What is an alternator for?

An alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. It is most commonly used in vehicles to convert the mechanical energy of the engine to electrical energy that can be used to power the vehicle's electrical systems, such as the lights, ignition, and radio.

Alternators work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where a magnetic field is used to induce an electrical current in a conductor. In an alternator, a rotating magnetic field is created by electromagnets, which are powered by the vehicle's battery. This rotating magnetic field induces an electrical current in the stator windings, which are stationary coils of wire surrounding the rotor. The alternating current (AC) generated by the alternator is then converted to direct current (DC) by a rectifier before being supplied to the vehicle's electrical system or stored in the battery.