Generator effect

Question 1

What is the generator effect?

Answer 1

• If there is a change in magnetic field around a conductor (a wire moves through a magnetic field), a potential difference is induced across the conductor

Question 2

What is neede for current to flow through the wire in the generator effect?

Answer 2

• The wire must be connected at the ends to form a complete circuit

Question 3

What happens to the potential difference when the wire is moved in the opposite direction in the generator effect?

Answer 3

• Direction of the potential difference swaps each time the wire swaps the direction in which it moves

Question 4

What happens to the potential difference when the wire stops moving and why?

Answer 4

• The potential difference disappears
• This is because the change in the magnetic field is inducing the potential difference and if the wire stops moving, there is no longer a change in the magnetic field

Question 5

How do we increase the strength of the potential difference in the generator effect?

Answer 5

• Change the strength of the magnetic field by using stronger magnets
• Move the wire / magnets more quickly so the change in magnetic field is faster
• Shape the wire into a coil and the more turns of the coil, the stronger the potential difference is

Question 6

Motor effect vs generator effect

Answer 6

• Motor effect uses electric current to generate motion
• Generator effect uses motion to generate electric current
• Motor effect uses DC current
• Generator effect produces AC current