When a conductor is rotated in a magnetic field, the AC output voltage follows which type of function?

When a conductor is rotated in a magnetic field, the alternating current (AC) output voltage generated follows a sine function. This behavior originates from Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, which states that a change in magnetic flux through a circuit induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the circuit. As the conductor rotates, the angle between the conductor and the magnetic field changes continuously, resulting in a varying magnetic flux.

The nature of this change in magnetic flux with respect to time is sinusoidal, leading to the generation of a voltage that alternates in polarity. Graphically, this results in a sine wave, where the voltage rises from zero to a maximum, returns to zero, goes to a negative maximum, and then returns to zero again within one complete cycle. This characteristic is fundamental to the operation of many AC generators and is essential in understanding the principles of AC voltage generation.

In contrast, the other functions—linear, exponential, and cosine—do not accurately represent the behavior of the voltage generated by a rotating conductor in a magnetic field. A linear function would imply a constant rate of change, which does not occur in this context. An exponential function suggests rapid growth or decay, which also doesn't apply here. Although a cosine function is mathem