the armature periodically changes direction as the armature rotates. This leads to a periodic reversal of the direction ~~of the [[current]]~~. In addition, as the [[magnetic force]] is directly proportional to the segment of the velocity of the [[charge]] that is perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]], the [[electromotive force]] in the circuit varies as the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the field varies. This sinusoidally varying [[voltage]] coupled with the periodically reversing current is characteristic of [[alternating current]] <ref name=AC></ref>.		As seen in Figure 2, both of the arms of the armature are connected to slipping contacts called brushes<ref>''AC Motor'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html</ref>. One of the brushes is connected to a wire which connects to a power [[distribution system]] and eventually leads back to the wire connecting to the other brush, completing the circuit and allowing the generator to power devices. As the armature rotates, the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]] changes direction. In other words, each half of the armature periodically changes direction as the armature rotates. This leads the current to experience a periodic reversal of the direction. In addition, as the [[magnetic force]] is directly proportional to the segment of the velocity of the [[charge]] that is perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]], the [[electromotive force]] in the circuit varies as the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the field varies. This sinusoidally varying [[voltage]] coupled with the periodically reversing current is characteristic of [[alternating current]] <ref name=AC></ref>.

	==Phet Simulation==		==Phet Simulation==
Line 20:		Line 19:
	<div style="position: relative; width: 300px; height: 225px;"><a href="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/generator_en.jnlp" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/generator-screenshot.png" alt="Generator" style="border: none;" width="300" height="225"/><div style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px; background-color: #FFF; opacity: 0.6; filter: alpha(opacity = 60);"></div><table style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px;"><tr><td style="text-align: center; color: #000; font-size: 24px; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Click to Run</td></tr></table></a></div>		<div style="position: relative; width: 300px; height: 225px;"><a href="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/generator_en.jnlp" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/generator-screenshot.png" alt="Generator" style="border: none;" width="300" height="225"/><div style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px; background-color: #FFF; opacity: 0.6; filter: alpha(opacity = 60);"></div><table style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px;"><tr><td style="text-align: center; color: #000; font-size: 24px; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Click to Run</td></tr></table></a></div>
	</html>		</html>

			== For Further Reading ==
			For further information please see the related pages below:
			*[[Alternating current]]
			*[[Transformer]]
			*[[Electrical grid]]
			*[[Electric generator]]
			* Or explore a [[Special:Random\| random page!]]

	==References==		==References==
	<references/>		<references/>
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]
			[[Category:Phets]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-09-03T18:22:55Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 18:22, 3 September 2015
(No difference)

Jmdonev at 23:53, 28 August 2015

2015-08-28T23:53:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:53, 28 August 2015
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done 2015-06-01]]		[[Category:Done 2015-09-05]]
	[[Category:Phets]]		[[Category:Phets]]
	<onlyinclude>Turbine-based '''AC electrical generation''' uses the unique interactions between [[charge]]d particles and [[magnetic field]]s to convert the [[kinetic energy]] of the [[turbine]] into the kinetic energy of [[electron]]s, which creates a [[current]].</onlyinclude> This is where a [[high energy society]] gets most of its [[electricity]] from. In accordance with the [[law of conservation of energy]], generators do not create [[energy]]. Rather, they convert a different form of energy into [[electrical energy]]. This form of electrical generation is used with all sources of [[energy]] that use the movement of a turbine, including [[hydropower]], [[fossil fuel]]-based power, [[nuclear energy]], and [[solar thermal ~~energy~~]], among others. Almost all major [[power plant]]s generate [[alternating current]], as do [[diesel generator]]s.		<onlyinclude>Turbine-based '''AC electrical generation''' uses the unique interactions between [[charge]]d particles and [[magnetic field]]s to convert the [[kinetic energy]] of the [[turbine]] into the kinetic energy of [[electron]]s, which creates a [[current]].</onlyinclude> This is where a [[high energy society]] gets most of its [[electricity]] from. In accordance with the [[law of conservation of energy]], generators do not create [[energy]]. Rather, they convert a different form of energy into [[electrical energy]]. This form of electrical generation is used with all sources of [[energy]] that use the movement of a turbine, including [[hydropower]], [[fossil fuel]]-based power, [[nuclear energy]], and [[solar thermal power plant]]s, among others. Almost all major [[power plant]]s generate [[alternating current]], as do [[diesel generator]]s.

	==Theory==		==Theory==

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:30:38Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:30, 26 August 2015
(No difference)

J.williams at 22:40, 11 August 2015

2015-08-11T22:40:59Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-06-01]]
[[Category:Phets]]
<onlyinclude>Turbine-based '''AC electrical generation''' uses the unique interactions between [[charge]]d particles and [[magnetic field]]s to convert the [[kinetic energy]] of the [[turbine]] into the kinetic energy of [[electron]]s, which creates a [[current]].</onlyinclude> This is where a [[high energy society]] gets most of its [[electricity]] from. In accordance with the [[law of conservation of energy]], generators do not create [[energy]]. Rather, they convert a different form of energy into [[electrical energy]]. This form of electrical generation is used with all sources of [[energy]] that use the movement of a turbine, including [[hydropower]], [[fossil fuel]]-based power, [[nuclear energy]], and [[solar thermal energy]], among others. Almost all major [[power plant]]s generate [[alternating current]], as do [[diesel generator]]s.

==Theory==
[[File:AC generation.gif|framed|right|Figure 1. An animation of a PhET simulation<ref name=d>''Generator'' [Online]. Available: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/generator</ref> showing how a changing [[magnetic field]] on a looped conductor induces the movement of electrons]]
Faraday's Law states that a changing [[magnetic flux]] on a looped [[conductor]] will produce a [[magnetic force]] that causes the [[electron]]s in the conductor to move, creating a current. This is known as [[electromagnetic induction]], and it is the fundamental principle underlying many generators. The magnetic force applied to the electrons creates a [[voltage]] in the conductor that is known as an [[electromotive force]]. The strength and direction of the electromotive force is determined by the strength and direction of the magnetic field and the velocity of either the magnet or the conductor<ref>''Faraday's Law'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/farlaw.html#c1</ref>. [[Electric motor]]s work in the exact opposite way, electric [[current]] in a magnetic field creates motion.

See Figure 1 to see this theory in practice.

==Generator==
[[File:AC Generator.jpg|framed|right|Figure 2. A simplified diagram of an AC generator. The right half of the armature is moving left, while the left half is moving right. Therefore, the [[electromotive force]] on the right side is directed towards the near end of the armature, and the force on the left side of the armature is directed towards the far end of the armature. This allows a [[current]] to flow through the loop, as [[electron]]s can continuously flow counter-clockwise through the armature<ref>E. Hiob. (1998, June 11). ''electronics and trigonometry'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.bcit.ca/math/examples/elex/trig_vectors/</ref>]]
Electrical [[current]] is generated when a rotating loop of wire, known as an armature, is placed in a uniform [[magnetic field]], or when a stationary armature is placed in a rotating magnetic field. In the first case, as the armature rotates, one half of the loop will always be moving in the opposite direction of the other half of the loop. This causes an [[electromotive force]] in opposite directions for both halves of the armature, which add together to allow a current to flow through the loop (see Figure 1)<ref name=AC>''AC Generator'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2</ref>. The same result can be achieved with a rotating magnet around a stationary armature. Of course, this generation of current is entirely dependent on the armature or magnet rotating, and this rotation is powered by turbines, which rotate due to one of the sources of energy listed above. For more information, visit [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html#c2 hyperphysics].

As seen in Figure 2, both of the arms of the armature are connected to slipping contacts called brushes<ref>''AC Motor'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/motorac.html</ref>. One of the brushes is connected to a wire which connects to a power [[distribution system]] and eventually leads back to the wire connecting to the other brush, completing the circuit and allowing the generator to power devices. As the armature rotates, the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]] changes direction. In other words, each half of the armature periodically changes direction as the armature rotates. This leads to a periodic reversal of the direction of the [[current]]. In addition, as the [[magnetic force]] is directly proportional to the segment of the velocity of the [[charge]] that is perpendicular to the [[magnetic field]], the [[electromotive force]] in the circuit varies as the segment of the velocity of the armature perpendicular to the field varies. This sinusoidally varying [[voltage]] coupled with the periodically reversing current is characteristic of [[alternating current]] <ref name=AC></ref>.

==Phet Simulation==
The [http://phet.colorado.edu/ University of Colorado] has graciously allowed us to use the following Phet simulation. This simulation<ref name=d></ref> illustrates how a simplified AC generator could work, with a water turbine rotating a magnet that induces an alternating current in the stationary armature.
<html>
<div style="position: relative; width: 300px; height: 225px;"><a href="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/generator_en.jnlp" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/generator-screenshot.png" alt="Generator" style="border: none;" width="300" height="225"/><div style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px; background-color: #FFF; opacity: 0.6; filter: alpha(opacity = 60);"></div><table style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 72px;"><tr><td style="text-align: center; color: #000; font-size: 24px; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Click to Run</td></tr></table></a></div>
</html>

==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Uploaded]]