Alternating Current Motor

Definition

An alternating current (AC) motor is a type of electric motor that operates by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy through the use of an alternating current.

Analogy

Think of an AC motor like a bicycle. When you pedal, your legs (the power source) move in a circular motion, which turns the gears and moves the bike forward. The AC motor works similarly - it uses electricity to create a rotating magnetic field that spins the rotor and powers whatever machine it's attached to.

Related terms

Direct Current Motor: A direct current (DC) motor is another type of electric motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy but uses direct current instead of alternating current.

Electricity: This is the set of physical phenomena associated with the presence and flow of electric charge. It's what powers both AC and DC motors.

Magnetic Field: This is a region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts. In an AC or DC motor, this magnetic field causes rotation.