Generator Physics Example 2

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Example 2

medium
A generator produces a peak EMF of 170 V170 \text{ V} at 50 Hz50 \text{ Hz}. What is the RMS voltage? What frequency is used in the power grid in most countries?

Solution

  1. 1
    RMS voltage: Vrms=E02=1701.414≈120 VV_{\text{rms}} = \frac{\mathcal{E}_0}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{170}{1.414} \approx 120 \text{ V}.
  2. 2
    This is the standard household voltage in North America (120 V120 \text{ V} at 60 Hz60 \text{ Hz}).
  3. 3
    Most of the world uses 230 V230 \text{ V} at 50 Hz50 \text{ Hz}.

Answer

Vrms≈120 VV_{\text{rms}} \approx 120 \text{ V}
The RMS (root mean square) voltage is the effective voltage for AC power delivery. It equals the peak voltage divided by 2\sqrt{2} and represents the DC equivalent voltage for power calculations.

About Generator

A device that converts mechanical (kinetic) energy into electrical energy by rotating a coil of wire within a magnetic field, exploiting electromagnetic induction.

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