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Motors and generators are now common electrical tools found in nearly every electrical appliance. They are both electric devices that convert one energy in the form to another and have undergone numerous changes. Despite the fact that their system requirements are comparable, motors and generators work in different ways.
Keep reading further to know the differences between an electric motor and generator and also know the principles on which they rely.
Also Read: Difference Between AC and DC Generator
| Table of Content |
Keyterms: Motor, Generator, Electric devices, Energy, Electric motor, Direct current (DC), Battery cells, Automobiles, Rectifier diodes, Alternating current (AC), Electric grid, Inverters
What is a Motor?
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A motor is a type of electrical machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. Electric motors are activated by direct current (DC) sources like as battery cells, automobiles, or rectifier diodes, or alternating current (AC) sources such as an electric grid, inverters, or electrical generators.
Also Read:
| Related Articles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Types of DC Motor & Classification | Types of Motors | Types of AC Motors |
| DC Motors | AC Generator | DC Generator |
Components used in Motor
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The following are the motor components and operating principles.
- Stator
- Rotor
- Shaft
- Commutator
- Brushes
The brushes deliver current to the commutators when the power is turned on. These commutators, one at each end, are connected to the rotating coils. Current flows from commutators into the stator coil, which is located between the poles of permanent magnets. A magnetic field is formed around the coil when current flows through it.
This magnetic field interacts with the magnetic field of the magnetic materials, and because poles repel each other and unlike poles attract, the coil begins to rotate. The shaft tied to the rotor rotates, transforming the imposed electricity into mechanical energy.
Applications of Motor
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Electric motors are highly useful in modern life. To name a few applications, they are found in:
- Vacuum cleaners
- Dishwashers
- Computer printers
- Video cassette recorders
- Machine tools
- Automobiles
- Subway systems
- Sewage treatment plants
- Water pumping stations.
Also Read: Electrolytic Cell
What is a generator?
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A generator works by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by using a reversed flow of power. The system requirements for the generator are the same, but the operating principle is not. When mechanical energy is transferred to the shaft, the rotor rotates, and this rotation of the rotor between both the magnetic materials begins to generate electricity inside the rotor's wires. The brushes collect this electricity.
Applications of a Generator
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Generators are associated with disaster preparedness, and one of their most common uses is for emergency purposes.
- Power Outages on a Regular Basis.
- Standby Power for Businesses
- Camping
- Construction
- Agricultural and ranching.
Also Read: Types of Generators and its Application
Difference between Motor and Generator
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The Electric Motor and Generator are characterised by a variety of factors, including the main operation mode or function of the motor and generator. In addition, the consumption or generation of electricity, its driving element, the presence of current in the winding, and the Fleming rule are all preceded by the motor and generator.
The Difference Between a Motor and a Generator is explained in tabular form below:
| Motor | Generator |
|---|---|
| Transforms electrical energy into mechanical form of energy. | Transforms mechanical form of energy into electrical energy. |
| Its function is based on a current-carrying conductor that perceives a force when it is held in a magnetic field. | Its process relies on electromagnetic induction. |
| A motor follows Fleming’s left-hand rule | A generator follows Fleming’s left-hand rule |
| The shaft of an electric motor is propelled by a magnetic force generated between the armature and the field. | An electric generator's motor is coupled to the rotor, which is powered by mechanical force. |
| It is driven by electricity. | It produces electricity. |
| Current is fed to the primary coil winding that flows in a motor. | Current is generated in the armature winding of a generator. |
| For motor, power grids and electrical supply are the source of energy | Steam turbines, water turbines, and internal combustion engines are all examples of power grids. |
| The circuit receives outback electromotive force from the electric motor. | The generator sources electromotive force to the connected load. |
| Motors are often used in automotive, elevators, fans, etc. | Generators are used in power supply chains in industries and for laboratory testing. |
Things to Remember
- The motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, whereas the generator does the opposite.
- The motor works by using a current-carrying conductor that senses a force when kept in a magnetic field. However, the generator's process relies on electromagnetic induction.
- The motor adheres to Fleming's Left-hand rule, whereas the generator adheres to Fleming's Right-hand rule.
- The motor uses electricity, but the generator generates it.
- In the case of a motor, current is provided to the armature windings; in the case of a generator, current is produced in the armature windings.
- Generators and motors are powered by power grids and electrical supplies, whereas generators are powered by steam turbines, water turbines, and internal combustion engines.
- The electric motor provides outback EMF (Electro Motive Force) to the circuit, whereas the generator provides EMF to the connected load.
- Motors are often used in automotive, elevators, fans, pumps, and so on, whereas generators are used in power supply chains in industries and for laboratory testing.
Also Read:
| Related Articles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fleming’s Left Hand Rule | Electric Motor | Cells, emf, Internal Resistance |
Sample Questions
Ques. What is the key difference between the motor effect and the generator effect? (2 marks)
Ans: The generator effect occurs when a current is induced in a wire that is subjected to a changing magnetic field, whereas the motor effect occurs when a current carrying wire's magnetic field interacts with the magnetic field around it, giving rise in a force being imposed on it, causing it to move.
Ques. What basically can a generator do? (2 marks)
Ans: An electric generator is a device that generates electric energy that can be stored in batteries or directly supplied to homes, shops, and offices, among other places. Electric generators usually operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Ques. Is a generator a motor? (2 marks)
Ans: No. A machine that converts electrical energy to mechanical form of energy is referred to as an electric motor. A machine that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy is known as an electric generator.
Ques. Is a motor alternating current or direct current? (2 marks)
Ans: An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical form of energy through electromechanical means. Electric motors are broadly categorized into two types. They are the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) motors. The AC motor requires alternating current as an input, whereas the DC motor requires direct current.
Ques. Give a suitable example of a generator? (2 marks)
Ans: A solar generator is made up of solar silicon plates. Thermal generators are generators that convert thermal energy into electricity. That is, they convert the energy produced by various chemical reactions into electrical energy. Batteries are an example of this type of generator.
Ques. What is the principle behind the working of electric generators? Explain its working in detail. (3 marks)
Ans: An electric generator performs on the electromagnetic induction factor. It states that when a coil is rotated between the poles of a magnet, an induced current is created in the coil, the direction of which is determined by Fleming's right-hand rule.
Working Principle of Electric Generators: Electric generators continue to function on the electromagnetic induction theory. A conductor coil i.e., a tightly wrapped copper coil on a metal core is rapidly rotated between the poles of a ferromagnetic material. The conductor coil and its core are referred to as an armature. The armature is rotated by connecting it to the shaft of a mechanical form of energy such as a motor. The mechanical energy needed can be supplied by engines that run on fuels such as diesel, gasoline, natural gas, and so on, or by alternative energy sources. When the coil is rotated, it cuts the magnetic field that exists between the magnet's two poles. The magnetic field will interact with the electrons in the conductor, causing a flow of electrons.
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