Question

The essential difference between an AC generator and a DC generator is that
A. An AC generator has an electromagnet while a DC generator has a permanent magnet.
B. DC generator will generate a higher voltage
C. AC generator will generate a higher voltage
D. AC generator has slip rings while DC generator has commutator

Answer 1

Generator is a device which converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. The AC generator and the DC generator, both work on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Define the working of the two types of the generator and then we can find the required answer.

Complete answer:
A generator is a machine which is used to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. Both the AC generator and the DC generator have the same function. Both the AC and the DC generators are based on Faraday's principle of electromagnetic induction.

An AC generator has a slip ring which is used to transfer power from the rotor of an AC generator. Slip rings are used to transfer power or conduct current from a stationary device to a rotating device. It can be used in any system which requires rotation while transmitting power or signal.

A DC generator has commutators which can be used as a rectifier which changes the AC voltage to DC voltage within the armature winding. The commutation in DC generator can be defined as a process in which generated AC current in the armature winding of the machine is converted into DC current after going through the commutator and the stationary brushes in the DC generator.

So, we can say that the essential difference between an AC generator and the DC generator is that an AC generator has slip rings while a DC generator has commutators.

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note:
We can say that both the AC generator and the DC generator work in the same way. Only difference is that the AC generator generates an AC current and a DC generator generates DC current from the AC current with the help of the commutator and the brushes.