Question

Distinguish between electric motor and electric generator.

Answer 1

The electric motor and electric generator are mechanical machines; one generates mechanical energy while the other generates electrical energy. Both work on different principles and follow different rules.

Complete step by step solution:
The electric motor and electric generator perform opposite work; however, their basic structure is the same. The below tables shows the difference between the electric motor and electric generator on different factors:

Factor	Electric Motor	Electric Generator
Function	It is a mechanical device that transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy.	It is a mechanical device that transforms mechanical energy to electrical energy.
Electricity	It runs with the help of electricity.	It generates electricity.
Current	In electric motors, the current is needed to supply the armature windings.	In electric generator, the current is generated in the armature windings
Principle	The principle of electric motors is based on the force experienced by a current carrying current when it is put in a magnetic field.	The principle of electric generators is based on electromagnetic induction.
Rule	Electric motor follows Fleming’s left hand rule.	Electric generator follows Fleming’s right hand rule.
Driven element	The magnetic field set up between the armature and field drives the shaft of the electric motor.	The mechanical force drives the shaft, which is connected to the electric generator.
Example	Electric bike, scooter or car, ceiling fans etc.	Generators help in generating the power in power stations.

Note:
The similarities of the electric motor and electric generator are both used permanent magnets, both used magnetic fields as a coupling medium, most of the components of both devices are the same like, armature winding, field winding, core, etc.