Chapter 31, Problem 31.33P

The homopolar generator, also called the Faraday disk, is a low-voltage, high-current electric generator. It consists of a rotating conducting disk with one stationary brush (a sliding electrical contact) at its axle and another at a point on its circumference as shown in Figure P31.33. A uniform magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the plane of the disk. Assume the field is 0.900 T, the angular speed is 3.20 × 10³ rev/min, and the radius of the disk is 0.400 m. Find the emf generated between the brushes. When superconducting coils are used to produce a large magnetic field, a homopolar generator can have a power output of several megawatts. Such a generator is useful, for example, in purifying metals by electrolysis. If a voltage is applied to the output termi­nals of the generator, it runs in reverse as a homopolar motor capable of providing great torque, useful in ship propulsion.