Electric Motors
The function of an electric motor is to convert electricity into mechanical motion. Most work by way of electromagnetism which causes components within the motor to rotate inside the cylindrical casing. The fundamental idea behind an electric motor is that force is generated when a current carrying element is exposed to a magnetic field. Many schools offer kits that can be used to make simple but working electric motors.One of the first electric motors was developed in 1821 by Michael Faraday. It consisted of a hanging wire dipped into a pool of mercury. Faraday placed a magnet in the pool of mercury. When an electric current passed through the wire, the wire circled around the magnet. This is a form of DC or direct current motor. Most household appliances such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, and washing machines use an AC or alternating current motor.