How exactly do generators work (Please explain the Faraday's law)

In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion over Faraday's law and how a generator works. The main question is why a rotating magnetic field is necessary to create current, and it is explained that the movement of a magnet past electrons in a wire causes them to move and create a current.
  • #1
UsualMan
3
0
Hi, everybody!

I have done tons of research through the Internet, but still can't understand the Faraday's law and how a generator works.

I understand, that inside coils, placed into a rotating magnet, current is generated. But why? What exactly happens to electrons, so they form current? As I read, a static magnetic field influences on electrons only in such way that it changes their direction, but it isn't enough to make current. Why that is a rotating magnetic field, that creates current? How it impacts electrons in comparison to a constant magnetic field?

Will it be right, if I say, that in a rotating magnetic field electrons change their directions asymmetrically - so some electrons approach to other and repel them, thus accelerating their flow?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

It really is no more complicated than that because the electrons are charged, moving a magnet past them in a wire pushes them through the wire.
 
  • #3
Thanks!
 

What is Faraday's Law?

Faraday's Law is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that explains the relationship between a changing magnetic field and an induced electric current. It states that the magnitude of the induced electromotive force (EMF) in a closed loop is equal to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through the loop.

How does a generator use Faraday's Law to generate electricity?

A generator uses Faraday's Law by rotating a coil of wire within a magnetic field. As the coil rotates, the magnetic field passing through it changes, causing an induced electric current to flow through the wire. This current can then be harnessed as electricity.

What is the role of the magnetic field in a generator?

The magnetic field in a generator is essential for the generation of electricity. It provides the changing magnetic flux that is necessary for Faraday's Law to work and induce an electric current in the wire.

How does the number of turns in the coil affect the output of a generator?

The number of turns in the coil directly affects the output of a generator. The more turns in the coil, the stronger the induced electric current will be, resulting in a higher output of electricity.

Can Faraday's Law be used to generate other forms of energy besides electricity?

Yes, Faraday's Law can be used to generate other forms of energy, such as mechanical energy. This is seen in the reverse process, called the motor effect, where an electric current passing through a wire in a magnetic field produces a force that can be used to rotate a motor.

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