GLOSSARY OF TERMS
- alternating current (AC) - electrical current that reverses direction
at a certain frequency. For example, alternating current from a wall socket
in the U.S. reverses current at 60 Hz, or 60 cycles per second.
- armature - the rotating axle of a motor
- brushes - points where power source makes contact with rotating commutator.
- commutator - ring or similar object fixed to end of armature. Allows
continuous contact with power source.
- direct current (DC) - electrical current that maintains a single
direction.
- electromagnet - magnet created by coiling current-carrying wire,
thereby polarizing the induced magnetic field.
- stator - the stationary part of the motor. Contains the armature
and the external magnetic field it is immersed in.
- torque - a force acting on a moment arm. In this case, the force
that causes the armature to turn.
- windings - coils of wire used to make electromagnets in a motor.