Depending upon the type of electromechanical energy conversion, the electrical machines are divided in two types as,

• Electric Motor
• Electric Generator

What is an Electric Motor?

An electromechanical energy conversion device which converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy is known as electric motor.
An electric motor receives input electric power either from a direct current (DC) source such as battery, etc. or from an alternating current (AC) source such as power grid, AC generators, etc. Most of the electric motors operate by the interaction between a magnetic field and electric current in a wire to produce a torque.
An electric motor consists of two main parts viz. stator and rotor. The stator is the stationary part of the motor while the rotor is the rotating part of the motor to which a shaft is attached for driving a mechanical load.
Electric motors are used in many appliances such as electric fan, cooler, air-conditioner, electric cars, electric trains, cranes, etc.Electric motors are used in many appliances such as electric fan, cooler, air-conditioner, electric cars, electric trains, cranes, etc.

What is an Electric Generator?

An electromechanical energy conversion device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy is known as electric generator.
The mechanical energy input to an electric generator is usually provided by steam turbine, gas turbine, water turbine, diesel engine, wind turbine, etc. The electric generators are also work on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
The generator also consists of two major parts, i.e. stator and rotor. The stator of the generator carries the armature winding in which the EMF is induced, while the rotor of the generator carries the field winding for creating magnetic field in the generator. The EMF is induced in the armature conductor when a rotating magnetic linked with it. The electric generators are used for providing a continuous supply of electricity for different applications.

Conclusion

Motors and generators are electromechanical energy conversion systems which are extensively used for conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice-versa. The most significant difference between a motor and a generator is in their working, that is a motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, whereas a generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.