Everyday Science · 45 sec
Electric motor
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
- How it works
Most electric motors operate through the interaction between the motor's magnetic field and electric current in a wire winding to generate Lorentz force in the form of torque applied on the motor's shaft.
- Why it matters
An electric generator is mechanically identical to an electric motor but operates inversely, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Why this matters
Look for Electric motor the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
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Look for Electric motor the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Electric motor?
- Why it matters
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.