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November 01, 2025, 09:11:13 am
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Author Topic: Quick physics question  (Read 773 times)  Share 

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hsmlove

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Quick physics question
« on: October 16, 2009, 02:53:20 pm »
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What's the difference between an alternator and an ac generator?
Sorry if this question has already been asked, I'm a newb.
Thanks. :uglystupid2:
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/0

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Re: Quick physics question
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2009, 04:12:37 pm »
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From wikipedia:

"In principle, any AC electrical generator can be called an alternator, but usually the word refers to small rotating machines driven by automotive and other internal combustion engines."
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TrueTears

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Re: Quick physics question
« Reply #2 on: October 16, 2009, 04:22:46 pm »
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For VCE purposes, they are the same.
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homghomg1

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Re: Quick physics question
« Reply #3 on: October 16, 2009, 08:52:20 pm »
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Quote from: TrueTears on October 16, 2009, 04:22:46 pm
For VCE purposes, they are the same.

I was under the impression that for VCE purposes an alternator is a permanent magnet spinning inside a coil, while a generator is a coil spinning inside a permanent magnet
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