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New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Higher

Electric generators

I can describe how a dynamo works to generate DC and how an alternator works to generate AC.

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Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Higher

Electric generators

I can describe how a dynamo works to generate DC and how an alternator works to generate AC.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Rotating a conducting loop in a uniform magnetic field induces a potential across the ends of the loop.
  2. An electrical generator can be made in the same way as an electric motor.
  3. A DC generator (dynamo) generates a varying DC current.
  4. The connections in an AC generator (an alternator) are different to those of a dynamo.
  5. An alternator makes an alternating current that repeatedly reverses direction as the coil spins round.

Common misconception

Magnets can attract or repel electric charges in a wire.

Explain that the correct explanation for what is happening is usually taught to pupils studying physics at university. At this point, it is sufficient to be able to describe and predict what happens when a conductor is moving in a magnetic field.

Keywords

  • Induced potential - The potential difference generated in a conductor moving relative to a magnetic field.

  • Direct current (DC) - An electric current that consistently flows in one direction.

  • Dynamo - A generator of direct current.

  • Alternating current (AC) - An electric current that repeatedly reverses direction.

  • Alternator - A generator of alternating current.

A motor kit can be connected to a sensitive voltmeter (or ammeter) to show how the current reverses directions each half turn. It can also be helpful to show pupils the inner workings of a range of motors so that they can observe the coils, magnets and connections.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Two magnets have their poles on their large, flat faces. They are positioned as shown in the diagram. Which of the following statements about the magnetic field between them are correct?
An image in a quiz
The field line arrows point from left to right.
Correct answer: The field line arrows point from right to left.
Correct answer: The field lines are parallel to each other.
The field lines are perpendicular to each other.
Q2.
Which of the following diagrams show a uniform magnetic field between two magnets?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q3.
Which of the following can be caused by moving a wire through a magnetic field?
Correct answer: an induced potential and an induced current at the same time
an induced current without an induced potential
Correct answer: an induced potential without an induced current
Q4.
A pupil induces a current in a coil by moving a magnet into the coil. Which of the following changes would increase the induced current?
Correct answer: increasing the number of turns in the coil
moving the magnet for a longer time
Correct answer: increasing the speed of the magnet
Correct answer: increasing the strength of the magnet
Q5.
Which of the following actions induces a potential across a wire that is in an unchanging magnetic field?
leaving the wire stationary in the magnetic field
moving the wire parallel to the magnetic field lines
Correct answer: moving the wire perpendicular to the magnetic field lines
Q6.
A simple circuit has a resistor connected to a battery. The resistor does not heat up significantly. Which of the following statements are correct?
Correct answer: The current is always in the same direction.
Correct answer: Current goes from the positive terminal around the circuit to the negative.
Correct answer: If the resistor is changed, the current in the battery changes.
If the resistor is changed, the potential difference across the battery changes.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Current that always goes in the same direction is called current.
Correct Answer: direct
Q2.
Match each key term with the correct description.
Correct Answer:alternator,A device that produces AC in a rotating coil.

A device that produces AC in a rotating coil.

Correct Answer:motor,A device that makes a current-carrying coil rotate.

A device that makes a current-carrying coil rotate.

Correct Answer:dynamo,A device that produces DC in a rotating coil.

A device that produces DC in a rotating coil.

Q3.
Which of the following statements about Fleming’s right–hand rule are correct?
Correct answer: The thumb represents the direction of motion.
The second finger represents the magnetic field direction.
Correct answer: This rule is used to find the direction of an induced current.
This rule is used to find the direction of movement in the motor effect.
Q4.
The diagrams show a wire loop in a magnetic field with direction shown by the grey arrow. The wire is pushed as shown by black arrows. It is part of a circuit. In which diagram is no current induced?
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q5.
Which of the following statements about a dynamo are correct?
Correct answer: It produces direct current.
It produces a current that does not change.
Correct answer: It can have exactly the same design as a motor, with a handle added.
Correct answer: Increasing the number of turns in the coil increases the induced potential.
Q6.
The diagram shows an alternator’s magnets and coil (but no other parts). One side of the coil is painted orange; it is on the right, touches the left contact, and moves up. Which statement is correct?
An image in a quiz
The orange side of the coil will always be on the right.
The orange side of the coil will always move upwards.
Correct answer: The orange side of the coil will never touch the right–hand contact.
The current in the orange side will always be in the same direction.