Power Generation

Front

Electric generator Noun

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[uh-lek-trik jen-uh-rey-ter]

Back

Electric generator

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A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, typically by rotating a wire coil within a magnetic field.

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Example: This diagram shows how rotating a wire coil within a magnetic field generates an electric current, which powers the light bulb.

Front

Turbine Noun

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[tur-bin]

Back

Turbine

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A machine with blades that are rotated by a moving fluid, such as wind or water, to rotate a shaft.

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Example: This diagram shows how a fluid, like steam, pushes against the curved blades of a turbine, causing the central shaft to rotate and generate power.

Front

Faraday's law of induction Noun

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[fair-uh-dey's law uv in-duhk-shun]

Back

Faraday's law of induction

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The principle stating that a changing magnetic field within a closed loop of wire induces an electromotive force (voltage).

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Example: Moving a magnet through a coil of wire changes the magnetic field, which induces an electric current in the wire, as shown by the meter.

Front

Magnetic flux Noun

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[mag-net-ik fluhks]

Back

Magnetic flux

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A measurement of the total magnetic field lines passing through a specific area, indicating the strength of the magnetic field.

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Example: This diagram shows the invisible magnetic field lines around a bar magnet. Magnetic flux is a measure of how many of these lines pass through an area.

Front

Electromotive force (EMF) Noun

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[uh-lek-troh-moh-tiv fors]

Back

Electromotive force (EMF)

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The energy per unit of electric charge that is imparted by an energy source, creating a potential difference or voltage.

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Example: This diagram shows that inside a power source like a battery, a force (EMF) separates positive and negative charges, creating the energy to push electricity through a circuit.

Front

Alternating current (AC) generator Noun

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[awl-ter-ney-ting kur-uhnt jen-uh-rey-ter]

Back

Alternating current (AC) generator

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A type of electric generator that produces an electric current that periodically reverses its direction of flow.

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Example: This diagram shows an AC generator. Rotating a wire loop (conductor) inside a magnetic field generates electricity, which is collected by slip-rings, creating an alternating current.

Front

Slip rings Noun

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[slip ringz]

Back

Slip rings

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Electromechanical components in an AC generator that allow the transfer of power and signals from a rotating to a stationary structure.

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Example: This diagram shows how slip rings use rotating rings and stationary brushes to transfer electricity between spinning cables and fixed cables in a generator.

Front

Direct current (DC) generator Noun

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[di-rekt kur-uhnt jen-uh-rey-ter]

Back

Direct current (DC) generator

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A type of electric generator that produces a unidirectional electric current, meaning it flows in only one direction.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of a DC generator, labeling key parts like the armature, field windings, and the commutator, which reverses current direction.

Front

Split-ring commutator Noun

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[split-ring kom-yoo-tey-ter]

Back

Split-ring commutator

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A device in a DC motor or generator that reverses the current direction in the coil every half rotation.

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Example: This diagram shows how a split-ring commutator works in a simple motor. It reverses the electric current's direction, causing the coil to continuously rotate.

Front

Electric motor Noun

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[uh-lek-trik moh-ter]

Back

Electric motor

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A device that operates on the principle of electromagnetism to convert electrical energy into mechanical motion or energy.

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Example: An electric current flowing through a coil within a magnetic field creates a force, causing the coil to rotate and converting electrical energy into mechanical motion.