Electric Motor
Also known as: motor, DC motor, AC motor
A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (rotation) using the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. Electric motors power everything from household appliances to electric vehicles to industrial robots.
💡 Intuition
Run current through a loop between magnets and it spins — the magnetic force on each side of the loop pushes in opposite directions, creating rotation.
Core Idea
Motors are the reverse of generators — electrical current becomes mechanical rotation through magnetic force.
🔬 Example
🎯 Why It Matters
Electric motors power everything from household appliances to electric vehicles to industrial robots.
⚠️ Common Confusion
A motor and a generator are the same device used in reverse — many electric cars use their motors as generators during braking.
Related Concepts
Prerequisites
How Electric Motor Connects to Other Ideas
To understand electric motor, you should first be comfortable with magnetic force, electric current and magnetic field.
Go Deeper
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Electric Motor in Physics?
A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (rotation) using the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.
Why is Electric Motor important?
Electric motors power everything from household appliances to electric vehicles to industrial robots.
What do students usually get wrong about Electric Motor?
A motor and a generator are the same device used in reverse — many electric cars use their motors as generators during braking.
What should I learn before Electric Motor?
Before studying Electric Motor, you should understand: magnetic force, electric current, magnetic field.