Final answer:
A generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy through the process of induction, involving the rotation of a coil within a magnetic field to induce an electromotive force.
Step-by-step explanation:
The generator converts the mechanical (kinetic) energy of the rotor to electrical energy by induction. Specifically, it does this by rotating a coil within a magnetic field, inducing an electromotive force (emf). This process is outlined in physics and is closely related to the workings of an electric motor, but operates in the reverse manner. While an electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, the generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
An electric generator is a device that converts mechanical work into electric energy; this process includes the rotation of a coil in a magnetic field, which then induces an emf. The induced emf and therefore the electrical energy generated depends on the rotation rate of the coil and other factors.
Thus, for the student's question on how the generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, the answer is a) Induction.