Definition: Alternating Current Motor

Alternate Current (AC) Motors

Alternate Current (AC) Motors are motors in which a variable current flows through the stator. The current variations can be in a series of smooth sinusoidal cycles or can occur in abrupt digital transitions. Rotation of an AC motor is caused by sequencing the current cycles among the individual stator windings. Depending upon the material used to make the rotor, the rotor will be drawn toward an activated winding by either magnetic attraction or magnetic reluctance. The speed of an AC motor's rotation is dependent upon the speed in which the current changes are sequenced through the stator windings.

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