Electrical Energy Conversion and Magnetic Fields

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes.

Magnets

Pieces of metal with attraction to other metal objects, producing invisible magnetic fields.

Magnetic Field

The invisible area around a magnet that attracts certain materials such as iron, steel, and cobalt. Magnetic fields are a force exerted on objects.

Permanent Magnet

A magnet that retains its magnetism without an external force or electrical current.

Electromagnet

A magnet that creates a magnetic field when electricity flows through a coil of wire. The magnetic field disappears when the current is turned off.

AC Generator

Converts mechanical energy into alternating current (AC) power. AC generators work on the same principle as induction motors using electromagnetic induction.

Induction Motors

Convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Induction motors are the most common type of motor in the world.

Induction Generator

Turns mechanical energy into electrical energy, opposite of a motor.

AC Motor/Generator Main Part 1

A shaft mounted wire wound armature (rotor) “rotating”.

AC Motor/Generator Main Part 2

A magnetic field system, (stator field) “stationary”.

AC Motor/Generator Main Part 3

Brushes and commutators (brush assembly).

Armature

The rotating coil or coils of a dynamo or electric motor that carries the AC current. The armature windings conduct AC even on DC direct current machines.

Stator

The stationary part of a rotating system where energy flows to or from the rotating component. The stator provides the rotating electric field that drives the rotating armature.