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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » Difference Between » Motor And Generator

Motor And Generator

In the following article, we will elaborate deeply on the differences between Motor and Generator. This article further describes the working principles of both motor and generator.

Table of Content
  •  

Today motors and generators have become a general electrical tool employed in roughly every electrical appliance. They both are electric tools that transform one form of energy to another and have developed through many alterations. Though their hardware necessities are related, motors and generators diverge in their operational conduct. 

What is a motor?

A motor is an electrical machine that changes electrical energy into mechanical energy. Electric motors get power from direct currents (DC) sources, like batteries, motor vehicles, rectifiers or through alternating current (AC) sources, like a power grid, inverters or electrical generators.

The motor constituents and working principles are:

  • Stator
  • Rotor 
  • Shaft
  • Commutator
  • Brushes 

When the power is turned on, the brushes provide current to the commutators. These commutators are connected to the rotating coils, one to every end. Current flows from commutators into the coil, situated between the permanent magnets’ poles, stator. When current flows in the coil, the magnetic field is stimulated around the coil.

This magnetic field gets in contact with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets. Because of the feature of magnetism, poles deter each other and unlike poles magnetizing, the coil begins to rotate. When the rotor spins, the shaft affixed to it also rotates, thus switching the applied electrical energy into mechanical energy.

What is a generator?

A generator functions with an inverted power flow, switching mechanical energy into electrical energy. The hardware necessities of the generator are the same, but the working principle fluctuates. Here, the rotor spins when the mechanical energy has pertained to the shaft. This movement of the rotor between the permanent magnets begins producing electricity within the rotor’s coils. The brushes accumulate this electricity.

The difference between motor and generator

There is an account of the difference between motor and generator by deeming numerous factors. The following aspects show the main differences between these two in the table below.

Factors

Motor 

Generator

Purpose

The purpose of the motor is to transfer Electrical energy into Mechanical Energy

The purpose of the motor is to  transfer Mechanical energy to Electrical energy

Operational Principle

The operational principle of a motor depends on the current-carrying conductor that undergoes a force when it is placed in the magnetic field

The operational principle of the generator depends on electromagnetic induction

Rule 

The motor is governed by Fleming’s left-hand rule

The generator is governed by Fleming’s right-hand rule

Driving power for shaft

The shaft of an electric motor is run by a magnetic force which is extended between the armature and field

The shaft of an electric generator is linked to the rotor that is run by a mechanical force

Electricity

The motor employs electricity

The generator produces electricity

Current Usage

In a motor, the current is provided to the armature winding

In a generator, the current is generated in the armature winding

Basis of energy

The basis of energy in a motor is power grids, electrical supply

The basis of energy in a generator is steam turbines, internal combustion engines, water turbines

EMF

The electric motor provides outback emf to the circuit

The generator provides emf to the load connected.

Application

A motor is employed in automobiles, elevators, pumps, fans, etc

A generator is employed in power supply chains in productions, testing functions in the laboratory, common lighting, powering of batteries, etc

Example

A few examples of a motor could be ceiling fans, bikes, cars, etc

In power stations, a generator is employed to produce electricity

Conclusion

Fleming’s left-hand rule can be utilized to determine the direction in which the force is inclined in a motor. Likewise, Fleming’s right-hand rule can be utilized in an electric generator to establish the direction in which the current is stimulated. The strong magnetic force runs the shaft attached to the electric motor between the field and the armature.

In electric bikes and electric cars, electric motors are brilliant examples. Nevertheless, the energy generated in the form of electrical energy, more frequently known as electricity, at power plants illustrates an electric generator. Subsequently, the power stations are responsible for supplying and allocating energy to the homes.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the IIT JEE Examination Preparation.

Is it possible to run an electric motor as a generator in reverse?

Answer. Yes, nearly any sort of motor can also act as a generator.

Why is the generator's effectiveness more than a motor's?

Answer. The competence of a generator is constantly better than that of the motor. It is due to the leakage...Read full

Who invented the generator?

Answer. Charles F. Brush invented the generator in 1831.

For how long can a generator be used?

Answer. A suitably maintained generator can last decades, which implies that in the long run; having a generator wil...Read full

How can we store the data in a Flip-Flop?

Answer. An FF is a device that stores a single bit of data.  These could hold data information that represents the ...Read full

Answer. Yes, nearly any sort of motor can also act as a generator.

Answer. The competence of a generator is constantly better than that of the motor. It is due to the leakage of magnetic flux that generates power losses in a motor, but the leakage of the flux generated by the field winding in the generator is least. Therefore, there is no problem dropping some flux in the generator.

Answer. Charles F. Brush invented the generator in 1831.

Answer. A suitably maintained generator can last decades, which implies that in the long run; having a generator will accumulate your money in addition to refurbishing lost power. Standby generators are inclined to require a lot of usual maintenance, especially when it is employed for long periods of time. With habitual inspection, you’ll be able to reinstate worn-out parts, clean out filters and keep your generator in a top state.

Answer. An FF is a device that stores a single bit of data.  These could hold data information that represents the state of sequencing, the position of a clock, an ASCII symbol or character in a system hard drive or indeed any bit of data by linking many Flip-flops simultaneously. D Among the most popular kinds of flip-flops is the flip-flop for the required purpose.

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