What is the Working Principle of an Electric Motor?
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An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The basic working principle behind this transformation is rooted in electromagnetism.
When an electric current flows through a conductor placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force. This is known as Lorentz force, and it causes the conductor to move.
In an electric motor, this principle is used to generate rotary motion. The motor contains a stator (the stationary part) and a rotor (the rotating part), along with electrical windings.
When current flows through the windings, usually placed on the rotor or stator, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the field of permanent magnets or electromagnets inside the motor.
The interaction between the two magnetic fields produces a force that causes the rotor to turn. This rotation is transferred to the output shaft, producing mechanical motion.
In DC motors, a device called a commutator ensures that the direction of the current in the rotor windings keeps changing, maintaining continuous rotation.
In AC motors, the alternating nature of the current automatically reverses direction, eliminating the need for a commutator. These motors use either a rotating magnetic field (in induction motors) or a synchronized one (in synchronous motors).

The direction of motion in the motor can be determined using Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule, which relates the direction of the magnetic field, current, and force.
Electric motors can be controlled by adjusting the voltage, current, or frequency supplied to them. This allows precise speed and torque control in many applications.
In summary, the electric motor operates using the interaction of magnetic fields and electric current to produce motion, making it an essential component in countless machines and devices today.
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