Which statement best defines a motor?

Which statement best defines a motor?

• A. Any device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
• B. A device that stores electrical energy
• C. A device that converts electrical energy into chemical energy
• D. A device that turns electrical energy into mechanical energy

Answer: (D)

A motor is a device that uses electrical energy to produce mechanical energy, i.e., it turns electricity into motion. Among the options, the statement that a motor turns electrical energy into mechanical energy describes exactly what a motor does. The other descriptions refer to different devices: a generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy; a device that stores electrical energy (like a battery or capacitor) stores energy rather than providing motion; and a device that converts electrical energy into chemical energy is what charges a battery or stores energy chemically. In everyday terms, electric motors power things like fans and drills by creating rotation from electrical power, which distinguishes them from the other energy-conversion devices.

A motor is a device that uses electrical energy to produce mechanical energy, i.e., it turns electricity into motion. Among the options, the statement that a motor turns electrical energy into mechanical energy describes exactly what a motor does. The other descriptions refer to different devices: a generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy; a device that stores electrical energy (like a battery or capacitor) stores energy rather than providing motion; and a device that converts electrical energy into chemical energy is what charges a battery or stores energy chemically. In everyday terms, electric motors power things like fans and drills by creating rotation from electrical power, which distinguishes them from the other energy-conversion devices.