Life would be very different without electrical motors and electrical generators. We would have no fans, cars, bikes, power backups, etc. without these machines. The working principles of both the motor and generator are different, as is their application. Motors use electricity to generate mechanical force, while generators use mechanical force to generate electricity. In this article, we look at the differences in working, application, rules, and components between a motor and a generator.
Differences between motor and generator
| Basis of differentiation | MOTOR | GENERATOR |
| Definition | A motor is an electric machine that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. | A generator is an electrical machine that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. |
| Power source | They can be powered by DC(direct current) from batteries or rectifiers and AC(alternating current) from inverters or generators. | Sources for power include gas–water turbines, combustion energy, hand cranks. |
| Invention | Current is supplied through the armature winding. | The first generator was invented by Michael Faraday in 1831. |
| Types | DC motor and AC motor. AC motor is further divided into 2 types -synchronous motor and induction motor. | Portable, inverter, and standby |
| Working principle | It is based on the current-carrying conductor which experiences a force when it is kept in a magnetic field. | It is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. |
| Rule followed | It follows Fleming’s left-hand rule. | Follows Flemings’s right-hand rule. |
| Cars, ceiling fans, elevators, bikes, etc. | Current is produced in the armature winding. | |
| Electricity | It uses electricity. | It generates electricity. |
| EMF | It gives outback emf to the circuit. | Gives emf to load connected. |
| Components | Made up of: Stator(current then passes in between the poles of a permanent magnet) Rotor( when it rotates shaft also rotates and hence energy is generated) Shaft Commutator(attached to rotating coils) Brushes(supplies current to commutator) | Made up of: Stator Rotor(movement of rotor generates electricity which is collected by brushes) Shaft( when energy is applied to the shaft, the rotor rotates) Turbine Waterflow Wicket gate Blades. |
| Uses | Cars, ceiling fans, levators, bikes, etc. | In power stations to generate electricity. |
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What is the difference between electric motors and generators based on their application?
Electric motors are basically used to generate mechanical output like blowers, fans, mills, rollers, ships, etc. The input to an electrical motor is an electrical supply that is converted to a mechanical output like in electrical vehicles. While on the other hand, electrical generators are used to generate electrical output using mechanical input. This is generally useful in case of power outages, areas where electrical supply is not possible like mines, remote locations, etc.
See also
Uses of resistors
20 Types of battery
Difference between earthing and grounding
