Question

Explain the principle and working of an electric motor. What is the function of a split ring in an electric motor?

Answer 1

Electric motor:

An electric motor is a device that converts electric energy into mechanical energy. The electric motor works on the basic principle of electromagnetism.

Principle and working of an electric motor:

1. There is a magnetic field produced around a wire when a current is passed through it.
2. This current-carrying wire has moving charges flowing through it.
3. This moving charge interacts with the external magnetic force present in the surrounding.
4. There is a Lorentz force on the electric charge, thereby producing a force on the whole electric wire.
5. The force is given by the equation $F=IL\times B$ where I is current, L is the length of wire and b is the external magnetic field.
6. The interaction produces a force on the wire. The force is such that it produces a torque on the loop causing it to rotate.

The function of split ring:

1. A split ring or commutator is an important part of an electric motor.
2. The commutator reverses the direction of the current in every half turn.
3. This would lead to a continuous rotation of the rotor.