what does an alternator do

An alternator is a generator of electric power in a car and is a major component of the vehicles charging system. It is responsible for converting mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy that can be used to power the cars electrical systems and recharge the battery. The alternator works by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy. When the engine is running, it powers a drive belt that rests on a pulley attached to the alternator. The pulley turns the alternators rotor shaft, which spins a set of magnets inside a coil. These spinning magnets generate alternating current (AC) in the stator, which is then channeled to the alternators rectifier. The rectifier converts that AC energy into direct current (DC) that charges the battery. The alternator is typically bolted to the engine and is driven by a serpentine belt.