Motor vs. Generator
Main DifferenceThe 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.

Difference Between Motor and Generator
Motor vs. Generator
A motor changes electrical energy into mechanical energy, whereas the generator changes mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Motor vs. Generator
The motor uses electricity to produce mechanical energy. Conversely, a generator does not use electricity to produce electricity.
Motor vs. Generator
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.
Motor vs. Generator
The current is delivered to the armature windings in a motor, whereas the current is produced in the armature windings of a generator.
Motor vs. Generator
A motor follows Fleming’s left-hand rule for its proper functioning. Conversely, a generator follows Fleming’s right-hand rule.
Motor vs. Generator
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.
Motor vs. Generator
Electricity is required for the operation of a motor, whereas electricity is generated by the operation of a generator.
Motor vs. Generator
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.
Motor vs. Generator
Motors have their application in vehicles, pulleys, and pumps. Conversely, generators are used in power stations, laboratories, general lighting, and powering of batteries, etc.
Motornoun
A machine or device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.
Generatornoun
One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.
Motornoun
(colloquial) A motor car, or automobile.
Nice motor!Generatornoun
(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.
Motornoun
(figuratively) A source of power for something; an inspiration; a driving force.
Generatornoun
(music) The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of the common chord; -- see also generating tone.
Motornoun
Any protein capable of converting chemical energy into mechanical work.
Generatornoun
(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.
Motornoun
The controller or prime mover of the universe; God.
Generatornoun
(geometry) One of the lines of a ruled surface; more generally, an element of some family of linear spaces.
Motornoun
The fermenting mass of fruit that is the basis of pruno, or "prison wine".
Generatornoun
(programming) A subordinate piece of code which, given some initial parameters, will generate multiple output values on request.
Motoradjective
(biology) relating to the ability to move
She has excellent motor skills.Generatornoun
A piece of apparatus, equipment, etc, to convert or change energy from one form to another.
Motoradjective
Relating to motor cars
Motor insurance is expensive for youngsters.Generatornoun
Especially, a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Motorverb
(dated) To make a journey by motor vehicle; to drive.
On Saturday we motored down to Plymouth.Generatornoun
an apparatus that produces a vapor or gas
Motorverb
(informal) To move at a brisk pace.
Sales were slow at first, but now things are really motoring.Generatornoun
engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction
Motorverb
(slang) To leave.
I gotta motor.Generatornoun
someone who originates or causes or initiates something;
he was the generator of several complaintsMotornoun
machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
Generatornoun
an electronic device for producing a signal voltage
Motornoun
a nonspecific agent that imparts motion;
happiness is the aim of all men and the motor of all actionMotorverb
travel or be transported in a vehicle;
We drove to the university every morningThey motored to London for the theaterMotoradjective
conveying information to the muscles from the CNS;
motor nervesMotoradjective
causing or able to cause motion;
a motive forcemotive powermotor energyComparison Chart
Motor | Generator |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Signification | |
EM or M | G |
Principle of Working | |
The mechanical force exerted on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field | Electromagnetic conduction |
Electrical Energy | |
In input form | In output form |
Examples | |
Ceiling fans, cars, electric bikes, etc | A generator is used to create electricity in power stations |
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.
ConclusionMotors use electricity to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, whereas generators don’t use electricity to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.