Intro to D.C. Motors


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Motors come in many sizes and types, but their basic function is the same. Motors of all types serve to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. They can be found in VCR's, elevators, CD players, toys, robots, watches, automobiles, subway trains, fans, space ships, air conditioners, refrigerators, and many other places.

D.C. motors are motors that run on Direct Current from a battery or D.C. power supply. Direct Current is the term used to describe electricity at a constant voltage. A.C. motors run on Alternating Current, which oscillates with a fixed cycle between a positive and negative value. Electrical outlets provide A.C. power.

When a battery or D.C. power supply is connected between a D.C. motor's electrical leads, the motor converts electrical energy to mechanical work as the output shaft turns.

"The electric motor is the most convenient of all sources of motive power. It is clean and silent, starts instantly, and can be built large enough to drive the world's fastest trains or small enough to work a watch."
-David Macaulay, author of The Way Things Work
[silver maxon motor (2.007)]
Silver Maxon Motor
(2.007)
Overall Length: 2.13 in
Body Diameter: 1.58 in
[Globe Motor (FIRST)]
Global Motor with geared output
(FIRST)
Overall Length: 4.12 in
Body Diameter: 1.55 in

[green maxon DC motor (2.007)]
Green Maxon Motor with geared output
(2.007)
Overall Length: 4.40 in
Body Diameter: 0.87 in

[small polaroid DC motor (2.007)]
Polaroid Motor
(2.007)
Overall Length: 1.41 in
Body Width: 0.878 in
Body Height: 0.590 in
Home INTRO How They Work Characteristics Examples

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