Alternators, Dynamos and Oscilloscopes

Question 1

What are the different types of generators?

Answer 1

Alternators and Dynamos

Question 2

What differentiates Alternators and Dynamos?

Answer 2

Dynamos have a split ring commutator
Alternators have slip rings and brushes

Question 3

What type of current do dynamos produce?

Answer 3

Direct Current (D.C)

Question 4

What type of current do alternators produce?

Answer 4

Alternating Current (A.C)

Question 5

How do alternators work?

Answer 5

The coil of wire rotates relative to the magnets, this induces a magnetic field in the coil, which then induces a potential difference and current in the coil

Question 6

What do slip rings and brushes ensure?

Answer 6

They ensure that the direction of current does not swap every half turn (like they would in a motor or dynamo)

Question 7

When does it hit maximum, zero, and minimum potential difference in an alternator?

Answer 7

Maximum = Horizontal (start of rotation)
Zero = Half turn
Minimum = Horizontal (end of rotation)

Question 8

What does an oscilloscope do?

Answer 8

Display waveforms of current

Question 9

What happens if the coil of wire rotates faster in an alternator or dynamo?

Answer 9

We increase both the size and frequency of the oscillations

Question 10

How does a dynamo work?

Answer 10

As the coil of wire spins relative to the magnetic field, a magnetic field, and hence a voltage and current, is induced in the coil.

Question 11

What does a split ring commutator ensure happens?

Answer 11

That the direction of current swap every half turn