What component of a generator is rotated by the magnetic field?

The rotor is the component of a generator that is responsible for creating or being affected by the magnetic field. In a generator, the rotor is the rotating part that often contains magnetic poles or is wrapped with winding wire. As the rotor spins within the magnetic field, it induces an electric current in the windings that are typically located in the stator, which is the stationary part of the generator. This action is based on electromagnetic induction, where a changing magnetic field induces a voltage in a conductor.

The distinction is essential because the rotor directly interacts with the magnetic field to produce electrical energy, while the stator serves to house the windings but does not rotate. A transformer, while related to electrical systems, does not involve rotation and focuses on transferring electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction, not generating electricity. Thus, the rotor is clearly identified as the key component that rotates in response to the magnetic field in a generator.