How an alternator works

Ever wondered how an alternator works?
An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in form of AC current.
The alternator is what supplies the whole car with electricity. Did you think it was the battery? No. The job the battery does is to start the engine. Once the engine starts, the alternator takes over from the battery.
Electricity is produced in an alternator through electromagnetic induction.
The alternator has 3 main parts.
- stator : it is a stationary part in the alternator in which the rotor revolves, it consist of copper wires.
- rotor : it is the moving part of the alternator, it is like a long rod coated with magnet.
- Diode : it converts the AC current generated by the alternator to a DC current that can be used by the car.
When the alternator belt rotates the pulley on the alternator, the rotor which is made of magnet rotates very fast inside the stator and electricity is produced.
The alternator helps the engine by providing electricity for the spark plugs and the engine helps the alternator by rotating it.