What Is The Motor Effect Of The Electrical Current?

When a current-carrying conductor is placed at right angles to a magnetic field, a force acts on the conductor. If a current-carrying rectangular coil is placed in a magnetic field, a couple acts on the coil and it starts rotating. This is the principle of an electric motor. Thus in an electric motor, electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy. Electric fans, mixers, washing machines, etc. work on electric motors.

A running motor also acts as a generator producing electromotive force and a current in the reverse direction. This reverse current increases with the speed of the motor. Thus the starting or initial current of an electric motor is much greater than the current flowing after the motor reaches its running speed. If for any reason, the motor armature is brought to rest while the current is still on, the motor may burn out. To avoid damage, a starter (a variable resistance) is used in large motors.