Electric Motor - Definition, Types, Working, Parts, Uses, FAQs

Electric Motor - Definition, Types, Working, Parts, Uses, FAQs

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:08 PM IST

What is a motor?

The electric motor, sometimes known as a motor, is one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs ever made. We wouldn't be able to live the way we do today if it weren't for the introduction of motors; otherwise, we'd be consuming power only to light the bulb. A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy is known as an electrical motor. In its most basic form, an electrical motor is a device that generates rotational energy. Michael Faraday, in the early 1800s, began bringing out the characteristics and applications of electricity.

Electric Motor - Definition, Types, Working, Parts,  Uses, FAQs
Electric Motor - Definition, Types, Working, Parts, Uses, FAQs

What is electric motor class 10?/define electric motor class 10/definition of electric motor class 10:-

An electric motor is a machine that converts electricity into mechanical energy. In most electrical motors, the interaction between the magnetic field of the motor and the electric current in a wire winding generates force in the form of torque imparted to the motor's shaft.

electric motor

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Type of electric motor-

  1. AC Motor ( alternate current )
  2. DC Motor ( Direct current )

AC Motor -

An alternating current motor (AC motor) is a type of electric motor (AC). An outer stationary stator with coils supplied with alternating current to form a rotating magnetic field and an interior rotor coupled to the output shaft that is torqued by the rotating field are the two fundamental pieces.

DC Motor -

A DC motor is an electric motor that runs on direct current and is mechanically commutated (DC). By definition, the stator and stator current are both stationary in space. The commutator switches the current in the rotor, making it stationary in space as well. The highest torque is generated by maintaining the relative angle between the stator and rotor magnetic flux near 90 degrees.

Advantage of AC motor-

Low cost, long life, great efficiency, huge ratings (up to 1 MW), and a vast range of standardized kinds are all advantages of AC motors.

Disadvantage of AC motor-

AC motors have several drawbacks, including a high starting inrush current and the need for a variable frequency source for speed regulation.

Advantage of DC motor-

Precision positioning, high holding torque, long lifespan, little maintenance, and high efficiency are some of the advantages of DC motors.

Disadvantage of DC motor-

DC motors have a number of drawbacks, including the fact that they are often expensive. It necessitates the use of a controller, has a higher initial cost

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Universal motor-

When a series-wound motor is intended to run on both AC and DC power, it is known as a universal motor. It works well with AC because the current in both the field and the armature (and hence the generated magnetic fields) alternates in synchronism, resulting in a constant rotational torque.

Motor parts-

  1. A coil that is rectangular in shape.
  2. Two powerful magnets of any type, such as horseshoe magnets or bar magnets. They're utilized to generate a powerful magnetic field.
  3. The rectangular coil is rotated using split rings.
  4. The brushes serve as a point of contact for the split rings.

Electric motors and their functions-

  • A power supply - A DC power source is commonly found in a simple motor. It supplies electricity to the motor's armature or field coils.
  • Field Magnet (may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet) — The magnetic field helps to produce a torque on the rotating armature coil thanks to Fleming's left-hand law.
  • An armature, also known as a rotor, keeps the armature coil in place and provides mechanical support.
  • The spinning Armature Coil interfaces with a stationary circuit via the commutator.
  • The armature coil is responsible for allowing the engine to run.
  • Brushes are a mechanism for conducting current between fixed wires and moving elements, most commonly rotating shafts.
  • Axle

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Working of Motor

Working of electric motor class 10 and principle of electric motors-

Electric motor diagram

Electric motor diagram


Make a little gap between the poles of two bar magnets facing each other. Make a loop with a little length of conductive wire. Maintain this link between the magnets so that it remains within the magnet's influence zone. Now it's time for the final section. Connect the loop ends to the terminals of the battery.

You'll see that your loop moves when power flows through your simple circuit. The magnetic field generated by the conductor's electrical current flow interferes with the magnetic field generated by the magnet. Because the loop has turned into a magnet, one side of it will be drawn to the north pole of the magnet, while the other will be drawn to the south pole. As a result, the loop continues to rotate. This is how an electric motor functions.

Uses of electric motor-

  1. Electric fans make use of them.
  2. They're commonly found in washing machines.
  3. Pumps for water use

Also check-

NCERT Physics Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. An electric motor's base is what?

The motor is a DC motor. The interaction of the stator poles with a component of the rotor, or armature, is required for the operation of a DC motor. The stator has an even number of alternating magnetic polarity poles, each of which is made up of an electromagnet created by wrapping a pole winding around a pole core.

2. How can an electric motor be made more powerful?

We may improve the motor's turning force (or torque) in three ways: either by using a more powerful permanent magnet, increasing the electric current running through the wire, or making the coil with several "turns" (loops) of very thick wire instead of just one.

3. Is it true that AC or DC motors are more powerful?

Because AC motors can generate more torque with a larger current, they are regarded to be more powerful than DC motors. DC motors, on the other hand, are more efficient and make better use of their input energy.

4. What are some of the drawbacks of DC motors?

DC motors have a number of drawbacks.

  1. The initial investment is quite high.

  2. The inclusion of a commutator and brush gear increases the cost of operation and maintenance.

  3. Sparking occurs at the brush, making it unable to operate in explosive and hazardous settings (risk in commutation failure)

5. What is an electric motor and what are types of electric motor?

The interaction of magnetic and electric fields is crucial to the operation of an electric motor. Electrical motors are divided into two categories. The AC motor and the DC motor are the two types of motors. The AC motor is powered by alternating current, whereas the DC motor is powered by direct current.

6. How do linear motors differ from rotary motors?
Linear motors differ from rotary motors in several ways:
7. How do brushless DC motors work without commutators?
Brushless DC motors use electronic commutation instead of mechanical commutators. They have permanent magnets on the rotor and electromagnets on the stator. A controller uses sensors to determine the rotor's position and energizes the appropriate stator windings in sequence, creating a rotating magnetic field that drives the rotor. This design eliminates the need for brushes and commutators, reducing wear and maintenance.
8. What is the difference between a synchronous and an induction AC motor?
The main difference lies in how they generate the rotor's magnetic field:
9. Why are electric motors more efficient than internal combustion engines?
Electric motors are more efficient because:
10. What is the purpose of the stator in an electric motor?
The stator is the stationary part of an electric motor that creates a magnetic field. In most motors, the stator consists of windings or permanent magnets arranged around the motor's housing. Its purpose is to interact with the rotor's magnetic field, creating the torque necessary for rotation. The stator's design and configuration play a crucial role in determining the motor's characteristics, such as speed, torque, and efficiency.
11. How do stepper motors achieve precise positioning?
Stepper motors achieve precise positioning through their unique design and control method:
12. What is an electric motor and how does it work?
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. When an electric current passes through a coil of wire placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force that causes the coil to rotate. This rotation is then transferred to the motor's shaft, producing mechanical motion.
13. Why do electric motors have different speeds?
Electric motors have different speeds due to various factors:
14. What is the function of commutators in DC motors?
Commutators in DC motors serve as a rotary electrical switch that periodically reverses the direction of current flow in the rotor windings. This reversal ensures that the magnetic field generated by the rotor always interacts with the stator's magnetic field in a way that produces continuous rotation. Without a commutator, the motor would simply oscillate back and forth instead of rotating continuously.
15. How does an electric motor differ from a generator?
While both electric motors and generators use electromagnetic principles, they serve opposite functions. An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, while a generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. In simple terms, a motor uses electricity to create motion, while a generator uses motion to create electricity.
16. What are the main types of electric motors?
The main types of electric motors are:
17. How does temperature affect the performance of an electric motor?
Temperature significantly impacts electric motor performance:
18. What is the significance of the motor's torque-speed curve?
The torque-speed curve is a graphical representation of a motor's performance characteristics:
19. What is the difference between a BLDC motor and a PMSM?
BLDC (Brushless DC) motors and PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors) are similar but have some key differences:
20. How do regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles work?
Regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles work by using the vehicle's momentum to generate electricity:
21. What is the Hall effect and how is it used in electric motors?
The Hall effect is a phenomenon where a voltage difference is generated across an electrical conductor when a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the current flow. In electric motors, particularly brushless DC motors, Hall effect sensors are used to:
22. How do electric motors handle overload conditions?
Electric motors handle overload conditions through various mechanisms:
23. What is the role of power electronics in modern electric motor control?
Power electronics play a crucial role in modern electric motor control:
24. What is back EMF in electric motors, and why is it important?
Back EMF (Electromotive Force) is the voltage generated in the motor's windings when the rotor is spinning. It's important because:
25. How do electric motors generate torque?
Electric motors generate torque through the interaction of magnetic fields:
26. How do universal motors work with both AC and DC power?
Universal motors can operate on both AC and DC power due to their design:
27. What are the advantages and disadvantages of brushed DC motors?
Advantages of brushed DC motors:
28. How do magnetic bearings work in high-speed electric motors?
Magnetic bearings in high-speed electric motors use electromagnetic forces to levitate and support the rotor:
29. What is cogging torque in electric motors and how can it be reduced?
Cogging torque is an undesired torque ripple caused by the interaction between the rotor's permanent magnets and the stator's teeth:
30. How do switched reluctance motors work?
Switched reluctance motors work on the principle of magnetic reluctance:
31. What is the difference between a servo motor and a stepper motor?
While both servo and stepper motors are used for precise positioning, they have several key differences:
32. How do electric motors achieve high torque at low speeds?
Electric motors can achieve high torque at low speeds through several methods:
33. What is the importance of motor insulation class?
Motor insulation class is crucial because it determines the motor's temperature tolerance:
34. What is the significance of the motor's efficiency map?
A motor's efficiency map is important because:
35. How do electric motors contribute to energy conservation?
Electric motors contribute to energy conservation in several ways:
36. How do electric motors in electric vehicles differ from industrial motors?
Electric motors in electric vehicles (EVs) differ from industrial motors in several ways:
37. What is the principle behind reluctance motors?
Reluctance motors operate on the principle of magnetic reluctance:

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