Voltage Produced by Chemical Action

    Voltage may be produced chemically when certain substances are exposed to chemical action.

    If two dissimilar substances (usually metals or metallic materials) are immersed in a solution that produces a greater chemical action on one substance than on the other, a difference of potential will exist between the two. If a conductor is then connected between them, electrons will flow through the conductor to equalize the charge. This arrangement is called a primary cell. The two metallic pieces are called electrodes and the solution is called the electrolyte. The voltaic cell illustrated in figure 1-23 is a simple example of a primary cell. The difference of potential results from the fact that material from one or both of the electrodes goes into solution in the electrolyte, and in the process, ions form in the vicinity of the electrodes. Due to the electric field associated with the charged ions, the electrodes acquire charges.

Figure 1-23. - Voltaic cell.

    The amount of difference in potential between the electrodes depends principally on the metals used. The type of electrolyte and the size of the cell have little or no effect on the potential difference produced.

    There are two types of primary cells, the wet cell and the dry cell. In a wet cell the electrolyte is a liquid. A cell with a liquid electrolyte must remain in an upright position and is not readily transportable. An automotive battery is an example of this type of cell. The dry cell, much more commonly used than the wet cell, is not actually dry, but contains an electrolyte mixed with other materials to form a paste. Flashlights and portable radios are commonly powered by dry cells.

    Batteries are formed when several cells are connected together to increase electrical output.

Voltage Produced by Magnetism

    Magnets or magnetic devices are used for thousands of different jobs. One of the most useful and widely employed applications of magnets is in the production of vast quantities of electric power from mechanical sources. The mechanical power may be provided by a number of different sources, such as gasoline or diesel engines, and water or steam turbines. However, the final conversion of these source energies to electricity is done by generators employing the principle of electromagnetic induction. These generators, of many types and sizes, are discussed in other modules in this series. The important subject to be discussed here is the fundamental operating principle of ALL such electromagnetic-induction generators.

To begin with, there are three fundamental conditions which must exist before a voltage can be produced by magnetism.

1. There must be a CONDUCTOR in which the voltage will be produced.
2. There must be a MAGNETIC FIELD in the conductor's vicinity.
3. There must be relative motion between the field and conductor. The conductor must be moved so as to cut across the magnetic lines of force, or the field must be moved so that the lines of force are cut by the conductor.

    In accordance with these conditions, when a conductor or conductors MOVE ACROSS a magnetic field so as to cut the lines of force, electrons WITHIN THE CONDUCTOR are propelled in one direction or another. Thus, an electric force, or voltage, is created.

In figure 1-24, note the presence of the three conditions needed for creating an induced voltage.

Figure 1-24. - Voltage produced by magnetism.

1. A magnetic field exists between the poles of the C-shaped magnet.
2. There is a conductor (copper wire).
3. There is a relative motion. The wire is moved back and forth ACROSS the magnetic field.

    In figure 1-24 view A, the conductor is moving TOWARD the front of the page and the electrons move from left to right. The movement of the electrons occurs because of the magnetically induced emf acting on the electrons in the copper. The right-hand end becomes negative, and the left-hand end positive. The conductor is stopped at view B, motion is eliminated (one of the three required conditions), and there is no longer an induced emf. Consequently, there is no longer any difference in potential between the two ends of the wire. The conductor at view C is moving away from the front of the page. An induced emf is again created. However, note carefully that the REVERSAL OF MOTION has caused a REVERSAL OF DIRECTION in the induced emf.

    If a path for electron flow is provided between the ends of the conductor, electrons will leave the negative end and flow to the positive end. This condition is shown in part view D. Electron flow will continue as long as the emf exists. In studying figure 1-24,it should be noted that the induced emf could also have been created by holding the conductor stationary and moving the magnetic field back and forth.

The more complex aspects of power generation by use of mechanical motion and magnetism are discussed later in this series, under the heading "Generators and Motors."

Q40.Name the six methods of producing a voltage.   Test Yourself
Q41.The piezoelectric effect is an example of a voltage being produced by what method?   Test Yourself
Q42.A thermocouple is a device that produces voltage by what method?   Test Yourself
Q43.A battery uses what method to produce a voltage?   Test Yourself
Q44.A generator uses what method to produce a voltage?   Test Yourself