USCG Exam PracticeElectrical fundamentals — DC/AC, motors, distribution
Which component of a DC generator makes the inherently alternating induced voltage appear as unidirectional current at the output terminals?
- A. Field winding
- ✓ CommutatorCorrect
- C. Armature coil
- D. Carbon brush
Why B is correct
The commutator is a split ring whose segments reverse the external circuit connections at the instant the induced voltage would reverse, so the brushes always deliver current in one direction. The brushes are the contact point, but it is the commutator that performs the switching action.
Cited:NEETS Mod. 5 §1-1