I am familiar with single phase power, but as I understand it, there
is no such thing as a single phase generator.  This is becasue every
pole has two equal and opposite charges.  A DC generator with one coil
(or two coils connected by one continuous wire) has two poles (one
positive and one negative).  A simple AC generator with one coil (or
two coils connected by one continuous wire) would have 2 phases (equal
and opposite).  On a three phase generator there are 3 coils, but only
one side of each coil is used.  What happens to the other side of each
coil's wire?

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Request for Question Clarification by tar_heel_v-ga on 30 Aug 2004 14:25 PDT

Being that I am FAR from a physics genius (or even novice for that
matter), does the following help explain?

http://www.k-wz.de/physik/threephasegenerator.html

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Clarification of Question by paulshanks-ga on 30 Aug 2004 20:58 PDT

Yes that is the answer!  It appears they are all tied to neutral. 
Neutral would then carry very little, if any power, because the sum of
all three legs should be equal to zero.  The neutral leg would only be
needed to compesate for any difference in load btween the three
phases.

Thanks!  So, now what?  Do you get the $10?  How do I get it to you? 
Should I cancel the question?

Thanks again.

Paul..

Thanks for your question.  You obviously have a much greater grasp of
the physics of electricity than I, so in researching, I came across
the following animated explanation of a three phase generator:

http://www.k-wz.de/physik/threephasegenerator.html

This allows you to turn off the various coils and see the results. 
Based upon your response to the clarification request, this explains
how each coil is utilized to your satisfaction.  In reading the
information on the page, I STILL don't understand :)  but I am glad it
answers your question.

Thanks again!

Regards,

-THV

Search Strategy:
three phase generator

Quick response.  Pointed me in the correct direction.  Thanks!