AC-DC Generator - Physics Demonstrations - AC-DC Generator | Physics Undergraduate Labs

Ensure the laser pointer for the galvanometer is Class II or lower and that the beam terminates on a wall or screen, not directed at students. The reflected spot should be visible but not create eye hazards.

Purpose

Students see Faraday's law in action by hand-cranking a coil in a magnetic field and observing the induced voltage on a light-beam galvanometer. Switching the brushes between slip rings (AC output) and commutator segments (DC output) shows how the same rotating coil produces either alternating or direct current.

Demonstration AC-DC generator on dark green base with wooden-handled hand crank on left, exposed copper armature windings in center between black field coil poles, commutator and slip rings on the shaft, and terminal posts on the base

Figure 1: The demonstration generator shows the rotating armature coil (copper windings visible) positioned between field coil poles. The commutator assembly on the left converts alternating current to direct current, while slip rings (not visible in this configuration) produce AC output.

Overhead Galvanometer

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Demonstration AC-DC Generator

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Safety Warnings

Warning: Laser Safety

Purpose