Inside an Electric Motor

An electric motor changes electrical energy into turning motion. Explore its parts, build the simplified motor, and watch electricity and magnetism work together.

🔍 Explore the Parts

Meet the electric motor

Choose a part to see its name, what it does, and where it connects.

Choose a part
Look for its connection points
Press Show Me for a guided tour

Housing

The housing holds the motor's stationary parts safely around the spinning center.

How it connects

The housing surrounds every other part and holds the magnets and bearings fixed in place.

Outer shell

Permanent magnets

The permanent magnets create a magnetic field around the rotor.

How it connects

The magnets are fixed to the inside of the housing, one on each side of the rotor.

Housing wall mount

Rotor and armature coil

The rotor carries a wire coil that becomes an electromagnet when current flows.

How it connects

The coil is wound onto the rotor, which is fixed to the shaft and turns with it.

Shaft mount

Shaft

The shaft turns with the rotor and carries the motor's motion to another machine.

How it connects

The shaft passes through the bearings and extends outside the housing to do useful work.

Drive end

Split commutator

The commutator switches the coil's current direction as the rotor turns.

How it connects

The commutator is fixed to the shaft and rotates against the stationary brushes.

Shaft mount

Brushes

The stationary brushes pass current to the rotating commutator.

How it connects

The brushes press against the commutator from fixed positions and connect to the terminals.

Commutator contact

Bearings

The bearings support the shaft and help it turn smoothly.

How it connects

The bearings sit inside the housing at each end of the shaft, holding it centered as it spins.

Housing seat

Electrical terminals

The terminals connect the motor to a safe source of electrical energy.

How it connects

The terminals connect through lead wires to the brushes, bringing power in from outside.

External connection

Meet the electric motor

Choose a part to see its name, what it does, and where it connects.

Choose a part
Look for its connection points
Press Show Me for a guided tour

Exit Activity

Learn on screen, explore safely

This activity uses a simplified model to explain how something works. Real objects may have different parts and designs. Ask a trusted adult before using tools, opening equipment, making repairs, or taking anything apart.

This activity uses a simplified model, not a real motor. Ask a trusted adult before opening or working on any real motor or electrical device.