What device is used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy?

A generator is specifically designed to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through the principle of electromagnetic induction. When a conductor, such as copper wire, is moved through a magnetic field, an electric current is induced in the conductor. This process is fundamental to how electrical power is generated in various settings, including power plants where turbines are spun by steam, wind, or water.

In contrast, a transformer is used to change the voltage of alternating current (AC) electrical energy without converting it to mechanical energy. A rectifier converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), and a motor operates by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, which is the opposite of what a generator does. Each of these devices plays a unique role in electrical systems, but the generator is the one specifically aimed at transforming mechanical work into usable electrical power.