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Difference Between Motor and Generator - A Complete Guide

Difference Between Motor and Generator - A Complete Guide

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Nov 13, 2024 05:30 PM IST

Electric motor and generator plays an important role in energy conversion. The electric generator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. An electric motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy works on the principle of the magnetic field interacting with a current-carrying conductor. In this article, we are going to learn about the generator motor, the difference between electric motor and electric generator, the electric motor working principle and electric generator working principle, and many more.

What Is Meant By Motor Or Electric Motor

Electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy using an electric motor. Let's look at an example: What is the purpose of the mixer in your home? Things are mashed and mixed for you by rotating blades. And what would you say if someone asked you how that works? You'd probably say it's powered by electricity. That isn't entirely correct. Motors are machines that turn electrical energy into mechanical work. Generators, on the other hand, turn mechanical work into electrical energy.

Components Of A Basic Motor:

For a simple motor, components include:

  • A power supply – mainly DC
  • A permanent magnet or an electromagnet could be used as a field magnet.
  • An armature, often known as a rotor
  • Commutator
  • Brushes
  • Axle

Working Principle Of Electric Motor

The operation of an electric motor is dependent on the creation of a magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor. Consider the following scenario to gain a better understanding. Keep the poles of two bar magnets facing each other with a tiny gap between them. Make a loop using a tiny length of conducting wire now. Maintain this loop in the middle of the magnets to keep it in the magnetic effect in that area. The final step is connecting the loop's tip to the battery connections. You'll notice that your loop "moves" after energy passes through your simple circuit. So, what causes this? The magnetic field produced by the magnets interferes with the magnetic field produced by the electric current passing through the conductor. One side of the loop will be attracted to the north pole of the magnet, while the other will be attracted to the south pole. The loop will continue to rotate as a result of this. This is the principle of working of an electric motor.

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Electric Motor Uses

Electric motors are utilized for a wide range of purposes. The following is a list of some of them.

  1. Drills
  2. Water pumps
  3. Hard disc drives
  4. Washing machines
  5. And other industrial machinery

What Is The Definition Of An Electric Generator?

Electric generators, usually referred to as dynamos, are machines that transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. Steam turbines, gas turbines, and wind turbines are the most common sources of mechanical energy for electric generators.

Components Of Electric Generator

The following are the key components of an electric generator.

  1. The Frame
  2. The alternator
  3. A fuel system
  4. A Voltage Regulator
  5. A cooling system
  6. A Lubrication System
  7. An exhaust system
  8. A charger
  9. The main control panel

Working Principle Of Electric Generator

Generators do not generate electricity; instead, they use mechanical energy to compel electric charges present in the wires of their windings to travel through an external electric circuit. The generator's output electric current is made up of this flow of electrons.
Michael Faraday established the principle of electromagnetic induction, which is used in modern generators. He noticed that moving an electrical wire in a magnetic field may produce the above current flow. This movement creates a voltage differential between the conductor's two ends, causing electric charges to flow and therefore creating current.

Electric Generator Applications

  1. They are the source of energy for the majority of power networks in cities.
  2. Small generators are an excellent backup for residential or small company power demands.
  3. Electric generators are widely used on building sites before the power is installed.
  4. Fuel usage is considerably reduced, making it energy-efficient.
  5. They are utilized in laboratories because they provide a wide range of voltage output.
  6. They're utilized to power electric motors.
  7. They are utilized in the transportation industry.

Difference Between Electric Motor And Electric Generator /Motor vs Generator

Electric Motor
Electric Generator/dynamo
Electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy by motors.
Mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by the generator.
The motor is powered by electricity.
It works on the basis that a current-carrying conductor experiences a force and rotates when it is placed in a magnetic field.
An electrical generator produces (generates) electricity. The term "generator" refers to a device that generates anything.
Electromagnetic induction, or EMI, is how an electric generator operates.
Fleming's left-hand rule can be used to determine the direction of force.Using Fleming's right-hand rule, we can calculate the direction of the induced current.
Split rings or commutators are used in electric motors.
Semicircular rings are formed by splitting a copper ring into two halves and are known as split rings.
Slip rings, which are two coaxial copper rings, are used in electric generators.

The magnetic force generated between the armature and the field drives the motor shaft.
The shaft of an electric generator is coupled to the rotor and is propelled by mechanical force.
An electric motor, for example, can be found in an electric automobile or a bicycle.Power stations, for example, generate energy in the form of electricity.
The power stations then distribute this electricity to the structures in their vicinity.

Also read :

Difference Between Pump And Motor

  • An electromechanical device that turns electrical energy into mechanical energy is known as a motor.
  • Using suction or pressure, a pump raises or moves fluids.
  • Prime movers include electrical motors.
  • A pump is a hydraulic device that increases fluid pressure.
  • Fans, compressors, conveyor systems, robotics, electric vehicles, lifts, lathe machines, vacuum cleaners, grinders, shearing machines, and other motors are all employed in virtually everything.
  • Pumps can be found in both commercial and industrial settings.
  • Pumps can be found in everything from water treatment plants to paper mills.

Difference Between Machine And Structure

From a subject standpoint, the following distinctions between a machine and a structure are critical.

  • The members of a structure do not move relative to one another, whereas the parts of a machine do.
  • A machine converts available energy into useful work, whereas no energy is converted into useful work in a structure.
  • A machine's link can convey both power and motion, whereas the members of a structure can only transmit forces.
  • For example, a machine: is a lathe, a prime mover, and a structure: a bridge, a building, and so on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Distinguish between the electric motor and electric generator.

The generator turns electrical energy into mechanical energy, whereas the motor performs the reverse. 


The magnetic force created between the armature and field windings drives the Shaft of the motor, whereas the Shaft of the Generator is coupled to the rotor and driven by mechanical force. 


In the case of a motor, the current is provided to the armature windings, while in a generator, the current is generated in the armature windings. 


The left-hand rule applies to the motor, while the right-hand rule applies to the generator. 

2. Types of motors and generators.

Motor can be classified into two main types:

 DC motor ,Ac motor

Generator can be classified as:

DC generator, Ac generator

3. Is it possible to utilise a generator as a motor?

Any electrical generator, in theory, can also be used as an electric motor and vice versa. 

4. What is the power output of a generator?

Generators can produce both AC and DC, depending on their design and usage. 

5. What is the definition of an AC generator?

An alternating current generator is an electrical device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form of alternate emf. 

6. What is a DC generator?

A DC generator is a mechanism that converts mechanical energy into DC electricity (direct current). 

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