AC Generator

Note on the AC Generator, written specifically for a Grade 12 Australian Physics student based on the Australian Curriculum (Stage 6 – NSW, or Year 12 Physics Units):

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📘 AC Generator (Alternating Current Generator) – Step-by-Step Notes

✅ 1. What is an AC Generator?

An AC generator (Alternating Current generator) is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction.

📌 Key principle: Based on Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction

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✅ 2. How It Works – Step-by-Step Process

⚙️ Step 1: Setup – The Basic Components

An AC generator typically has:

• A coil (armature): Wire loop(s) that rotate

• Magnetic field (B): Provided by permanent magnets or electromagnets

• Slip rings and brushes: Maintain contact with the rotating coil

• External circuit: Where current flows

🧠 Think of a copper wire coil spinning inside a magnetic field.

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⚡ Step 2: Rotation of the Coil

• The coil is mechanically rotated (e.g., by a turbine or hand crank).

• As the coil spins, the angle between the magnetic field (B) and the coil changes continuously.

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💡 Step 3: Induction of EMF (Faraday’s Law)

As the coil rotates:

• The magnetic flux through the coil changes.

• This changing magnetic flux induces an EMF (voltage) in the coil.

📘 Faraday’s Law:

$$\text{EMF} = -N \frac{d\Phi}{dt}$$

Where:

• $N$ = number of turns

• $\Phi$ = magnetic flux = $B \cdot A \cdot \cos(\theta)$

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🔁 Step 4: Alternating Current (AC) is Produced

• As the coil spins 360°, the direction of the current reverses every half-turn.

• This creates alternating current (AC):

  • Positive in one half of the cycle

  • Negative in the other half

🌀 One complete revolution = one AC cycle (or waveform)

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✅ 3. Waveform of AC

• The voltage generated varies sinusoidally.

• Graph shape: Sine wave

• Key terms:

  • Peak voltage (Vmax): Maximum voltage

  • Frequency (f): Number of cycles per second (Hz)

  • Period (T): Time for one complete cycle $T = \frac{1}{f}$

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✅ 4. Energy Conversion

• Input: Mechanical energy (e.g., from wind, water, or steam)

• Output: Electrical energy (AC)

🔄 Energy transformation:
Mechanical → Electrical (through magnetic field)

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✅ 5. Practical Example

• Power stations use massive AC generators:

  • Hydroelectric

  • Wind turbines

  • Thermal (coal/gas-fired)

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✅ 6. Role of Slip Rings and Brushes

• Slip rings are attached to the rotating coil.

• Brushes press against the slip rings to conduct current to the external circuit.

• Allows continuous rotation without twisting wires.

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✅ 7. Differences from DC Generator

Feature	AC Generator	DC Generator
Current type	Alternating	Direct
Slip rings	Yes	No (uses split-ring commutator)
Output	AC	DC
Applications	Power stations	Batteries, motors

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✅ 8. Applications of AC Generators

• Household electricity supply

• Electric power grids

• Renewable energy systems (wind, hydro)

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✅ 9. Important Formulae

1. Magnetic Flux:

$$\Phi = B \cdot A \cdot \cos(\theta)$$

2. Induced EMF (single loop):

$$\text{EMF} = B \cdot A \cdot \omega \cdot \sin(\omega t)$$

Where:

• $\omega$ = angular velocity = $2\pi f$

3. General EMF (N loops):

$$\text{EMF} = N B A \omega \sin(\omega t)$$

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✅ 10. Summary (At a Glance)

Concept	Description
Device	AC Generator
Converts	Mechanical → Electrical
Law Used	Faraday’s Law
Output	Alternating Current (AC)
Key Parts	Coil, magnets, slip rings, brushes
Output Wave	Sinusoidal (Sine wave)

🎓 Extension (HSC Physics - Depth Study Idea)

• Investigate how increasing the number of turns (N) or magnetic field strength (B) affects the output voltage.

AC Generator Animation