An electric generator is a device for converting mechanical
energy into electrical energy. The process is based on the
relationship between magnetism and electricity. When a wire
or any other electrically conductive material moves across
a magnetic field, an electric current occurs in the wire.
The large generators used by the electric utility industry
have a stationary conductor. A magnet attached to the end
of a rotating shaft is positioned inside a stationary conducting
ring that is wrapped with a long, continuous piece of wire.
When the magnet rotates, it induces a small electric current
in each section of wire as it passes. Each section of wire
constitutes a small, separate electric conductor. All the
small currents of individual sections add up to one current
of considerable size. This current is what is used for
electric power.
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