Question

Electric generators convert mechanical energy into ……. energy.

Answer 1

Hint: Electric generators work on electrostatic principles, which are based on the electromagnetic induction phenomenon. Steam turbines, gas turbines, wind turbines, and even hand cranks are examples of mechanical energy sources.

Complete answer:
Generators do not generate electricity; instead, they use mechanical energy to cause electric charges present in the wire of their windings to pass through an external electric circuit. The electric current supplied by the generator is made up of this movement of electrons.

Michael Faraday discovered the theory of electromagnetic induction, which is used in modern generators. He realised that moving an electrical conductor in a magnetic field might produce the above current flow. This movement creates a voltage difference between the conductor's two ends, causing electric charges to flow and thus generating current.
In today’s era, electricity is generated in the form of alternating current sinusoidal waveform.This type of generator is known as alternating generator.

AC Generator follows Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that an electromotive force (EMF or voltage) is induced in a current-carrying conductor that cuts a uniform magnetic field. This can be accomplished by either rotating a conducting coil in a static magnetic field or rotating the magnetic field that surrounds the stationary conductor.

Hence, electric generators convert mechanical energy into electric energy.

Note:Electric generator can be treated as an electric motor under certain principle.Electric generator produces both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) current. They are used in laboratories because they provide a wide range of voltage output.