how does a generator produce energy?

Question

i need help with hw and this is a question

Answer 1

A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.

The source of mechanical energy will turn the rotor, which will usually have three magnets on it, 120 degrees apart. The rotor will turn inside the stator, which will have armatures, which is essentially a coil of wires, spaced at the same intervals as the magnets in the rotor.

As the rotor turns, the magnets on the rotor pass the armatures in the stator. The magnetic field from the magnets will induce an electrical field in the coils of wire, which completes the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy.

There are various types of generators; some will differ on their internal componets, such as permanent magnets or electromagnets, or how the magents are located in relation to the armatures. The most noticeable differences can be seen on how the mechanical energy is provided, such as the flow of water (hydroelectric dams), internal combustion engines (commercial generators down at the Home Depot), or steam flow (coal burning to boil water producing steam). The possibilities are virtually endless.