What component is responsible for maintaining the rotation of a coil by reversing the direction of the current?

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Prepare for the AQA GCSE Physics Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The split-ring commutator is a crucial component in electrical machines, particularly in direct current (DC) motors. Its primary function is to reverse the direction of the current flowing through the coil as it rotates. This reversal ensures that the torque acting on the coil remains in the same direction, allowing for continuous rotation.

In the context of a DC motor, when the coil spins in a magnetic field, it generates induced electromotive force (EMF). As it rotates, the commutator periodically switches the connections of the coil to the power supply. This action not only maintains a consistent direction of rotation but also prevents the coil from stopping as it would otherwise experience a moment of zero torque.

Components like a rectifier are typically used in converting AC to DC or vice versa, but they do not perform the function of maintaining rotation in a coil. The power supply provides the necessary electrical energy for the device but does not control the direction of current flow within the coil. An inductor, on the other hand, stores energy in a magnetic field when electricity passes through it, but it does not switch the direction of current or specifically assist in maintaining rotation in a motor setup.

Thus, the split-ring commutator plays an essential role in

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