2006-09-21 13:26:30 · 6 answers · asked by acage123 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
An alternator is about $90 bucks in a parts store. A motor is about $600 for a short block.
So the difference is $510.
2006-09-21 16:00:20 · answer #1 · answered by captn_carrot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a motor is combustion something designed just to spin
and An alternator is an electromechanical device that converts mechanical energy to alternating current electrical energy. Most alternators use a rotating magnetic field. Different geometries - such as a linear alternator for use with stirling engines - are also occasionally used. In principle, any AC generator can be called an alternator, but usually the word refers to small rotating machines driven by automotive and other internal combustion engines.
get the picture if not check out the sources
2006-09-21 13:42:39 · answer #2 · answered by macgyver 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An alternator provides a mean of energy through motion, while a motor provides a motion through a mean of energy. i.e.; It takes fuel to make a motor run to provide the motion needed for work, while the alternator is an opposite of that. It provides an energy from a motion. An alternator's output depends on two things; it's ability to dissipate heat, and the size of it's prime mover. It is a magnet (or series of magnets) designed to cut an electrical field that a prime mover will move it through.
A motor is a conductor "field" that is pushed, or pulled though a series of charged magnets causing the motion.
2006-09-21 15:33:42 · answer #3 · answered by mojo_1man_linecrew 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alternator is another name for an a.c generator. It is usually driven by a turbine (steam, water, gas-engine), and transforms that rotational mechanical power to electrical power with about 90 to 98% efficiency. A motor is the opposite of that. It converts electric power into mechanical rotational power.
2006-09-21 13:31:41 · answer #4 · answered by noitall 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yaa..
as what the other guys said..
they work exctley the opposite way of each other.. a motor converts electricity to mechanical energy, while the generator (alternator) converts mechanical energy on a turbine or a fan ..etc. to electrical energy..
both can be single or three phase.
2006-09-21 13:39:22 · answer #5 · answered by passion_harbour 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An alternator uses mechanical energy to produce electrical energy.
A motor uses electrical energy to produce mechanical energy.
Certain types of GENERATORS can be used either way, but that's another ?...................
2006-09-21 13:32:53 · answer #6 · answered by Steve 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋