An electric motor is used to change which form of energy?

An electric motor is used to change which form of energy?

• A. Electrical energy into mechanical energy
• B. Mechanical energy into electrical energy
• C. Electrical energy into chemical energy
• D. Thermal energy into electrical energy

Answer: (A)

Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to create motion. When electrical current flows through the motor windings, magnetic fields interact to produce torque on the rotor, causing it to turn. That rotational energy can then do work—driving a drill, fan, conveyor, or wheel. Some energy is always lost as heat due to resistance and friction, but the primary function is electrical energy transforming into mechanical energy. The other energy conversions described don’t match a motor’s purpose: turning mechanical energy into electrical energy would be a generator; converting electrical energy into chemical energy happens in batteries or electrochemical cells; and converting thermal energy into electrical energy requires a heat engine or thermoelectric device, not a motor.

Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to create motion. When electrical current flows through the motor windings, magnetic fields interact to produce torque on the rotor, causing it to turn. That rotational energy can then do work—driving a drill, fan, conveyor, or wheel. Some energy is always lost as heat due to resistance and friction, but the primary function is electrical energy transforming into mechanical energy.

The other energy conversions described don’t match a motor’s purpose: turning mechanical energy into electrical energy would be a generator; converting electrical energy into chemical energy happens in batteries or electrochemical cells; and converting thermal energy into electrical energy requires a heat engine or thermoelectric device, not a motor.