Electric fans rotate due to the principles of electromagnetism within an electric motor. Here's a breakdown:
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Electromagnetism in Action: The core principle is that an electric current creates a magnetic field.
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The Motor's Role: The electric fan contains an electric motor with two main parts: a stator (stationary part) and a rotor (rotating part).
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Creating the Magnetic Field: When electricity flows through coils of wire in the stator, it generates a magnetic field. Similarly, the rotor also typically has coils of wire that become magnetized when electricity is applied (or it uses permanent magnets).
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Interaction and Rotation: The magnetic field produced by the stator interacts with the magnetic field of the rotor. This interaction causes a force (specifically, a torque) that makes the rotor spin. Think of it like pushing magnets together – they either attract or repel each other, causing movement.
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Continuous Rotation: To keep the fan spinning, the direction of the magnetic field is continuously changed using components like commutators or electronic controls. This ensures the rotor is always being "pushed" in the right direction.
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Blades and Airflow: The rotor is connected to the fan blades. As the rotor spins, it forces the blades to rotate, creating a flow of air and providing the cooling effect.
In essence, the electric fan converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (rotation) through the interplay of magnetic fields.
