Which device converts electrical energy into mechanical energy?

Which device converts electrical energy into mechanical energy?

• A. Solenoid
• B. Transformer
• C. Electric Motor
• D. Generator

Answer: (C)

Electric energy is directly turned into mechanical energy when a device acts to produce motion. In an electric motor, current flows through windings placed in a magnetic field, and the magnetic forces on the conductors create torque on the rotor. This torque drives rotation, converting electrical power into kinetic energy and useful mechanical work. This is different from a generator, which does the opposite by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy; a transformer, which transfers energy between circuits via changing magnetic flux without producing motion; and a solenoid, which mainly creates a magnetic field from electrical energy and, if used to move a plunger, produces linear actuation rather than the rotational mechanical energy typical of a motor. So the motor is the device that best converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Electric energy is directly turned into mechanical energy when a device acts to produce motion. In an electric motor, current flows through windings placed in a magnetic field, and the magnetic forces on the conductors create torque on the rotor. This torque drives rotation, converting electrical power into kinetic energy and useful mechanical work. This is different from a generator, which does the opposite by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy; a transformer, which transfers energy between circuits via changing magnetic flux without producing motion; and a solenoid, which mainly creates a magnetic field from electrical energy and, if used to move a plunger, produces linear actuation rather than the rotational mechanical energy typical of a motor. So the motor is the device that best converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.