What was the paradigm shift in the switch from DC powered dynamos with commutators to AC induction motors?
This was selected as Best Answer Hi Ben — This is a mixed-up question. First, a dynamo converts mechanical energy to electric energy, whereas a motor converts electric energy to mechanical energy. The dynamo used the commutator mechanism to convert the electrical power output from AC (current rotates through 2 directions, voltage rotates between 2 polarities) to pulsating DC (Current flows in one direction, voltage is single-polarity, magnitudes of both switch from 0 to some value). They are opposite devices on several planes and realkly don’t share anything chronologically, either (see below). This doesn’t mean thew question is bad, though, as what I really think you are asking is what the paradigm shift was that caused the elimination of a mechanical connection to the rotating element of the device (induction motors don’t have commutators or slip rings), the power transfer being “induced” rather than “conducted”. IMHO the paradigm shift was fundamental to transcending the Newtonian
