Electromotive force (EMF) in a generator is defined as the mechanical energy converted into electrical energy per unit charge, measured in joules per coulomb or volts. It represents the energy required to move a unit charge through the generator, and is closely related to voltage. When a generator is connected to an external circuit, the electrical energy is transformed into other forms, such as heat in resistors. The internal resistance of the generator affects the effective voltage, with open circuit voltage being higher than the effective voltage due to this resistance. Understanding EMF is crucial for analyzing energy conversion and conservation in electrical circuits.