Electric motor — Science definition

A device that uses the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field to convert electrical energy into motion.

Where it is taught

Questions using electric motor

Problem 1

An electric motor converts:
  1. electrical energy into mechanical (motion) energy
  2. mechanical energy into electrical energy
  3. heat energy into light energy
  4. sound energy into motion
Answer and explanation

electrical energy into mechanical (motion) energy

A motor uses the force on a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field to turn electrical energy into rotational motion.

Problem 2

Explain how a generator produces electricity, and why it can be described as an electric motor run in reverse.
Answer and explanation

A generator spins a coil of wire inside a magnetic field (or spins a magnet near a coil). The constantly changing magnetic field through the coil induces a voltage by electromagnetic induction, driving a current. It is a motor in reverse because a motor takes in electricity to produce motion, while a generator takes in motion to produce electricity — the same parts, run the opposite way.

Problem 3

An electric motor converts electrical energy into:
  1. light energy
  2. sound energy
  3. mechanical (motion) energy
  4. chemical energy
Answer and explanation

mechanical (motion) energy

A motor uses the force on a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field to produce motion.

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