Question:

hello mr mousseau,my name is dave and i would like you to help me in understanding the difference btwn a generator and an electric motor.also do most generator produce ac voltage which would need to be converted to dc if required??
i do understand the basics of a
car generator and how a car starter motor works but can't seem to see any differences!!

thanks in advance
dave

Answer:

Hi Dave

Good question. There is not a lot of difference between a generator and an electric motor. There are DC generators and AC generators. The generator in a car is actually an AC generator that is changed to DC to be used in the vehicle. Electric motors can be made to produce electricity by driving the motor with a gas engine for example. Vehilce manufacturers that are experimenting with electric vehicles use what is called regenerative power from the electric motor when the vehicle is slowing down.The electric motor is being used as a generator in this case. Thank you for your question.

Answered By: Jim Mousseau

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