Which statement is true about the relationship between stator and rotor under normal operation?

Which statement is true about the relationship between stator and rotor under normal operation?

• A. The stator follows the rotor.
• B. They rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions.
• C. The rotor follows the rotating magnetic field of the stator.
• D. The rotor remains stationary while the stator rotates.

Answer: (C)

Under normal operation, the stator windings create a rotating magnetic field. The rotor, typically a squirrel-cage conductor, responds to that field by having currents induced in it. The interaction between the stator’s rotating field and these rotor currents produces torque that drags the rotor around in the same direction as the field. The rotor can’t quite match the field speed because of slip, but it effectively follows the rotating field rather than staying still or moving in the opposite direction. The stator itself remains stationary; it’s the magnetic field it generates that turns the rotor.

Under normal operation, the stator windings create a rotating magnetic field. The rotor, typically a squirrel-cage conductor, responds to that field by having currents induced in it. The interaction between the stator’s rotating field and these rotor currents produces torque that drags the rotor around in the same direction as the field. The rotor can’t quite match the field speed because of slip, but it effectively follows the rotating field rather than staying still or moving in the opposite direction. The stator itself remains stationary; it’s the magnetic field it generates that turns the rotor.