What is actually happening inside the generator, and where is it drawing the electrons that make up the current from?
In: 6
You have a magnetic field in the rotor (either from a permanent magnet or an electromagnet). That magnetic field looks like a paddle and it is rotating around. When it hits the wires on the non rotating winding on the outside the magnetic field wants to push the electrons in the wire. It’s like paddles pumping water. Those electrons then push and generate a current. The electrons push back on the magnetic field (like a magnet push on another magnet without touching) and that’s where the mechanical force on the rotor shows up. You have to keep pushing or the rotor stops rotating.
That effect is used in EVs to brake while generating electricity.
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