An electric motor, as its name implies, is a device which uses electricity to produce a motoring or mechanical output. In other words, most, if not all, devices in our daily lives comprise some form of electric motor in their works. Although the term motor infers that the device is in motion or induces motion, it is not necessarily the case at all times. The motion inferred to is that within the motor, hidden from plain sight. If so, how do electric motors work?To have some inkling on what goes into making an electric motor work, it is best to have some basic knowledge on magnets. As taught in elementary science, a magnet is made up of two opposing poles known as the north and south poles. If there is another magnet within close vicinity, both show immediate pull towards one another via their opposing poles. The coinage of the term whereby opposites attract was probably birthed due to this phenomenon. Concluding this short recap in Physics and English, we proceed to the makings of an electric motor which comprises a few basic elements. An electromagnet is a magnet powered by electricity. It is normally created via a coil of wires through which an electrical current is run through. Increasing the number of coils of wires adds to its force.The second element is a permanent magnet, placed within close proximity and surrounding the electromagnet. Once the electromagnet is switched on, a magnetic field is created causing the coil of wires to turn due to attraction of opposite poles from both magnets. How do these work with a single turn of the coil? Obviously, they don't. To create a true-blue motor, it is essential for the coil to produce a continuously flow of movement which can then be translated into good use. Continuous turning is achieved as the electromagnet's poles are rapidly flipped and alternated to induce attraction and repulsion towards and away from the permanent magnet's poles. This then translates electrical and magnetic energy into kinetic energy or motion.In the makings of an electric motor, there are two kinds of power source. Most electric motors run on alternating current which causes the alternating of poles and continuous spinning of electromagnetic coils. Electric motors running on direct current are powered by batteries. To produce the alternating poles effect, there is an additional part in each motor to simulate the alternating direction of the current into the electromagnet. If a device requires a fair amount of movement, it is normally powered by alternating current. Fans, blenders and trains fall into this category. Direct current is usually sufficient for lesser-powered motors such as notebook fans and hard disks, hand-held vacuum cleaners and electric toothbrushes.
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