Main

• when is a potential difference induced across a conductor

  when there is a relative movement between a conductor and a magnetic field
• when does current flow

  if a conductor forms a complete circuit
• how do electric generators work?

  same setup as a motor, with a coil of wire able to rotate between two permanent magnets - a turbine spins, turning the coil of wire - movement causes wire to cut through the magnetic field - creates a potential difference - if the coil is connect to a complete circuit, an alternating current will flow
• when is direct current produced

  if the ends of the coil are connected to a split ring communtator

  • reverses the current each half-rotations - so current remains positive