Electric motor

Here’s a clear diagram illustrating the basic components of a simple DC electric motor:

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Example: A Simple DC Motor

A common real-world instance of an electric motor is the universal motor, frequently found in household appliances like blenders, vacuum cleaners, and hand-held power tools. It’s called “universal” because it can run on either AC or DC power and delivers high speed and strong torque—ideal for portable, high-performance tools.

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How It Works — Fundamental Principles

1. Basic Principle (Electromagnetism):

A current-carrying conductor (like a coil of wire) placed in a magnetic field experiences a force—this is Fleming’s left-hand rule in action. The interaction between the magnetic field and the current produces torque, causing rotation.

2. Key Components (as shown in the diagram):

Power Source: Typically DC battery or AC supply converted to DC for brushed motors.

Field Magnets: Permanent magnets or electromagnets that provide a steady magnetic field.

Armature (Rotor) and Coil: The rotating element where current flows through coils, creating its own magnetic field.

Commutator and Brushes: The commutator is a split-ring that reverses current direction in the coil every half-turn, while brushes transmit current from the stationary power source to the rotating commutator. This continuous reversal keeps the motor spinning in one direction.

3. Operation Mechanism:

When power is applied, current flows through the coil, generating a magnetic field.

That field interacts with the magnet's field, producing a torque that starts the coil spinning.

After half a revolution, the commutator reverses the current direction, which flips the magnetic interaction and keeps the rotation going.

4. Simplified Explanation (Reddit ELI5 style):

> "A simple DC motor is a coil the current is sent through. That builds up a magnetic field and the ‘anchor’ magnet aligns with the field by turning 180°. Then you switch the direction of the current through a sliding contact (commutator) so the magnetic field changes direction and the anchor has to rotate another 180° to be aligned again."

This captures the essence of how the commutator and magnetic field interaction drives continuous rotation.

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Summary at a Glance

Component Function

Power Source Provides electricity (DC or AC adapted)

Field Magnets Create the fixed magnetic field

Armature Coil Generates a magnetic field when current flows

Commutator & Brushes Reverse current each half turn to maintain rotation

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Electric motors are foundational in engineering, powering everything from fans, blenders, and power drills to industrial machinery and electric vehicles.

Let me know if you'd like to explore differences between AC vs DC m

otors, brushless designs, or applications in robotics or vehicles!