Electric motors and generators are similar in physical principle, in fact, they can be converted into each other. The difference between an electric motor and a generator often depends on their mode of operation and application. Here is an explanation as to why the motor is able to reverse and the generator is not:
1.Electric Motor:
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. When an electric current passes through the coil of the motor, a force is created in the electromagnetic field which causes the motor to turn. This process is known as electromagnetic induction.
The direction of the motor depends on the direction of the current as well as the direction of the electromagnetic field. If you change the direction of the current, the motor will rotate in the opposite direction. Therefore, the motor can be reversed by changing the direction of the current.
2.Generator:
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. When you spin the shaft of the motor, the wire moves in a magnetic field, which induces an electric current on the wire. This is also the process of electromagnetic induction.
The direction of the generator depends on the direction of rotation and the direction of the magnetic field. If you reverse spin the shaft of the motor, the direction of the current will change accordingly. Therefore, the generator can actually also change the direction of the current by changing the direction of rotation.
Overall, the basic principle of electric motors and generators is the same, both are based on electromagnetic induction. An electric motor causes mechanical motion through an electric current, whereas a generator generates an electric current through mechanical motion. The key difference between them is the direction of application and the way they are used, but in theory, they can all achieve opposite outputs with opposite inputs.