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AC Generator
How does the electric supply get into your house? The answer to
this
is the AC Generator. But have you seen an ac generator working?
And
do you know how does the mechanism behind it? Well, let us
study
this more in detail.
Suggested Videos
AC Generator
An AC generator is an electric generator that converts
mechanical
energy into electrical energy in form of alternative emf or
alternating
current. AC generator works on the principle of
”Electromagnetic
Induction”.
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Parts of an AC Generator
An Ac generator consists of two poles i.e is the north pole and
south
pole of a magnet so that we can have a uniform magnetic field.
There
is also a coil which is rectangular in shape that is the
armature. These
coils are connected to the slip rings and attached to them are
carbon
brushes.
The slip rings are made of metal and are insulated from each
other.
The brushes are carbon brushes and one end of each brush
connects to
the ring and other connects to the circuit. The rectangular
coils rotate
about an axis which is perpendicular to the magnetic field.
There is
also a shaft which rotates rapidly.
https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/moving-charges-and-magnetism/torque-current-loop-magnetic-dipole/
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Learn more about Biot-Savart Law.
Working of an AC Generator
When the armature rotates between the poles of the magnet upon
an
axis perpendicular to the magnetic field, the flux which links
with the
armature changes continuously. Due to this, an emf is induced in
the
armature. This produces an electric current through the
galvanometer
and the slip rings and brushes.
The galvanometer swings between the positive and negative
values.
This indicates that there is an alternating current flowing
through the
galvanometer.
Learn more about Magnetic Force and Magnetic Field here.
Video on Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating currents
Emf induced in an AC generator
If the coil of N turn and area A is rotated at v revolutions per
second
in a uniform magnetic field B, then the motional emf produced is
e =
NBA(2πv)sin(2πv)t, where we assume that at time t = 0 s, the
coil is
https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/moving-charges-and-magnetism/magnetic-field-current-element-biot-savart-law/https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/moving-charges-and-magnetism/magnetic-force-and-magnetic-field/
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perpendicular to the field. The direction of the induced emf is
given by
Fleming’s right-hand rule or the Lenz’s law.
Fleming’s right-hand rule states that, stretch the forefinger,
the middle
finger and the thumb of the right hand such that they are
manually
perpendicular to each other. If the forefinger indicates the
direction of
the magnetic field, rhumb indicates the direction of the motion
of the
conductor. The middle finger indicates the direction of the
induced
current in the conductor.
Learn about Motion in Combined Electric and Magnetic Field.
3-Phase AC generator
In a symmetric three-phase power supply system, three
conductors
each carry an alternating current of the same frequency and
voltage
amplitude relative to a common reference but with a phase
difference
of one third the period. The common reference usually connects
to
ground and often to a current-carrying conductor that is
neutral.
Due to the phase difference, the voltage on any conductor
reaches its
peak at one-third of a cycle after one of the other conductors
and
one-third of a cycle before the remaining conductor. This phase
delay
https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/moving-charges-and-magnetism/motion-combined-electric-magnetic-fields/
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gives constant power transfer to a balanced linear load. It also
makes it
possible to produce a rotating magnetic field in an electric
motor and
generate other phase arrangements using transformers.
Learn more about Domestic Electric Circuits.
Questions For You
Q1. What replacement is required to convert an AC generator to
DC
generator
A. Armature with coil
B. Concave magnets with horseshoe magnet
C. Slip rings with split rings
D. All of the above
Answer: C. The slip rings in an AC generator maintain a
connection
between a moving rotor and the stationary rotor results in the
periodic
change of current in the loop making it an alternate current.
However,
the DC generator is consisting of split rings makes the current
change
direction every half rotation which causes no change in
direction of
the current.
https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/magnetic-effects-of-electric-current/domestic-electric-circuits/
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Q2. What determines the frequency of a.c. produced by a
generator?
A. The number of rotations of coil in one-second
B. A speed of rotation coil
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
Answer: C. A frequency of ac, v= w/2π, where w is the speed
of
rotation.
Eddy Currents
Suppose you are traveling in a train and the motorman applies
the
brakes all of sudden. Do you know how the brakes are been
applied in
order to stop the train? The answer to this is eddy currents.
Let us
study what eddy currents are and its different uses.
Eddy currents
An eddy current is a current set up in a conductor in response
to a
changing magnetic field. They flow in closed loops in a
plane
perpendicular to the magnetic field. By Lenz law, the current
swirls in
such a way as to create a magnetic field opposing the change;
for this
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to occur in a conductor, electrons swirl in a plane
perpendicular to the
magnetic field.
Because of the tendency of eddy currents to oppose, eddy
currents
cause a loss of energy. Eddy currents transform more useful
forms of
energy, such as kinetic energy, into heat, which isn’t generally
useful.
(Source: Geocities)
Some Practical Applications
In The Brakes of Trains
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During braking, the brakes expose the metal wheels to a
magnetic
field which generates eddy currents in the wheels. The
magnetic
interaction between the applied field and the eddy currents acts
to
slow the wheels down. The faster the wheels spin, the stronger
is the
effect, meaning that as the train slows the braking force is
reduces,
producing a smooth stopping motion.
Electromagnetic damping
Used to design deadbeat galvanometers. Usually, the needle
oscillates
a little about its equilibrium position before it comes to rest.
This
causes a delay in taking the reading so to avoid this delay, the
coil is
wound over a non-magnetic metallic frame. As the coil is
deflected,
eddy currents set up in the metallic frame and thus, the needle
comes
to rest almost instantly.
Thus, the motion of the “coil is damped”. Certain galvanometers
have
a fixed core made up of nonmagnetic metallic material. When the
coil
oscillates, the eddy currents that generate in the core oppose
the
motion and bring the coil to rest.
Electric Power Meters
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The shiny metal disc in the electric power meter rotates due to
eddy
currents. The magnetic field induces the electric currents in
the disc.
You can also observe the shiny disc at your house.
Induction Furnace
In a rapidly changing magnetic fields, due to a large emf
produced,
large eddy currents are set up. Eddy currents produce
temperature.
Thus a large temperature is created. So a coil is wound over
a
constituent metal which is placed in a field of the highly
oscillating
magnetic field produced by high frequency. The temperature
produced
is enough to melt the metal. This is used to extract metals from
ores.
Induction furnace can be used to prepare alloys, by melting the
metals
at a very high temperature.
Speedometers
To know the speed of any vehicle, these currents are used. A
speedometer consists of a magnet which keeps rotating according
to
the speed of our vehicle. Eddy currents are been produced in the
drum.
As the drum turns in the direction of the rotating magnet, the
pointer
attached to the drum indicates the speed of the vehicle
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Question For You
Q. Eddy currents are produced in a metallic conductor when
A. The magnetic flux linked with it changes
B. It is placed in the changing magnetic field
C. Placed in the magnetic field
D. Both A and B
Answer: D. They are produced when the magnetic flux passing
through the metal object continuously changes. This may happen
due
to many reasons. 1. The object is placed in the region with
changing
magnetic field. 2. The object continuously moves in and out of
the
magnetic field region.
Energy Consideration: A Quantitative Study
We all know what is force and energy. But what provides the
link
between the force and the energy? The answer to this is
energy
consideration. Newton problems can also be easily solved
using
energy consideration. Let us study more about them.
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Energy Consideration
We all know that Lenz’s law is consistent with the law of
conservation
of energy. Lenz’s Law states that, when you induce a current in
a wire
via a changing magnetic field, the current flows through the
wire in
such a direction so that its magnetic field opposes the change
that
produced the current.
Now let us understand energy consideration in a better way
Suppose there is a rectangular conductor. now from the above
figure,
we can say that the sides of the sides of the rectangular
conductor are
PQ, RS, QR, and SP. Now in this rectangular conductor, the
three
sides are fixed, while one of it’s side that is the side PQ is
set free.
Let r be that movable resistance of the conductor. So the
resistance of the other remaining sides of the rectangular
conductor that is the
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resistance of side RS, SP and QR is very small as compared to
this movable resistance. In a constant magnetic field, if we change
the flux, an emf is induced. i.e E =
dΦ
dt
If there is induced emf E and a movable resistance r in the
conductor then, we can say that I =
Blv
R
. As the magnetic field is present, there will also be a force F
acting, as F = ILB. This force is directed outwards in the
direction opposite to the velocity of the rod, given by F =
B²l²v
R
Power = force × velocity =
B²l²v²
R
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Now here the work done is mechanical and this mechanical energy
is dissipated as Joule heat. This is given as PJ = I²R =
B²l²v²
R
. Further, the mechanical energy converts into electrical energy
and finally into thermal energy. From the Faraday’s law, we have
learned that, |E| =
Δ
Φ
B
Δt
So we get, |E| = IR =
ΔQ
Δt
R
Hence we get, ΔQ=
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Δ
Φ
B
R
Solved Examples For You
Q1. A circular coil of radius 8.0 cm and 20 turns is rotated
about its
vertical diameter with an angular speed of 50 rads -1 in a
uniform
horizontal magnetic field of magnitude 3.0 × 10 -2 T. Obtain
the
maximum and average emf induced in the coil. If the coil forms
a
closed loop of resistance 10, calculate the maximum value of
current
in the coil. Calculate the average power loss due to Joule
heating.
Where does this power come from?
Solution: Maximum induced emf e = NwAB,
N = number of turns w = angular speed
A = Area of the coil B = Magnetic filed
e = 0.603 V
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Over a full cycle, the average emf induced in the coil is
zero.
Maximum current, I = e/R = 0.0603
Average power loss due to Joule heating is P = eI/2
= 0.018W
Answer: The average power loss due to Joule heating is
0.018W
Q2. A rectangular wire loop of sides 8 cm and 2 cm with a small
cut
is moving out of a region of a uniform magnetic field of
magnitude
0.3 T directed normal to the loop. What is the emf developed
across
the cut if the velocity of the loop is in a direction normal to
the (a)
longer side, (b) shorter side of the loop? For how long does
the
induced voltage last in each case?
Solution: A = 8 × 2 = 16cm²
emf, e = d(A × B)/dt = 0.32 × 10-4 V
Induced curent, i = e/R = 2 × 10-5 A
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Power, P = i²R = 6.4×10-10 W
Faraday’s and Lenz’s Law
You must have always come across the security checks at airports
or
at railway stations. You must have also used tape recorders to
record
your voice and to listen to the music. All these things work on
the
principle of Faraday’s law. Now, what is Faraday’s law? We
will
study this law in detail.
Faraday’s Experiment
To understand the Faraday’s law, let us first carry out an
experiment
in which we have a coil attached to a galvanometer and a bar
magnet.
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Now, this coil does not have a source of current, that means
there is no
battery attached and no current circulates inside the coil. When
the
bar magnet is moved towards the coil, the galvanometer
starts
showing deflection. That means there is a current induced in
the
circuit. Was there any battery? NO!
But just because the bar magnet was in motion, emf has been
induced
in the coil. This is an electromagnetic induction. Now let the
magnet
move towards the direction of the coil with velocity ”v”. What
is
observed is that, till the bar magnet was in motion, only at
that time
the galvanometer shows deflection.
The moment ”v” becomes 0 again, the galvanometer shows ”0”
deflection. So if v = 0, emf = 0. Here we have observed that
greater
the velocity, greater is the induced emf. Also when the
direction of
”v” is changed, the galvanometer shows deflection in the
opposite
direction, that is the current moves in opposite direction.
The bar magnet is associated with the magnetic flux and the
emf
which gets induced inside the coil, it’s because of the magnetic
flux.
From this above experiment, we get two laws:
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Faraday’s Laws
Faraday’s First Law
Whenever there is a change in the magnetic flux associated with
a coil
and emf is induced in the coil.
E
∝
dΦ
Because of this magnetic flux, current is flowing through the
circuit
and if the current flows through the circuit there is some emf
which is
getting induced in the circuit.
Faraday’s Second Law
The magnitude of the induced emf in a circuit is equal to the
time rate
of change of magnetic flux through the circuit.
|E|
∝
dΦ
-
(dt)
|E| =
dΦ
(dt)
● dΦ is the change in magnetic flux
● dt is the change in time
● the proportional constant = 1
Rate of change of flux=
dΦ
(dt)
According to the Faraday’s law, there would be an induced emf.
So, E =
dΦ
(dt)
Lenz’s Law
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Faraday’s law does not give an explanation to the direction of
the
current. However, the Lenz law specifies the direction of the
current
induced inside the coil. Let us understand the Lenz law.
Lenz law of electromagnetic induction states that, when an
emf
induces according to Faraday’s law, the polarity (direction) of
that
induced emf is such that it opposes the cause of its
production.
According to Lenz’s law,
E = –
dΦ
(dt)
The negative sign shows that the direction of the induced emf
and the
direction of change in magnetic fields have opposite signs.
Suppose
we have a coil and a bar magnet.
The moment we take the bar magnet towards the coil, emf is
induced
in the coil that is the galvanometer shows deflection. The
direction of
the induced current will be such that it opposes the motion of
the
magnet towards the coil.
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Questions For You
Q1. Lenz’s law of electromagnetic induction corresponds to
the
A. law of conservation of charge
B. The law of conservation of energy
C. Law of conservation of momentum
D. The law of conservation of angular momentum
Answer: B. Lenz’s law of electromagnetic induction compounds to
the
law of conservation of energy.
Q2. Two identical coaxial coils P and Q carrying an equal amount
of
current in the same direction are brought nearer. The current
in
A. P increases while in Q decreases
B. Q increases while in P decreases
C. Both P and Q increases
D. Both P and Q decreases
Answer: D. Two identical coaxial coils P and Q carrying an
equal
amount of current in the same direction are brought nearer.
The
current in both P and Q decreases as per Lenz’s law.
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Inductance
Have you seen a motor working? And do you know how does it
work?
Well, it works because of ‘inductance’. But actually what it
means?
Let us find out!
Inductance
It is the current production in a coil due to change in magnetic
flux in
itself or new coil. Whenever there is a coil, and you have a
change in
magnetic flux or change in magnetic field, an induced emf is
generated in that coil or wire. This very property is
inductance.
Here Φ ∝ I, where, Φ is the magnetic flux and I is the current.
In ‘n’
turns of the coil, N Φ ∝ I. It is a scalar quantity and it’s SI
unit is
Henry. It is denoted by H.
Dependency of Geometric Parameters on Inductance of a Coil
● The number of wire wraps or turns in the coil: When there
are
a greater number of turns of wire in the coil it will result
in
greater inductance. And vice versa.
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● Coil area: If the coil area is more, the coil (as measured
looking lengthwise through the coil, at the cross-section of
the
core) results in greater inductance and vice versa.
● Coil length: The longer the length of the coil, the
inductance
will be less. If the length of the coil the is shorter, the
inductance will be greater.
Self Inductance
Self-induction means the coils induce the emf themselves. There
is a
change in the magnetic flux through that coil and because of
this, the
current will be induced in the coil by itself. So once the
current get
induced, the current tries to oppose the flux. Here NΦ ∝ I
NΦ = LI ( L is the self-induction)
Induced emf, E = -N
dΦ
(dt)
= -N
-
dI
(dt)
[ L/N]
E = -L
dI
(dt)
This is the self-induced emf. A coil having self-inductance ”L”
is said
to be the induction coil.
Mutual Inductance
Here, there are two coils placed near each other. The first coil
will
make turns and carry the current which results in the magnetic
field.
As both the coils nearly close to each other, the magnetic field
through
one coil will all pass through the other coil. So one coil
causes the
change in magnetic flux because of which current is induced in
the
other coil.
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Here there is the primary coil and another one is the secondary
coil.
This type of induction mainly depends upon the number of turns,
size,
and shape of the coil and medium between the two coils.
E = -M
dI
(dt)
Questions For You
Q1. What do we call the phenomenon of production of back emf in
a
coil due to the flow of varying current through it?
A. Self-inductance
B. Electromagnetic Induction
C. Magnetic flux
D. Magnetic moment
Answer: A. Self-inductance is that phenomenon in which charge
in
electric current in a coil produces an induced emf in the coil
itself.
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Q2. Two coils A and B have L= 2×10-2 Henry. If the current in
the
primary is i = 5 sin 10πθ then maximum value of emf induced in
coil
B is:
A. Π volt
B. Π C. 2 D. volt
E. Π F. 3 G. volt
H. Π I. 4 J. volt
Answer: A. Given that, Current i = 5sin (10πt), Mutual
inductance L =
2×10-2 and H =0.02H
Induced emf, E = -M
di
dt
∴ |E| = M × 5 (10π) cos (10πt)
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= π volt
Motional Electromotive Force
Did you know that the Electromotive force is essential for
an
electronic circuit to drive currents through the circuit?
The
electromotive force also like a charge pump. Let us learn more
about
them.
Motional Electromotive Force
An emf induced by the motion of the conductor across the
magnetic
field is a motional electromotive force. The equation is given
by E =
-vLB. This equation is true as long as the velocity, field, and
length
are mutually perpendicular. The minus sign associated with the
Lenz’s
law.
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(Source: Exam.com)
For us to understand the motional electromotive force, let us
make a
particular setup. Let us take a rectangular coil, a metal rod of
length L,
moving with velocity V, through a magnetic field B. There is
a
magnetic field at some location.
Length, velocity and magnetic field should always be at a right
angle
with each other. The direction of the magnetic field is going
inside.
Assume the metal rod is frictionless that means there is no loss
of
energy due to friction and we apply a uniform magnetic field.
The
conductor rod is moved with a constant velocity and placed in
the
magnetic field.
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ΦB = Blx
But ‘x’ changes with time,
E = –
d
Φ
B
dt
= –
d
dt
(Blx) = -Bl
dx
dt
E = Blv
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The induced emf Blv is motion electromotive force. So we
produce
emf by moving a conductor inside the uniform magnetic field.
The
power required to move a conductor rod in a magnetic field
is,
P =
B²l²v²
R
Where,
● B is the magnetic field,
● l is the length of the conductor
● v is the velocity of the conductor
● R is the resistance
The magnetic flux associated with the coil is given by Φ = BA
cos θ.
We know that cos θ = 0, so Φ = BA. The motion of
electromotive
force can be further explained by Lorentz force which acts on
free
charge carriers. The Lorentz force on charge is:
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F = qVB
Solved Questions For You
Q1. A coil having n turns and area A is initially placed with
its plane
normal to the magnetic field B. It is then rotated through 180º
in 0.2
sec. The emf induced at the ends of the coils is
A. 0.1 nAB
B. nAB
C. 5 nAB
D. 10 nAB
Answer: D. Total change in flux = ΔΦ = 2 nAB
Total time of change = Δt = 0.2s
Emf induced =
ΔΦ
Δt
= 10nAB
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Q2. A straight line conductor of length 0. 4m is moved with a
speed
of 7ms-1 perpendicular to a magnetic field of an intensity of
0.9wbm-2
The induced emf across the conductor is:
A. 25.2 V
B. 5.24 V
C. 2.52 V
D. 1.26 V
Answer: C. The induced emf across the conductor E= Blv
= 0.98 × 0.4 × 7 = 2.52V
Q.3 Two conducting rings of radii r and 2r move in opposite
directions
with velocities 2v and v respectively on a conducting surface S.
There
is a uniform magnetic field of magnitude B perpendicular to the
plane
of the rings. The potential difference between the highest
points of the
two rings is:
A. Zero
B. 2rvB
C. 4rvB
D. 8rvB
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Answer: D. Replace the emf in the rings by the cells.
E1= B2r(2V) = 4Brv
E2 = B(4r)v = 4Brv
V2 – V1 = 8Brv