Question

how are an electric generator and an electric transformer different?

Explanation:

An electric generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It uses electromagnetic induction where a conductor moves in a magnetic field. A transformer, on the other hand, changes the voltage (either steps - up or steps - down) of an alternating current. It works based on the principle of mutual induction between two coils (primary and secondary) wound around a common core.

Answer:

An electric generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy via electromagnetic induction. A transformer changes AC voltage via mutual induction.