AC-Generation

CYCLE

The illustration below shows a suspended loop of wire (conductor) being rotated (moved) in a clockwise direction through the magnetic field between the poles of a permanent magnet.

For ease of explanation, the loop has been divided into a dark half and light half. Notice in (A) of the figure that the dark half is moving along (parallel to) the lines of force.

Consequently, it is cutting NO lines of force. The same is true of the light half, which is moving in the opposite direction. Since the conductors are cutting no lines of force, no emf is induced. As the loop rotates toward the position shown in (B), it cuts more and more lines of force per second (inducing an ever-increasing voltage) because it is cutting more directly across the field (lines of force).

At (B), the conductor is shown completing one-quarter of a complete revolution, or 90�, of a complete circle. Because the conductor is now cutting directly across the field, the voltage induced in the conductor is maximum.

When the value of induced voltage at various points during the rotation from (A) to (B) is plotted on a graph (and the points connected), a curve appears as shown below.

Basic alternating-current generator.

The loop has now been rotated through half a circle (one alternation or 180�). If the preceding quarter-cycle is plotted, it appears as shown above.

When the same procedure is applied to the second half of rotation (180� through 360�), the curve appears as shown above. Notice the only difference is in the polarity of the induced voltage. Where previously the polarity was positive, it is now negative.

The sine curve shows the value of induced voltage at each instant of time during rotation of the loop. Notice that this curve contains 360�, or two alternations. TWO ALTERNATIONS represent ONE complete CYCLE of rotation.

Assuming a closed path is provided across the ends of the conductor loop, you can determine the direction of current in the loop by using the LEFT-HAND RULE FOR GENERATORS. Refer to the illustration below. The left-hand rule is applied as follows:

First, place your left hand on the illustration with the fingers as shown. Your THUMB will now point in the direction of rotation (relative movement of the wire to the magnetic field); your FOREFINGER will point in the direction of magnetic flux (north to south); and your MIDDLE FINGER (pointing out of the paper) will point in the direction of electron current flow.

Left-hand rule for generators.

The two induced voltages in the loop add together to form one total emf. It is this emf which causes the current in the loop.

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