Motor vs. Generator — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
A motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to perform work like turning a wheel. A generator does the opposite, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as when powering a home.
Difference Between Motor and Generator
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A motor is a device designed to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. It operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which allows it to generate torque and drive mechanical operations. A generator, in contrast, converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, typically using similar principles but in reverse.
In a motor, an electric current passes through coils, creating a magnetic field that generates mechanical movement. Generators, however, rely on mechanical movement, such as a spinning turbine, to induce electrical current in coils, which is then harvested for power.
Motors are commonly used in various household appliances, industrial machines, and vehicles to create movement or work. Generators are used in different settings like power plants, homes, and even portable units to produce electricity, especially where the main grid is unavailable or insufficient.
The efficiency of a motor is often a crucial factor, focusing on how well it converts electrical energy into useful mechanical work. With generators, the focus is more on the reliable production and storage of electrical energy, often requiring mechanisms like voltage regulators to ensure consistency.
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Converts electrical to mechanical energy
Converts mechanical to electrical energy
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Direction of Conversion
Electrical to Mechanical
Mechanical to Electrical
Common Uses
Appliances, Vehicles
Power Plants, Backup Power
Efficiency Concerns
Conversion Efficiency
Reliability & Consistency
Principle
Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic Induction
Compare with Definitions
Motor
Integral to household appliances and industrial machines.
The motor in the blender allows it to chop and mix ingredients.
Generator
Operates based on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
The hydroelectric generator uses electromagnetic induction to produce electricity.
Motor
A key component in electric and hybrid vehicles.
The car’s electric motor provides instant torque for acceleration.
Generator
Essential for power generation in remote or emergency situations.
We relied on a portable generator during the power outage.
Motor
Something, such as a machine or an engine, that produces or imparts motion.
Generator
Used in power plants for large-scale electricity production.
The coal-fired power plant has several large generators.
Motor
A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power.
Generator
May require a fuel source like diesel, gas, or wind for operation.
This wind generator harnesses wind energy to produce electricity.
Motor
A motor vehicle, especially an automobile
"It was a night of lovers. All along the highway ... motors were parked and dim figures were clasped in revery" (Sinclair Lewis).
Generator
A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
The generator powers the entire campsite at night.
Motor
Causing or producing motion
Motor power.
Generator
One that generates, especially a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Motor
Driven by or having a motor.
Generator
An apparatus that generates vapor or gas.
Motor
Of or for motors or motor vehicles
Motor oil.
Generator
A circuit that generates a specified waveform.
Motor
Of, relating to, or designating nerves that carry impulses from the nerve centers to the muscles.
Generator
(Mathematics) See generatrix.
Motor
Involving or relating to movements of the muscles
Motor coordination.
A motor reflex.
Generator
(Computers) A program that produces specific programs from the definition of an operation.
Motor
To drive or travel in a motor vehicle.
Generator
One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.
Motor
To carry by motor vehicle.
Generator
(chemistry) An apparatus in which vapour or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort etc.
Motor
A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.
Generator
(music) The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of the common chord; -- see also generating tone.
Motor
(colloquial) A motor car, or automobile, even a goods vehicle.
Nice motor!
Generator
(mathematics) An element of a group that is used in the presentation of the group: one of the elements from which the others can be inferred with the given relators.
Motor
(figuratively) A source of power for something; an inspiration; a driving force.
Generator
(geometry) One of the lines of a ruled surface; more generally, an element of some family of linear spaces.
Motor
Any protein capable of converting chemical energy into mechanical work.
Generator
(programming) A subordinate piece of code which, given some initial parameters, will generate multiple output values on request.
Motor
The controller or prime mover of the universe; God.
Generator
A piece of apparatus, equipment, etc, to convert or change energy from one form to another.
Motor
(prison slang) The fermenting mass of fruit that is the basis of pruno, or "prison wine".
Generator
Especially, a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Motor
(biology) Relating to the ability to move.
She has excellent motor skills.
Generator
One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.
Motor
Relating to motor cars.
Motor insurance is expensive for youngsters.
Generator
An apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort, or vessel for generating carbonic acid gas, etc.
Motor
(nautical) Propelled by an internal combustion engine as opposed to a steam engine or turbine.
Generator
The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of the common chord; - called also generating tone.
Motor
(dated) To make a journey by motor vehicle; to drive.
On Saturday we motored down to Plymouth.
Generator
Any machine that transforms mechanical into electrical energy; a dynamo.
Motor
To rotate a jet engine or turboprop using the engine's starter, without introducing fuel into the engine.
During startup, the engine should be motored for 20 to 30 seconds to allow the shafts to straighten out, as they may have become bowed under their own weight while the airplane was sitting on the ground.
Generator
A mathematical entity which, when subjected to an operation, yields another mathematical entity; also, a generatrix.
Motor
To progress at a brisk pace.
Sales were slow at first, but now things are really motoring.
Generator
An apparatus that produces a vapor or gas
Motor
(slang) To leave.
I gotta motor.
Generator
Engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction
Motor
One who, or that which, imparts motion; a source of mechanical power.
Generator
Someone who originates or causes or initiates something;
He was the generator of several complaints
Motor
A prime mover; a machine by means of which a source of power, as steam, moving water, electricity, etc., is made available for doing mechanical work.
Generator
An electronic device for producing a signal voltage
Motor
A motor car; an automobile.
Motor
Causing or setting up motion; pertaining to organs of motion; - applied especially in physiology to those nerves or nerve fibers which only convey impressions from a nerve center to muscles, thereby causing motion.
Motor
Machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
Motor
A nonspecific agent that imparts motion;
Happiness is the aim of all men and the motor of all action
Motor
Travel or be transported in a vehicle;
We drove to the university every morning
They motored to London for the theater
Motor
Conveying information to the muscles from the CNS;
Motor nerves
Motor
Causing or able to cause motion;
A motive force
Motive power
Motor energy
Motor
A machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
The motor in the washing machine rotates the drum.
Motor
Operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
This electric car's motor uses electromagnetic induction to provide torque.
Motor
Utilized for creating motion in various systems.
The conveyor belt uses a motor to move items along its length.
Common Curiosities
How does a Motor work?
A motor works by passing an electric current through coils, creating a magnetic field that generates mechanical movement.
How does a Generator work?
A generator works by using mechanical movement to induce an electrical current in coils, which is then harvested for power.
What is a Motor?
A motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Is a Motor reversible?
Some motors can be reversible, allowing them to operate in both directions.
Where are Generators commonly used?
Generators are used in power plants, homes, and portable units for emergency or remote power.
What powers a Motor?
A motor is powered by electrical energy.
Can a Motor act as a Generator?
In some cases, a motor can act as a generator if mechanically driven, but it's not usually as efficient.
Where are Motors commonly used?
Motors are used in household appliances, industrial machines, and vehicles.
What is a Generator?
A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
What is the principle behind a Generator?
Generators also operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction but in the opposite direction.
What powers a Generator?
A generator may be powered by various means, like diesel, gas, or wind.
What is the principle behind a Motor?
Motors operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Can a Generator act as a Motor?
Theoretically, some generators can act as motors but are not generally designed for this purpose.
How efficient are Motors and Generators?
Motor efficiency is concerned with how well it converts electrical energy into mechanical work, while generator efficiency focuses on reliable electrical energy production.
Is a Generator reversible?
Generally, generators are not reversible; they are designed to produce electricity.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
