What is the role of the commutator in a DC motor?

The commutator plays a crucial role in the operation of a DC motor. A DC motor relies on the interaction between the magnetic fields of the stator and rotor to produce motion. The stator is the stationary part of the motor that generates a magnetic field, while the rotor is the rotating part that contains the armature.

The armature of a DC motor consists of a set of coils that are connected to the commutator. The commutator is a rotating electrical switch that changes the direction of the current flowing through the armature coils as the rotor rotates. This causes the magnetic field generated by the armature to change direction and interact with the stator's magnetic field, producing a torque that causes the rotor to rotate.

The commutator essentially converts the AC voltage that is generated within the armature coils into a DC voltage that can be used to power the motor. It achieves this by using brushes that make contact with the commutator and transfer the electrical current between the stationary power source and the rotating armature.

In summary, the commutator is a vital component of a DC motor as it allows for the conversion of AC voltage into DC voltage, enabling the motor to operate and produce motion.