Lectures on Physics has been derived from Benjamin Crowell's Light and Matter series of free introductory textbooks on physics. See the editorial for more information....

The generator

(f) A generator.

A generator, (f), consists of a permanent magnet that rotates within a coil of wire. The magnet is turned by a motor or crank, (not shown). As it spins, the nearby magnetic field changes. According to the principle of induction, this changing magnetic field results in an electric field, which has a whirlpool pattern. This electric field pattern creates a current that whips around the coils of wire, and we can tap this current to light the lightbulb.




Last Update: 2009-06-21