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Generator Effect

Key Stage 4

Meaning

The generator effect is the current induced in a wire when it is in the region of a changing magnetic field.

About The Generator Effect

When a wire is moved through a magnetic field at right angles to the field lines it causes a potential difference across the wire. If that wire is part of a circuit this will induce a current.
The generator effect takes place whenever a wire is in a changing magnetic field. This change can be due to the relative motion of the wire and magnet or by the magnetic field changing over time.
The generator effect is used in power stations to generate electricity.
The direction of the current induced is shown by the 'right hand generator rule'.
The generator effect is used in alternators and dynamos.
RightHandGeneratorRule.png
GeneratorEffect.png

\(\overrightarrow{B}\): First finger field.

\(\overrightarrow{v}\): The motion of the wire.

\(\overrightarrow{I}\): Second finger current.

This diagram shows that as the wire is moved through the magnetic field a current can be generated.

References

AQA

Generator effect, page 232, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA
Generator effect, pages 222-225, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
Generator effect, pages 258, 261-3, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
Generator effect, pages 303-306, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA
Generator effect, pages 96, 97, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
Generator effect; in microphones, page 307, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA
Generator effect; in transformers, pages 308, 309, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA
Generator effect; uses of, pages 234-5, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA