AC Generation and Magnetic Principles

These flashcards cover terminology and concepts related to AC generation, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction as explained in the lecture notes.

AC Generation

The process of generating alternating current (AC) electricity.

Ampere (Amp)

Unit of electric current, symbol A, measuring the flow of electrical charge.

Volt

Unit of electric potential, symbol V, measuring potential energy per unit charge.

Ohm

Unit of electrical resistance, symbol Ω, measuring the opposition to electric current.

Magnetism

The phenomenon by which materials exert attractive or repulsive forces on other materials.

Magnetic Flux

The total magnetic field that passes through a given area.

Faraday's Law

The principle stating that a voltage is induced in a conductor when it is exposed to a changing magnetic field.

Induced Voltage

The voltage produced in a conductor due to its movement through a magnetic field.

Rheostat

A variable resistor used to control current.

Electromagnetic Induction

The production of voltage across a conductor in a changing magnetic field.

Lenz’s Law

A law stating that the direction of an induced current will oppose the change that produced it.

Left Hand Rule

A method for determining the direction of induced current using the thumb and fingers.

Fleming’s Left Hand Rule

A rule to determine the direction of the magnetic field in an electric motor.

Alternator

A machine that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current.

Practical Alternator

An alternator design that allows for higher current delivery by using a fixed armature.

Frequency

The number of cycles of alternating current that occur in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Effective Value (RMS)

The effective value of an AC voltage, representing the DC equivalent that delivers the same power.

Watts Law

A formula used to calculate power in electrical circuits, expressed as P = E × I.

Skin Effect

The tendency of AC to distribute itself within a conductor so that the current density is largest near the surface.

Eddy Currents

Electrical currents induced within conductors by a changing magnetic field, leading to energy loss.

Dielectric Loss

Energy loss in insulating materials when exposed to an electric field.

Average Power

The average rate at which work is done in an electrical circuit, calculated as the product of average voltage and current.