Inducing Currents

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Electromagnetic Induction Noun

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[ih-lek-troh-mag-net-ik in-duhk-shun]

Back

Electromagnetic Induction

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The process of generating an electric current in a circuit by using a changing magnetic field near the conductor.

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Example: Rotating a wire coil (a conductor) within a magnetic field causes electrons to move, creating an electric current that can power a device like a lightbulb.

Front

Electromotive Force (EMF) Noun

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

Back

Electromotive Force (EMF)

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A difference in electric potential, measured in volts, that provides the energy for electric charges to flow in a circuit.

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Example: A force inside the battery, called Electromotive Force (EMF), separates charges, providing the energy to push electricity through the circuit and light the bulb.

Front

Induced Electromotive Force Noun

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[in-doost ih-lek-troh-moh-tiv fors]

Back

Induced Electromotive Force

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The potential difference created in a conductor when it moves through a magnetic field or is in a changing magnetic field.

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Example: Moving a magnet near a coil of wire creates a voltage (electromotive force), which causes an electric current to flow through the coil.

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Electric Generator Noun

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

Back

Electric Generator

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

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Example: This diagram shows an electric generator. Rotating a coil of wire (mechanical energy) inside a magnetic field forces electrons to move, creating an electric current (electrical energy).

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Armature Noun

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[ahr-muh-cher]

Back

Armature

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The rotating component of an electric generator or motor, typically consisting of wire coils wound around an iron core.

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Example: This diagram shows an armature, which includes the rotor coils and commutator. When the armature spins within the stator magnets, an electric current is induced.

Front

Direct Current (DC) Noun

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[dih-rekt kur-uhnt]

Back

Direct Current (DC)

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An electric current in which the electric charges consistently flow in only one direction within a circuit.

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Example: This diagram shows a circuit with a battery providing Direct Current (DC), which is a flow of electric charge that is constant in one direction.

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Alternating Current (AC) Noun

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[awl-ter-ney-ting kur-uhnt]

Back

Alternating Current (AC)

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An electric current that periodically reverses its direction, typically varying sinusoidally over time at a regular frequency.

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Example: This graph shows how Alternating Current (AC) repeatedly changes direction, moving from positive to negative in a smooth wave as an alternator shaft rotates.

Front

Commutator Noun

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[kom-yoo-tey-ter]

Back

Commutator

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A device in a DC generator that reverses the armature's connection, ensuring the output current flows in a single direction.

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Example: This diagram shows a commutator as a split ring in a motor. It works with brushes to reverse the current's direction, keeping the motor spinning.

Front

Slip Rings Noun

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[slip ringz]

Back

Slip Rings

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A device in an AC generator that connects the rotating armature to an external circuit, allowing alternating current to be transferred.

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Example: This diagram shows an AC generator. As the wire loop rotates in the magnetic field, slip rings continuously transfer the induced alternating current to the brushes.

Front

Effective Current Noun

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[ih-fek-tiv kur-uhnt]

Back

Effective Current

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The value of an alternating current that produces the same heating effect in a resistor as a specific direct current value.

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Example: This animation uses a water analogy to show how alternating current (AC) flows back and forth, but it does not illustrate its effective (heating) value.