1. Electricity How do motors work?

2. Motors A motor takes advantage of electromagnetism If you have two magnets the north end of one will attract the south end of the other Also, the north end of one magnet will repel the north end of the other (and similarly, south will repel south)

3. Motors This creates a rotational motion The armature (or rotor) is an electromagnet, while the field magnet is a permanent magnet (the field magnet could be an electromagnet as well, but in most small motors it isn't in order to save power). electromagnet

4. Motors This motor, while small, is typical of how most motors work. Let’s look at it more closely

5. Motors The armature in this motor is a set of thin metal plates stacked together, with thin copper wire coiled around each of the poles of the armature.

6. Motors - Electromagnet When you wrap coils of wire around a metal object, it creates an electromagnet. This electromagnet wants to align with the field magnet. If you switch the polarity of the electromagnet, it will continue to turn, creating the rotational motion of a motor.

7. Motors