Worksheet
Grade#9
Motors vs. Generators & AC vs. DC:
9th Grade Worksheet
Understanding the differences between motors and generators, and between AC
(alternating current) and DC (direct current), is essential in physics and technology.
Both motors and generators use magnetic fields and coils of wire, but they serve
different purposes. Motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy
(motion), while generators do the opposite: they convert mechanical energy into
electrical energy.
AC and DC are two types of electrical current. AC changes direction periodically,
while DC flows in one constant direction. Most homes use AC, while batteries
provide DC. Knowing these differences helps us understand how devices like fans,
cars, and power plants work.
Fill in the Blank: Fill in the blank with the correct words.
1. A _ changes electrical energy into mechanical energy.
2. A _ produces electricity from mechanical motion.
3. In homes, the electricity supplied is usually _.
4. Batteries provide _, which flows in one direction.
5. _ current changes direction periodically.
Word Bank:
generator, AC, DC, motor, alternating
Multiple Choice Questions: Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. What does a motor do?
o a) Converts mechanical energy to electrical energy
o b) Converts electrical energy to mechanical energy
o c) Stores energy
o d) Changes AC to DC
2. What does a generator do?
o a) Increases current flow
o b) Converts electrical energy to mechanical energy
o c) Converts mechanical energy to electrical energy
o d) Stores energy
3. Which type of current changes direction?
o a) DC
o b) AC
o c) Both AC and DC
o d) None
4. Which device would you find in a power plant to create electricity?
o a) Motor
o b) Generator
o c) Battery
o d) Switch
5. Which is true about DC?
o a) It is used in home power lines
o b) It changes direction
o c) It flows in one direction only
o d) None of the above
6. Motors are commonly used in:
o a) Power stations
o b) Fans and electric cars
o c) Solar panels
o d) Circuit breakers
7. Generators are needed when you:
o a) Want to move a car
o b) Need to light a bulb without batteries
o c) Play music
o d) Store mechanical energy
8. The type of current in a wall socket in the United States is:
o a) DC
o b) AC
o c) Both AC and DC
o d) None
9. Which of the following is NOT true about a motor?
o a) It can run on AC or DC
o b) It produces mechanical energy
o c) It makes electricity from motion
o d) It needs electricity to operate
10.Which is NOT a feature of AC?
o a) Changes direction
o b) Is supplied to homes
o c) Flows in one direction only
o d) Can be generated by a generator
True or False: Write “True” or “False” for each statement.
1. A generator needs mechanical movement to work.
2. DC current can reverse its direction automatically.
3. Motors convert electricity into movement.
4. AC is used in most household power outlets.
5. Generators are found in car engines to charge batteries.
Open-Ended Questions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Explain the main difference between a motor and a generator.
1. Describe how AC and DC are different from each other.
1. Give one real-world example of where a motor is used and one example of
where a generator is used.
ANSWER KEY
Fill in the Blank:
1. motor
2. generator
3. AC
4. DC
5. Alternating
Word Bank: generator, AC, DC, motor, alternating
Multiple Choice:
1. b) Converts electrical energy to mechanical energy
2. c) Converts mechanical energy to electrical energy
3. b) AC
4. b) Generator
5. c) It flows in one direction only
6. b) Fans and electric cars
7. b) Need to light a bulb without batteries
8. b) AC
9. c) It makes electricity from motion
10.c) Flows in one direction only
True or False:
1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. True
Open-Ended Questions (sample answers):
1. The main difference is that a motor changes electrical energy into
mechanical energy (movement), while a generator changes mechanical
energy into electrical energy.
2. AC (alternating current) reverses direction regularly, while DC (direct
current) flows in only one direction.
3. A motor is used in an electric fan, while a generator is used in a power plant
to produce electricity.
End of Worksheet
