Question

What is the role of the stator and rotor in an induction motor?

Answer 1

In an induction motor, the **stator** and **rotor** have distinct roles, but they work together to create the motor’s operation:

### 1. **Stator**:
The stator is the stationary part of the induction motor and is located on the outer side of the motor. Its role is to generate a rotating magnetic field when connected to an alternating current (AC) power supply.

- **Function**: The stator has coils (windings) that are supplied with AC voltage. When AC current flows through these coils, it creates a **rotating magnetic field**. This field is essential because it interacts with the rotor to induce motion.

### 2. **Rotor**:
The rotor is the rotating part of the motor and is located inside the stator. It is usually made of conducting material, often copper or aluminum, and can be of two types: squirrel cage or wound type.

- **Function**: The rotor doesn’t receive power directly but instead **induces current** due to the rotating magnetic field from the stator. The interaction between the rotating magnetic field and the induced currents in the rotor creates a force, which causes the rotor to spin. The rotor tries to follow the rotating magnetic field but always lags behind it, which is why the motor is called an **induction motor** (because the rotor "induces" current from the stator’s field).

### Summary:
- **Stator**: Generates the rotating magnetic field.
- **Rotor**: Induces current from the stator's field and produces motion in the motor.

Together, they convert electrical energy into mechanical energy (motion).