PHYSICS

INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT

EAST POINT SCHOOL

Name:- Akash Pandey

Class:- XII
Stream:- Pure Science
Session:- 2023-24
 TOPIC

“To investigate the magnetic induction in an AC

generator.”

By – Akash pandey
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Akash pandey student of class XII (sci) has
successfully prepared the report on the project entitled “To investigate the
magnetic induction in an AC”. generator.the guidance of Mr. Biplap
Ballav (Internal teacher ).port is the result of this effort and endeavors.
The report is found worthy of acceptance as final project report for the
subject physics of class XII (sci)

Signature of Internal teacher

_______________________________

Signature of External Examiner

____________________________________
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank my teachers, Mrs.Biplap Ballav for guiding me

through this project and for their valuable inputs which provided me
with a constant nudge for improvement.
It is imperative to thank our Principal for providing me the opportunity
to work on this project.
It goes without saying that my classmates, especially for their help in
due course of this project. My parents have also played a part in
helping me in this project. My thanks goes out to them also.
This project and reading-up on the same has provided me with an in
depth understanding of the topic. It has nurtured my scientific
temperament and curiosity.
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the project work entitled To investigate the

magnetic induction in an AC”. submitted to department of
chemistry. East point school is prepared by me.

Akash Pandey
Class XII (science)
 CONTENT

 Introduction
 Objective
 Principal of AC generator
 Theory and working
 Expression for instantaneous emf
 Circuit Diagram
 Diagram of Ac generator part
 Step of construction for AC generator and
base
 Result
 Application of AC generator
 Bibliography
 INTRODUCTION

An AC generator is an electric generator that converts mechanical energy

into electrical energy in form of alternative emf or alternating current. AC
generator works on the principle of Electromagnetic Induction. The first
electromagnetic generator, the Faraday disk, was invented in 1831 by
British scientist Michael Faraday. Generators provide nearly all of the
power for electric power grids.
 OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this project is to investigate the

magnetic induction in ac generator with the faraday law of
electromagnetic induction . It construction and in which
principal it was working and it circuit diagram and function of
each part in the ac generator.
 PRINCIPLE OF AC GENERATOR
FARADAY’S LAW OF ELECTROMAGNECTIC
INDUCTION
Faraday’s First Law
Any change in the magnetic field of a coil of wire will cause an emf to
be induced in the coil. This emf induced is called induced emf and if the
conductor circuit is closed, the current will also circulate through the
circuit and this current is called induced current.
Method to change the magnetic field:

1. By moving a magnet towards or away from the coil

2. By moving the coil into or out of the magnetic field
3. By changing the area of a coil placed in the magnetic field
4. By rotating the coil relative to the magnet

Faraday’s Second Law

It states that the magnitude of emf induced in the coil is equal to the rate
of change of flux that linkages with the coil. The flux linkage of the coil
is the product of the number of turns in the coil and flux associated with
the coil.
FORMULA
Consider, a magnet is approaching towards a coil. Here we consider two
instants at time T1 and time T2.
Flux linkage with the coil at time,

Flux linkage with the coil at time,

Change in flux linkage,

Let the change in flux line be,

The change in flux linkage,

Now the rate of change of flux linkage is,

Taking derivative on right hand side

The rate of change of flux linkage is,

According to Faraday’s law the rate of change of flux linkage is given
by,

CONSTRUCTION
Construction of AC Generator
An AC Generator essentially consists of two main parts: Stator and
Rotor. Stator is the stationary part of machine whereas rotor is rotating
part. A prime mover is coupled to this rotor to supply mechanical
energy.

1.ARMETURE
A rectangular coil ABCD consisting of a large number of turns
wound over a soft iron core is called armature. the soft iron core
is used to increase the magnetic flux.
2.FIELD MAGNET
It is a strong magnet having concave poles. the armature is
rotated between the two poles of this magnet so that axis of
armature is perpendicular to magnetic field lines. in a small AC
generator the magnet is the permanent magnet but in Big AC
generators it is an electromagnet.

3.SLIP RINGS
The leads from the arms of armature AC connected to two slip
rings S, which rotate with the loop .

4.BRUSHES
The rings slide against stationery contacts called brushes . these
brushes are made up of carbon. these brushes are connected to
the output terminals p and q.
THEORY AND WORKING OF AC
GENERATOR

As per Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, the electro motive

force (electrical energy) is induced by cutting the uniform magnetic flux
with a conductor. This can be done either by rotating a conducting coil
in a stationary magnetic field or by rotating the magnetic field with a
stationary conductor. It is easier to collect induced alternating current
from the stationary armature coil than rotating armature coil. Therefore,
in general, the coil is kept stationary and the magnetic field is the rotor.
The magnetic flux is created by a permanent magnet or electro magnet.
By cutting this rotating magnetic flux with a stationary armature coil,
electro motive force will be generated. In AC generators, rotating
magnetic field have more advantages than the rotating armature coil
arrangement.
The emf generated depends on the strength of the magnetic field,
number of turns of armature coil and the speed of the rotating field.

Here, N is number of turns in the armature coil, B is strength of the

magnetic field, A is area of the coil, and w is speed of the rotating
magnetic field.

For maximum emf generating condition ωt=90°

Therefore,

AC generator is also called as an alternator. Alternators are classified,

based on their rotor construction as
1. Salient pole or projected pole type alternators and
2. Cylindrical pole type alternators
Salient pole type rotors are used for medium speed alternators. These
are used in hydropower plants (around 300 rpm).
Cylindrical pole type rotors are used for high speed alternators. These
are used in steam (thermal) and nuclear power plants (around 3000
rpm).

An Electrical Generator is a device that produces an Electromotive

Force (e.m.f.) by changing the number of Magnetic Flux Lines (Lines of
Force), Φ, passing through a Wire Coil, is one type of Generators.
When the Coil is rotated between the Poles of the Magnet by cranking
the handle, an AC Voltage Waveform is produced.

Operation principle of a Generator is based on Electromagnetic

Induction, which is defined by Faraday’s Law, which states:

The Electromotive Force, Eemf, induced in a Coil is proportional to the

number of turns, N, in the Coil and the Rate of Change, dΦ / dt, of the
number of Magnetic Flux Lines, Φ, passing through the surface (A)
enclosed by the Coil.
An Induced Effect is always such as to Oppose the cause that produced
it.
In the Generator, the Coil is under a Stationary Magnetic Field. The
Magnetic Flux Density, B, is constant and Φ = B x Aeff, so Φ is
proportional to the Effective Area, Aeff, of the Loop. As the Loop
rotates at different angles, there is a change in Aeff which is shown.
STATOR
The stator is an unmoving component of an electrical machine that’s going around the rotor. It’s derived from the
word ‘’stationary’’ as the ‘’stator’’ implies. It contains the windings and provides mechanical support and protection
for the motor.
ROTAR
The rotor is a general term for the main spinning part of an electrical
machine and derived from the word ‘’rotating’’. Sometimes ‘’shaft’’
and ‘’armature’’ are alternatively used too. It’s the part of the machine
on which electromechanical energy conversion occurs.
An Electrical Generator is a device that produces an Electromotive
Force (e.m.f.) by changing the number of Magnetic Flux Lines (Lines of
Force), Φ, passing through a Wire Coil, is one type of Generators.
When the Coil is rotated between the Poles of the Magnet by cranking
the handle, an AC Voltage
The Rate of Change of Φ, dΦ / dt, is the largest at the zero points of the
Waveform and is the smallest at the peaks of the Waveform, therefore
the Induced Eemf is maximum at the zero points and minimum at the
peaks, Figure 3. The Induced Eemf output by the Generator is an AC
Voltage and its Waveform is shown.

Different Rates of Change of the Magnetic Flux at Various Rotational Angles.

The coil is rotated in anti-clock wise direction. In the first half rotation
the arm AB is moving outward and CD is moving inward. So the e.m.f.
is induced in the arm AB from A to B. And in the arm CD from C to D.
After half rotation (in the second half). The arm CD is moving outward
and AB is moving inward. In this time current is induced in arm CD
from D to C. And in arm AB from B to A. In the second half rotation
the current direction is changing so in this generator AC is produced.

EXPRESSION FOR INSTANTANEOUS EMF PRODUCED

The strong magnetic field is produced by a current flow through the

field coil of the rotor. 2. The field coil in the rotor receives excitation
through the use of slip rings and brushes. 3. Two brushes are spring-
held in contact with the slip rings to provide the continuous
connection between the field coil and external circuit. 4. The
armature is contained within the windings of the stator and is
connected to the output. 5. Each time the rotor makes one complete
revolution, one complete cycle of AC is developed. 6. A generator
has many turns of wire wound into the slots of the rotor. 7. The
magnitude of AC voltage generated by an AC generator is dependent
on the field strength and speed of the rotor. 8. Most generators are
operated at a constant speed; therefore, the generated voltage depends
on field excitation, or strength.
 Working of an A.C. Generator The coil is rotated in anti-clock wise
direction. In the first half rotation the arm AB is moving outward and
CD is moving inward. So the e.m.f. is induced in the arm AB from A
to B. And in the arm CD from C to D. After half rotation (in the
second half). The arm CD is moving outward and AB is moving
inward. In this time current is induced in arm CD from D to C. And
in arm AB from B to A. In the second half rotation the current
direction is changing so in this generator AC is produced. Expression
for Instaneous e.m.f. produced Let position of the coil at any time t.
It's make angle θ with vertical. If w is uniform angular speed of the
coil. Then θ =ωt B be the strength of magnetic field n be the number
of turns in the coil and A area of the coil then magnetic flux with the
coil in this position is given by : Φ = nBA Cosθ = nBA Cos ωt.
differentiate w.r.t. time :- 𝑑∅ 𝑑𝑡 =nBA 𝑑 cos(𝜔𝑡) 𝑑𝑥 𝑑∅ 𝑑𝑡 = nBA-
sin(𝜔𝑡)𝜔 𝑑∅ 𝑑𝑡 = -nBA 𝜔 sin(𝜔𝑡)𝜔 ε=- 𝑑∅ 𝑑𝑡
=-(-nBA 𝜔 sin(𝜔𝑡)𝜔) Maximum value of e.m.f. say so 𝜺° ε = ε°
sin(𝜔𝑡)
Result :- Hence, maximum value of instantaneous e.m.f. in a AC
Generator is given by 𝜺 = 𝜺° sin(𝝎𝒕)

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Diagrams of AC Generator parts
1 The Stator
The stator is made of 2.5 inch long 10 iron strips joint together with
paper tape and have copper winding on it.

2 The Rotor:
Rotor is made by using a piece of PVC pipe, 4 magnets and iron nail.
Steps of Construction
Making of Coil

Measure 2 ½ inch of iron strip and cut 10 equal parts of it.

Firmly hold and pile all parts together using paper tape in a way that
there uld be no space between strips.
Wound approximately 300 turns of copper wire around the bundle of
strip vertically. Wrap paper tape around it so it will not get unwound.
We need two such coils to make an AC generator.

Making of Rotor
 Take half diameter PVC pipe and cut a piece of 2 ½ inches
 Stick 4 bar magnets on the piece of pipe with the help of super glue
 Make sure the same pole of magnets must be in alternative manner.
It will be in the order of North-South-North-South.
 Check out the poles of magnets if they are aligned right by using
another magnet.

CONSTRUCTION OF AXLE

 Make an axle using 6” long iron nail.

 Leave half inch from the tail of nail and mark the length of
magnetic rotor.
 Wrap paper tape on the nail in a way that the magnetic rotor get fix
on it.
 BASE

 Take 6×6" wooden piece and two pieces of PVC pipes (one is of 2"
and the other is should be of 1").
 Make vertical groove on the 1 inch PVC pipe.


 Align it with 2 inches piece and make a hole in it



 Fix the axle through both PVC pipes and check if it is perfectly
leveled.
 Stick the PVC pipes on the wooden base with the help of super
glue.
 Make 2 more coils as previously discussed leaving both of their
terminals outside the tape.
 Cut 2 pieces of PVC pipes measuring half inch.
 Join the pieces perpendicular to the axle (one at each side) at the
base.
 Fix coil on each of the PVC pipe.
 Burn the coating of coils at the terminals using lighter.

RESULT
Hence the maximum value of intanteneous emf of an ac
generator is given by
E= E° sin(cot)
APPLICATION OF AC GENERATOR
AC generators are a very common component in many applications, such as,
 Automobiles, where they are known as alternators.

 Power generation from windmills.

 Power generation from hydro-electric dams.

Basically AC generators have a couple of big advantages over DC generators:

1. AC generators are cheaper to produce.
2. The power they generate is easier to step up and down via
transformers.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 CBSE Lab manual of class 12

 Help of physics teacher
 NCRT text book
From website:-
 WWW.google .com
 WWW.Wikipedia.com