Generators and Motors | Physics in Motion

rotor

• A stationary component of an electromagnetic system in an electric motor.

• A moving component of an electromagnetic system in an electric motor or generator.

• A type of battery used in electric motors.

• A cooling system for electric generators.

Alternating current

• A type of current that flows in one direction only.

• A constantly reversing current.

• A current that is always at rest.

• A current that can only be generated by batteries.

Commutator

• A part of a simple electric motor that consists of two semicircular pieces of metal. It conducts the current from the brushes to the armature.

• A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

• A component that stores electrical energy for later use.

• A type of switch used to control the flow of electricity.

Motors

• Devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.

• Devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

• Devices that store electrical energy for later use.

• Devices that regulate electrical energy flow.

Step-down transformers

• The primary coil has more loops than the secondary coil.

• The primary coil has fewer loops than the secondary coil.

• The voltage is increased to supply power to homes.

• They are used to convert AC to DC.

Commutation

• The process of converting alternating current into direct current.

• The electromechanical process by which direct current is turned into alternating current.

• A method for increasing voltage in electrical circuits.

• The technique used to measure electrical resistance.

Transformer

• A device that increases or decreases voltage.

• A device that stores electrical energy.

• A device that converts AC to DC.

• A device that measures electrical resistance.

Electromagnetic Induction

• Generating electric current from the motion of a conductor through a magnetic field.

• Creating a magnetic field by passing an electric current through a coil.

• Storing electric energy in a magnetic field.

• Transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Direct current

• Current that runs in only one direction.

• Current that alternates direction periodically.

• Current that is generated by batteries only.

• Current that can flow in multiple directions.

Faraday's Law

• A law that predicts how a magnetic field will interact with an electric circuit to produce an electromotive force.

• A principle that states energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

• A theorem that describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit.

• A rule that explains how light behaves when it passes through different mediums.