split-ring commutator
What split-ring commutator means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of split-ring commutator
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Reference: AQA
A ring cut into two halves, so that every half turn the halves change brushes and swap the connections at exactly the moment the induced potential difference in the coil reverses.
It swaps the two ends of the coil over every half turn, so the current in whichever side is now on the left always runs the same way.
A device in a DC electric motor consisting of a copper ring split into two halves, which reverses the direction of current through the coil every half-turn, ensuring the coil continues to rotate in the same direction.
Topics that use split-ring commutator
- Electric motors (HT only) (AQA GCSE)
- Uses of the generator effect (HT only) (AQA GCSE)
- Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Fleming's left hand rule
- motor effect
- alternator
- alternator against dynamo
- Armature
- Carbon Brushes
- conventional current
- dynamo
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