Which statement about the commutator's role is correct?

Which statement about the commutator's role is correct?

• A. It converts AC into DC (mechanical means)
• B. It rectifies DC into AC
• C. It stores electrical energy
• D. It controls brush wear

Answer: (A)

The commutator serves as a mechanical rectifier. In a DC machine, the windings on the rotor generate alternating current as they rotate. The commutator, with its segmented contacts and stationary brushes, reverses the connection of each winding to the external circuit at the precise moment so that the current flowing to the load always goes in the same direction. This is how DC is produced from AC in the armature, though it may still have ripple due to the winding layout. It does not store energy, it does not convert DC to AC, and its role isn’t to control brush wear.

The commutator serves as a mechanical rectifier. In a DC machine, the windings on the rotor generate alternating current as they rotate. The commutator, with its segmented contacts and stationary brushes, reverses the connection of each winding to the external circuit at the precise moment so that the current flowing to the load always goes in the same direction. This is how DC is produced from AC in the armature, though it may still have ripple due to the winding layout. It does not store energy, it does not convert DC to AC, and its role isn’t to control brush wear.