Difference Wiki

Motor vs. Generator

The main difference between Motor and Generator is that Motor helps in the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy, whereas Generator helps in the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Key Differences

A motor changes electrical energy into mechanical energy, whereas the generator changes mechanical energy into electrical energy.
The motor uses electricity to produce mechanical energy. Conversely, a generator does not use electricity to produce electricity.
The shaft of the motor is compelled by a magnetic force that is established between the armature and magnetic field. In contrast, the shaft of a generator is driven by a mechanical force that is developed by continuous rotation of the rotor.
The current is delivered to the armature windings in a motor, whereas the current is produced in the armature windings of a generator.
Aimie Carlson
May 20, 2020
A motor follows Fleming’s left-hand rule for its proper functioning. Conversely, a generator follows Fleming’s right-hand rule.
Electricity is required for the operation of a motor, whereas electricity is generated by the operation of a generator.
Harlon Moss
May 20, 2020
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Motors have their application in vehicles, pulleys, and pumps. Conversely, generators are used in power stations, laboratories, general lighting, and powering of batteries, etc.
Harlon Moss
May 20, 2020
A motor works on the principle of magnetic effect on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field, while a generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
The source of energy in a motor is power girds and electrical supply. In contrast, the sources of energy in a generator are condensation turbines, aquatic turbines, and internal ignition engines, etc.

Comparison Chart

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A machine that works for the generation of electrical energy from mechanical energy is called a motor.
A machine that functions for the production of electrical energy from mechanical energy is called a generator.

Electricity

Required
Produced

Rule of Working

Fleming’s left-hand rule
Fleming’s right-hand rule
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Source of Energy

Power girds and electrical supply
Steam turbines, water turbines, and internal combustion engine

Conversion

Electrical energy into mechanical energy
Mechanical energy into electrical energy
Samantha Walker
May 20, 2020

Current in Armature Windings

Supplied
Produced

Shaft Driven

By magnetic force that is developed between the armature and magnetic field
By mechanical force by its attachment to a rotor
Harlon Moss
May 20, 2020

Signification

EM or M
G
Samantha Walker
May 20, 2020

Principle of Working

The mechanical force exerted on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field
Electromagnetic conduction
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Electrical Energy

In input form
In output form
Janet White
May 20, 2020

Examples

Ceiling fans, cars, electric bikes, etc
A generator is used to create electricity in power stations

Motor and Generator Definitions

Motor

Something, such as a machine or an engine, that produces or imparts motion.

Generator

One that generates, especially a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Motor

A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power.

Generator

An apparatus that generates vapor or gas.

Motor

A motor vehicle, especially an automobile
"It was a night of lovers. All along the highway ... motors were parked and dim figures were clasped in revery" (Sinclair Lewis).

Generator

A circuit that generates a specified waveform.

Motor

Causing or producing motion
Motor power.

Generator

(Mathematics) See generatrix.

Motor

Driven by or having a motor.

Generator

(Computers) A program that produces specific programs from the definition of an operation.

Motor

Of or for motors or motor vehicles
Motor oil.

Generator

One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.

Motor

Of, relating to, or designating nerves that carry impulses from the nerve centers to the muscles.

Generator

(chemistry) An apparatus in which vapour or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort etc.

Motor

Involving or relating to movements of the muscles
Motor coordination.
A motor reflex.

Generator

(music) The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of the common chord; -- see also generating tone.

Motor

To drive or travel in a motor vehicle.

Generator

(mathematics) An element of a group that is used in the presentation of the group: one of the elements from which the others can be inferred with the given relators.

Motor

To carry by motor vehicle.

Generator

(geometry) One of the lines of a ruled surface; more generally, an element of some family of linear spaces.

Motor

A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.

Generator

(programming) A subordinate piece of code which, given some initial parameters, will generate multiple output values on request.

Motor

(colloquial) A motor car, or automobile, even a goods vehicle.
Nice motor!

Generator

A piece of apparatus, equipment, etc, to convert or change energy from one form to another.

Motor

(figuratively) A source of power for something; an inspiration; a driving force.

Generator

Especially, a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Motor

Any protein capable of converting chemical energy into mechanical work.

Generator

One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.

Motor

The controller or prime mover of the universe; God.

Generator

An apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort, or vessel for generating carbonic acid gas, etc.

Motor

(prison slang) The fermenting mass of fruit that is the basis of pruno, or "prison wine".

Generator

The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of the common chord; - called also generating tone.

Motor

(biology) Relating to the ability to move.
She has excellent motor skills.

Generator

Any machine that transforms mechanical into electrical energy; a dynamo.

Motor

Relating to motor cars.
Motor insurance is expensive for youngsters.

Generator

A mathematical entity which, when subjected to an operation, yields another mathematical entity; also, a generatrix.

Motor

(nautical) Propelled by an internal combustion engine as opposed to a steam engine or turbine.

Generator

An apparatus that produces a vapor or gas

Motor

(dated) To make a journey by motor vehicle; to drive.
On Saturday we motored down to Plymouth.

Generator

Engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction

Motor

To rotate a jet engine or turboprop using the engine's starter, without introducing fuel into the engine.
During startup, the engine should be motored for 20 to 30 seconds to allow the shafts to straighten out, as they may have become bowed under their own weight while the airplane was sitting on the ground.

Generator

Someone who originates or causes or initiates something;
He was the generator of several complaints

Motor

To progress at a brisk pace.
Sales were slow at first, but now things are really motoring.

Generator

An electronic device for producing a signal voltage

Motor

(slang) To leave.
I gotta motor.

Motor

One who, or that which, imparts motion; a source of mechanical power.

Motor

A prime mover; a machine by means of which a source of power, as steam, moving water, electricity, etc., is made available for doing mechanical work.

Motor

A motor car; an automobile.

Motor

Causing or setting up motion; pertaining to organs of motion; - applied especially in physiology to those nerves or nerve fibers which only convey impressions from a nerve center to muscles, thereby causing motion.

Motor

Machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

Motor

A nonspecific agent that imparts motion;
Happiness is the aim of all men and the motor of all action

Motor

Travel or be transported in a vehicle;
We drove to the university every morning
They motored to London for the theater

Motor

Conveying information to the muscles from the CNS;
Motor nerves

Motor

Causing or able to cause motion;
A motive force
Motive power
Motor energy

Motor vs. Generator

A motor is a machine that produces mechanical energy, whereas a generator is a machine that produces electrical energy. The primary means of mechanical energy in a motor is electrical energy. On the other hand, the source of electrical energy in a generator is mainly mechanical energy.

A motor consumes electricity for transforming electrical into mechanical energy. On the contrary, a generator does not use electricity for the production of electricity; instead, it uses mechanical energy for electricity production. A motor follows Fleming’s left-hand rule for its working, whereas a generator follows Fleming’s right-hand rule for its working.

A motor comprises a shaft that rotates under the effect of a magnetic force that is developed between armature and field. On the flip side, a generator also consists of a shaft, which is attached to the rotor. The rotor is driven by mechanical force, not the magnetic force.

In the case of a motor, the current is delivered to the armature windings. Conversely, in the case of a generator, the current is not supplied, but it is developed in the armature windings. A motor works on the principle of a magnetic effect on the current-carrying conductor when it is placed in a magnetic field. On the flip side, a generator operates on the principle of electromagnetic conduction.

The primary sources of energy in a motor are power girds and electrical supply. Conversely, the main sources of energy in a generator are steam turbines, water turbines, and internal combustion engines that provide mechanical energy.

What is Motor?

A motor is described as an electro-mechanical machine that transfigures electrical energy into mechanical energy. The device, which produces rotational force, is referred to as a motor. A motor mainly works on the interaction of electrical and magnetic fields.

Types

  • AC Motor: The motors in which the source of power is AC mains supply are called AC motors. In AC motors, no commutators or brushes are used. AC motors have stationary armatures, and the magnetic fields are rotating to produce mechanical energy. AC motors have wide applications in large industries because they are not suitable for domestic applications.
  • DC Motor: The motors in which the source of power are batteries are called DC motors. In DC motors, commutators and brushes play an essential role in their operation. DC motors have a stationary magnetic field, and armatures are rotating for the production of mechanical energy. DC motors are not appropriate for large industries; instead, they are suitable for domestic applications.

Working

A motor consists of current-carrying conductors or loops that rotate continuously in a magnetic field. The loops are wrapped around the iron core called an armature, which functions to make the magnetic field inside of them stronger as compared to outside. The current is supplied to the motor either by AC or DC source depending on the type of motor.

The current in the loops reverses its direction resulting in a constant rotation of armature and the loops. The continuously changing direction of loops and armature produces mechanical energy.

What is the Generator?

A generator is an electro-mechanical machine that transfigures mechanical energy into an electrical form of energy. Electric generators are used due to their minimal loss of power, increased safety, and production of electricity.

Electric generators work as an alternative power source, and also function in protecting the whole electrical merchandise during the power outage. Electric generators have extensive presentations as Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) drive systems, aircraft auxiliary power generation, gust generators, motorized starter generators, and high-speed gas turbine generators.

Types

  • AC Generator: The generator, which produces AC electrical power, is called an AC generator. In AC generators, the current continues reversing its direction from time to time. AC generators use the slip rings so that they can have higher efficiency. They are used for small domestic applications.
  • DC Generator: The generator, which produces DC electrical power, is called a DC generator. In the DC generator, the current flows in a single direction without any change in direction. DC generators use the split rings so that they can wear out quickly. DC generators power large motors.

Working

The working of generators is different as compared to motors. Electric generators function to provide electricity. Mechanical energy is used to rotate the loops in the magnetic field that generated the electromotive force.

The generated electromotive force is a sine wave that changes with time. The shaft is attached to the rotor, which rotates continuously in the stationary magnetic field to produce electricity.

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