Function of Commutator: Reversing Electric Current

[heavystray]

Hi, so i want to ask what's the function of the split between the commutator?

my guess is to temporarily separate the opposite electrons flow between the coil and external circuit after the half cycle? so that's why the current is reversed? please i really need someone to explain how the commutator reverse the current if it's wrong. thanks in advance

 

[BvU]

Hello Stray, welcome to PF !

See here. Function is to switch polarity.
In first order the moment the split passes the contacts, there is no voltage difference anyway because the wires that generate the emf are moving in the direction of the magnetic field (no component perpendicular to the field).

 

[heavystray]

Hello Stray, welcome to PF !

See here. Function is to switch polarity.
In first order the moment the split passes the contacts, there is no voltage difference anyway because the wires that generate the emf are moving in the direction of the magnetic field (no component perpendicular to the field).

hey thanks for the reply, so my guess is wrong? I'm so sorry i just can't seem to grasp the concept yet. so, i think i understand quite well what the commutator does, but why there is a need of having the split? oh my god I'm so sorry. so if the commutator doesn't have the split, the current induced would alternate? ughh

 

[BvU]

If there's no split, the current goes through the commutator and not through the loop (for a motor) or the external load (for a generator) .

(Actually, in both cases the current goes through both ... )

 

[heavystray]

If there's no split, the current goes through the commutator and not through the loop (for a motor) or the external load (for a generator) .

(Actually, in both cases the current goes through both ... )

so you're saying the split function is to separate the current from flowing to the 'other side' of the commutator back? anyway thank u so much for replying!

 

[heavystray]

If there's no split, the current goes through the commutator and not through the loop (for a motor) or the external load (for a generator) .

(Actually, in both cases the current goes through both ... )

hey, i think I've understand it now! if there's no separation between the ring, the current will not be reversed right?

 

[BvU]

Yas, and it will be a short-circuit situation, too...

 

[heavystray]

Yas, and it will be a short-circuit situation, too...

ohhh thank u very much for the help!