The difference between a **motor** and a **generator** can be summarized in simple terms, and hereβs a PDF-style explanation:
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### **Motor vs. Generator: Key Differences**
#### **1. Basic Principle:**
- **Motor:**
- A motor **converts electrical energy into mechanical energy**.
- It works on the principle of **electromagnetic induction** where a current-carrying conductor (wire) placed in a magnetic field experiences a force, causing motion.
- **Generator:**
- A generator **converts mechanical energy into electrical energy**.
- It works on the principle of **electromagnetic induction** as well, where a conductor moves through a magnetic field, inducing an electrical current in the conductor.
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#### **2. Energy Conversion:**
- **Motor:**
Electrical energy β Mechanical energy (motion)
- **Generator:**
Mechanical energy (motion) β Electrical energy
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#### **3. Direction of Energy Flow:**
- **Motor:** Electrical power flows **into** the motor, and the motor produces mechanical motion.
- **Generator:** Mechanical power is **input** to the generator, and it produces electrical output.
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#### **4. Function:**
- **Motor:** Used to **drive** machines (like fans, pumps, electric vehicles).
- **Generator:** Used to **produce** electricity (like in power plants, wind turbines, or hand-cranked generators).
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#### **5. Types of Energy Required:**
- **Motor:** Needs an **external electrical supply** (AC or DC) to operate.
- **Generator:** Needs an **external mechanical source** (such as a rotating turbine, engine, or hand crank) to generate electricity.
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#### **6. Examples:**
- **Motor:**
- Electric fan
- Electric car motor
- Household appliances (washing machines, vacuum cleaners)
- **Generator:**
- Power plants
- Wind turbines
- Bicycle generators
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#### **7. Working Example:**
- **Motor:** When you plug in an electric fan, electrical current flows through the motor, causing the fan blades to rotate.
- **Generator:** When you turn the handle of a hand-cranked generator, the motion you provide is converted into electrical energy to power small devices like a flashlight.
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#### **8. Symbol/Diagram:**
- **Motor:**
- Usually represented with a symbol of a rotating armature with electrical input.
- **Generator:**
- Represented by a symbol showing mechanical input (like a rotating shaft) with electrical output.
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### **Conclusion:**
- A **motor** uses **electricity** to create **motion**, while a **generator** uses **motion** to generate **electricity**.
Both are based on the same fundamental principle of **electromagnetic induction**, but their functions and energy flow directions are reversed.
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This should cover the basic differences. Let me know if you'd like to explore this more deeply!