What is the role of brushes in a generator?

The role of brushes in a generator is to conduct current to the armature. In a typical generator setup, the armature is the rotating component that produces electricity through electromagnetic induction. As the armature spins within a magnetic field, it generates alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) depending on the type of generator.

The brushes are made of conductive materials and are in contact with the commutator (in a DC generator) or slip rings (in an AC generator). Their primary function is to maintain an electrical connection between the stationary parts of the machine and the moving armature. This allows the electrical current generated by the armature to flow out of the generator and be utilized in a circuit.

Understanding the specific functions of components like brushes is crucial because they play an integral role in the efficiency and effectiveness of the generator's operation. Other choices, although related to the broader functionality of electrical systems, do not accurately describe the specific role that brushes play in the context of a generator's operation.