Motor vs Generator — Difference (with Table)
Motor vs Generator compared side by side — a 6-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 10 Physics, free and no sign-up.
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TL;DR: Motor vs Generator compared side by side — a 6-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 10 Physics, free and no sign-up.
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The main difference between Motor and Generator: A motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy using electromagnetic forces. A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using
Motor vs Generator — Comparison Table
| Basis | Motor | Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Conversion | Electrical to mechanical | Mechanical to electrical |
| Input | Receives electrical current | Receives mechanical rotation |
| Output | Produces mechanical motion | Produces electrical current |
| Principle | Uses magnetic force on current-carrying conductor | Uses electromagnetic induction (Faraday's law) |
| Direction of Motion | Rotates continuously when supplied current | Must be rotated externally to generate current |
| Example | Fan motor, vehicle starter motor | Power plant generator, bicycle dynamo |
Key Points
- Motors and generators are essentially the same device used differently
- A motor can act as a generator if mechanically driven
- Fleming's left-hand rule applies to motors
- Fleming's right-hand rule applies to generators