Alternator (automotive)
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An alternator is a type of electric generator used in modern automobiles to charge the battery and to power the electrical system when its engine is running.
Alternator (silver) mounted on a V8 engine
Cut-away of an alternator, showing the claw-pole construction; two of the wedge-shaped field poles, alternating N and S, are visible in the centre and the stationary armature winding is visible at the top and bottom of the opening. The belt and pulley at the right-hand end drives the alternator.
Compact alternator
Diode
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A diode is a two-terminal electronic component that conducts current primarily in one direction. It has low resistance in one direction and high resistance in the other.
Close-up view of a silicon diode. The anode is on the right side; the cathode is on the left side (where it is marked with a black band). The square silicon crystal can be seen between the two leads.
A high power vacuum diode used in radio equipment as a rectifier.
Various semiconductor diodes. Bottom: A bridge rectifier. In most diodes, a white or black painted band identifies the cathode into which electrons will flow when the diode is conducting. Electron flow is the reverse of conventional current flow.
A vacuum tube containing two power diodes