The Generator Effect

• Induced potential


  Potential difference induced across the ends of a wire when it is moved through a magnetic field
• Generator effect


  Induced current in a complete circuit when a wire is moved through a magnetic field
• Inducing potential difference


  1. Move wire up through magnetic field

  2. Potential difference induced

  3. Stop moving wire

  4. Potential difference lost

  5. Move wire back down

  6. Potential difference induced in reverse direction
• Induced potential difference


  Induces a current in a complete circuit (generator effect)
• Direction of induced current switches when direction of movement switches
• Induced current stops when movement stops
• No induced potential or current if wire moves along magnetic field, only if it passes through
• Factors affecting size and direction of induced potential


  • Stronger magnetic field
  • Faster wire movement
  • More turns in coil
• Inducing current in coil

  1. Move magnet in and out of coil

  2. Induced current changes direction when movement direction changes
• Induced current in coil

  Creates own magnetic field that opposes movement of magnet
• Opposing magnetic field makes it harder to move the magnet, so work is done