 DC Motors & Generators

1. The function of a commutator in a DC machine is to:

· (A) Reduce sparking
· (B) Convert AC to DC
· (C) Convert DC to AC
· (D) Reverse current direction in armature
· ✅ Answer: D
2. The speed of a DC shunt motor is:
· (A) Constant
· (B) Proportional to load
· (C) Inversely proportional to load
· (D) Highly variable
· ✅ Answer: A
3. The back EMF in a DC motor is maximum when:
· (A) Motor is stopped
· (B) Motor is starting
· (C) Motor is running at full speed
· (D) Motor is overloaded
· ✅ Answer: C
4. In DC generators, the brushes are made of:
· (A) Copper
· (B) Aluminium
· (C) Graphite
· (D) Silver
· ✅ Answer: C
5. Which of the following DC motor has the highest starting torque?
· (A) Shunt Motor
· (B) Series Motor
· (C) Compound Motor
· (D) Permanent Magnet Motor
· ✅ Answer: B

⚡ AC Motors (Induction and Synchronous)

6. In a 3-phase squirrel cage induction motor, the rotor runs at:
· (A) Synchronous speed
· (B) Slightly less than synchronous speed
· (C) More than synchronous speed
· (D) Zero speed
· ✅ Answer: B
7. Slip in an induction motor is defined as:
· (A) (Ns - Nr)/Ns × 100
· (B) (Nr - Ns)/Nr × 100
· (C) Ns/Nr × 100
· (D) Nr/Ns × 100
· ✅ Answer: A
8. The synchronous speed of a 4-pole, 50 Hz induction motor is:
· (A) 750 RPM
· (B) 1000 RPM
· (C) 1500 RPM
· (D) 3000 RPM
· ✅ Answer: C
9. Which motor is used for constant speed operation?
· (A) DC Series Motor
· (B) DC Shunt Motor
· (C) Synchronous Motor
· (D) Universal Motor
· ✅ Answer: C
10. The torque developed in an induction motor at start is:
· (A) Zero
· (B) Low
· (C) High
· (D) Infinite
· ✅ Answer: C

 Single-Phase Motors
11. Which single-phase motor is best suited for ceiling fans?
· (A) Capacitor start
· (B) Split-phase
· (C) Shaded pole
· (D) Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC)
· ✅ Answer: D
12. Shaded pole motors are used for:
· (A) High torque applications
· (B) Low power applications
· (C) High efficiency
· (D) Reversible operation
· ✅ Answer: B
13. In split-phase motor, the auxiliary winding is:
· (A) Highly inductive
· (B) Low resistance, high reactance
· (C) High resistance, low reactance
· (D) Highly capacitive
· ✅ Answer: C
14. Which motor does not have a centrifugal switch?
· (A) Capacitor-start
· (B) Capacitor-start capacitor-run
· (C) PSC
· (D) Split-phase
· ✅ Answer: C

 Special Motors and Other Concepts

15. Stepper motors are mainly used in:
· (A) Electric traction
· (B) Robotics and CNC machines
· (C) Fans and Blowers
· (D) Washing machines
· ✅ Answer: B
16. Which motor is used in electric traction?
· (A) DC Series Motor
· (B) Shaded Pole Motor
· (C) Synchronous Motor
· (D) Reluctance Motor
· ✅ Answer: A
17. Hysteresis motors are:
· (A) Self-starting
· (B) Not self-starting
· (C) Variable speed
· (D) Used in heavy-duty applications
· ✅ Answer: A
18. In synchronous motors, the torque developed is:
· (A) Zero at synchronous speed
· (B) Constant
· (C) Maximum at starting
· (D) Proportional to speed
· ✅ Answer: B

易 Miscellaneous Frequently Asked MCQs

19. Crawling in induction motors is due to:
· (A) Harmonics
· (B) Rotor resistance
· (C) Voltage fluctuation
· (D) Low load
· ✅ Answer: A
20. Pole changing method is used to control the speed of:
· (A) DC Motor
· (B) Universal Motor
· (C) Synchronous Motor
· (D) Induction Motor
· ✅ Answer: D
21. The efficiency of a motor is maximum when:
· (A) Input = Output
· (B) Copper losses = Iron losses
· (C) No load condition
· (D) Starting condition
· ✅ Answer: B
22. Synchronous motor can be used for:
· (A) Power factor improvement
· (B) Variable speed operation
· (C) High torque applications
· (D) Low-speed drives only
· ✅ Answer: A
23. The direction of rotation of a 3-phase induction motor can be reversed by:
· (A) Changing the rotor
· (B) Changing supply voltage
· (C) Interchanging any two supply phases
· (D) Changing frequency
· ✅ Answer: C

✅ DC Motors & DC Generators

24. The function of a commutator in a DC machine is to:
· A. Reduce sparking
· B. Convert AC to DC
· C. Convert DC to AC
· D. Reverse current direction in armature
· Answer: D
25. The speed of a DC shunt motor is:
· A. Constant
· B. Proportional to load
· C. Inversely proportional to load
· D. Highly variable
· Answer: A
26. The back EMF in a DC motor is maximum when:
· A. Motor is stopped
· B. Motor is starting
· C. Motor is running at full speed
· D. Motor is overloaded
· Answer: C
27. In DC generators, the brushes are made of:
· A. Copper
· B. Aluminium
· C. Graphite
· D. Silver
· Answer: C
28. Which of the following DC motor has the highest starting torque?
· A. Shunt Motor
· B. Series Motor
· C. Compound Motor
· D. Permanent Magnet Motor
· Answer: B
29. In a DC machine, armature reaction is due to:
· A. Field current
· B. Armature current
· C. Load current
· D. Back EMF
· Answer: B
30. The torque of a DC motor is directly proportional to:
· A. Square of the current
· B. Armature current
· C. Speed
· D. Flux squared
· Answer: B
31. In a DC generator, residual magnetism helps in:
· A. Increasing load
· B. Providing initial EMF
magnetism that persists even when the
· C. Stabilizing current magnetizing force is no longer present.
· D. Power factor improvement
· Answer: B
32. Which type of DC generator is used for arc welding?
· A. Shunt
· B. Series
· C. Compound
· D. Differential
· Answer: B
33. The efficiency of a DC generator is maximum when:
· A. Copper losses = Iron losses
· B. Load is full
· C. No load
· D. Core loss = Mechanical loss
· Answer: A

⚡ 3-Phase Induction Motors

34. Slip in an induction motor is defined as:
· A. (Ns - Nr)/Ns × 100
· B. (Nr - Ns)/Nr × 100
· C. Ns/Nr × 100
· D. Nr/Ns × 100
· Answer: A
35. The synchronous speed of a 4-pole, 50 Hz motor is:
· A. 750 RPM
· B. 1000 RPM
· C. 1500 RPM
· D. 3000 RPM
· Answer: C
36. An induction motor always runs at:
· A. Synchronous speed
· B. More than synchronous speed
· C. Less than synchronous speed
· D. Zero speed
· Answer: C
37. Crawling in induction motors is caused by:
· A. High rotor resistance
· B. Harmonics
· C. Low voltage
· D. High frequency
· Answer: B
38. The starting torque of a squirrel cage motor is:
· A. Zero
· B. High
· C. Low
· D. Constant
· Answer: C
39. Star-delta starter is used to:
· A. Increase starting current
· B. Decrease starting current
· C. Increase torque
· D. Change direction
· Answer: B
40. Double cage rotors are used to:
· A. Reduce core losses
· B. Increase starting torque
· C. Improve efficiency
· D. Improve insulation
· Answer: B
41. The rotor of an induction motor is short-circuited to:
· A. Increase resistance
· B. Provide high voltage
· C. Induce current
· D. Reduce losses
· Answer: C
42. The torque-slip curve of an induction motor is:
· A. Linear
· B. Hyperbolic
· C. Parabolic
· D. Drooping
· Answer: A
43. Synchronous speed depends on:
· A. Voltage and frequency
· B. Frequency and number of poles
· C. Load and voltage
· D. Speed and torque
· Answer: B
 Synchronous Motors & Generators
44. A synchronous motor runs at:
· A. Less than synchronous speed
· B. More than synchronous speed
· C. Synchronous speed
· D. Variable speed
· Answer: C
45. Synchronous motors are used for:
· A. Variable torque loads
· B. Constant speed loads
· C. High slip applications
· D. Short circuit protection
· Answer: B
46. Which motor is not self-starting?
· A. DC Motor
· B. Induction Motor
· C. Synchronous Motor
· D. Universal Motor
· Answer: C
47. Synchronous motors can be used for power factor correction because:
· A. They have lagging power factor
· B. They have unity power factor
· C. They can operate at leading power factor
· D. They are inductive
· Answer: C
48. The rotor of a synchronous motor is supplied with:
· A. AC supply
· B. No supply
· C. DC supply
· D. High frequency AC
· Answer: C

⚙️Single Phase Motors

49. Which motor is used in ceiling fans?
· A. Capacitor start
· B. Shaded pole
· C. Universal motor
· D. Permanent split capacitor (PSC)
· Answer: D
50. Shaded pole motor has:
· A. Low efficiency
· B. High starting torque
· C. Reversible rotation
· D. High speed
· Answer: A
51. Split-phase motor has:
· A. Two windings - start and run
· B. Only one winding
· C. Series winding
· D. Permanent magnet
· Answer: A
52. Universal motors operate on:
· A. AC only
· B. DC only
· C. AC or DC
· D. Not electrical
· Answer: C
53. Capacitor-start motors have:
· A. High starting torque
· B. Low cost
· C. Low starting torque
· D. Centrifugal force operation
· Answer: A
⚡ Miscellaneous & Special Motors
54. Stepper motors are used in:
· A. Lifts
· B. CNC Machines
· C. Fans
· D. Electric trains
· Answer: B
55. Which motor is best suited for electric traction?
· A. Shaded pole
· B. DC Series Motor
· C. Universal Motor
· D. Induction Motor
· Answer: B
56. Hysteresis motor is:
· A. Self-starting
· B. Not self-starting
· C. Constant torque
· D. High-speed only
· Answer: A
57. The direction of rotation of a 3-phase induction motor is reversed by:
· A. Changing rotor direction
· B. Changing line frequency
· C. Interchanging any two phase leads
· D. Replacing rotor bars
· Answer: C
58. In a synchronous generator, voltage is regulated by:
· A. Load
· B. Rotor resistance
· C. Field excitation
· D. Armature current
· Answer: C
More Mixed and Special Motors
59. In a synchronous generator, armature reaction is:
· A. Always lagging
· B. Always leading
· C. Depends on load power factor
· D. Always zero
· Answer: C
60. A repulsion motor operates on:
· A. Pure induction principle
· B. Commutation principle
· C. Transformer principle
· D. Capacitor principle
· Answer: B
61. Plugging is used for:
· A. Speed control
· B. Increasing torque
· C. Braking
· D. Starting
· Answer: C
62. A universal motor has characteristics similar to:
· A. Induction motor
· B. Synchronous motor
· C. DC series motor
· D. Stepper motor
· Answer: C
63. Which motor has the highest starting current?
· A. Induction motor
· B. DC shunt motor
· C. DC series motor
· D. Universal motor
· Answer: A
 Performance, Efficiency & Losses
64. Efficiency of a motor is maximum when:
· A. Copper loss = Iron loss
· B. No load
· C. Load is maximum
· D. Starting
· Answer: A
65. The losses in a DC machine are:
· A. Copper losses
· B. Iron losses
· C. Mechanical losses
· D. All of the above
· Answer: D
66. The largest power loss in an induction motor is usually due to:
· A. Stator copper loss
· B. Rotor copper loss
· C. Iron loss
· D. Friction and windage
· Answer: A
67. Which part of the motor contributes to hysteresis loss?
· A. Shaft
· B. Core
· C. Bearings
· D. Windings
· Answer: B
68. Eddy current losses in motors are reduced by:
· A. Using copper windings
· B. Laminating the core
· C. Cooling fans
· D. Using brushes
· Answer: B
 Control & Starting Techniques
69. Pole-changing method is used for:
· A. Voltage control
· B. Speed control
· C. Current control
· D. Torque control
· Answer: B
70. Rotor resistance control method is used for:
· A. Synchronous motors
· B. Induction motors
· C. DC motors
· D. Universal motors
· Answer: B
71. A soft starter is used to:
· A. Increase start voltage
· B. Reduce inrush current
· C. Change phase sequence
· D. Reverse rotation
· Answer: B
72. Slip rings are found in:
· A. Squirrel cage motors
· B. DC motors
· C. Wound rotor induction motors
· D. Shaded pole motors
· Answer: C
73. The no-load speed of an induction motor is:
· A. Equal to synchronous speed
· B. Slightly less than synchronous speed
· C. Zero
· D. More than synchronous speed
· Answer: B
 Applications & Selection
74. Which motor is best for elevators?
· A. Induction motor
· B. Stepper motor
· C. Synchronous motor
· D. DC series motor
· Answer: D
75. An electric train uses:
· A. Single-phase induction motor
· B. DC series motor
· C. Synchronous motor
· D. Universal motor
· Answer: B
76. For high torque and low speed, use:
· A. Shaded pole motor
· B. Gear motor
· C. Universal motor
· D. Repulsion motor
· Answer: B
77. For high-speed applications like grinders:
· A. Synchronous motor
· B. DC shunt motor
· C. Universal motor
· D. Stepper motor
· Answer: C
78. Which motor is used in record players and clocks?
· A. Shaded pole
· B. Hysteresis
· C. Reluctance
· D. Stepper
· Answer: B
 Windings, Materials, Design
79. Lap winding is preferred for:
· A. High current, low voltage
· B. High voltage, low current
· C. AC machines
· D. Small motors
· Answer: A
80. Wave winding is used for:
· A. High voltage
· B. High current
· C. Low-speed machines
· D. Universal motors
· Answer: A
81. The material used for armature core:
· A. Copper
· B. Cast iron
· C. Silicon steel
· D. Aluminium
· Answer: C
82. Commutator segments are made of:
· A. Copper
· B. Iron
· C. Carbon
· D. Steel
· Answer: A
83. The number of poles in a motor affects:
· A. Current
· B. Voltage
· C. Speed
· D. Frequency
· Answer: C

易 Advanced and Conceptual

84. A DC motor works on the principle of:
· A. Lenz's Law
· B. Faraday’s Law
· C. Fleming's Left-Hand Rule
· D. Ohm’s Law
· Answer: C
85. Which rule is used to determine the direction of current in a generator?
· A. Lenz's law
· B. Fleming's right-hand rule
· C. Kirchhoff’s law
· D. Maxwell’s law
· Answer: B
86. Armature reaction in a generator causes:
· A. Speed variation
· B. Voltage drop
· C. Flux distortion
· D. Torque increase
· Answer: C
87. If load increases in a synchronous motor, the motor:
· A. Increases speed
· B. Decreases speed
· C. Maintains speed but changes power factor
· D. Stops
· Answer: C
88. The field system in alternators is placed on:
· A. Stator
· B. Rotor
· C. Shaft
· D. Commutator
· Answer: B

易 Advanced and Conceptual (Continued)

89. Which part generates EMF in a generator?
· A. Stator
· B. Brushes
· C. Armature
· D. Field Winding
· Answer: C
90. What causes sparking at the brushes in a DC machine?
· A. Weak field
· B. Overload
· C. Commutation failure
· D. Speed variation
· Answer: C
91. In synchronous machines, hunting refers to:
· A. Speed drop
· B. Rotor oscillation
· C. Torque loss
· D. Brush arcing
· Answer: B
92. The load angle of a synchronous motor increases with:
· A. Increased voltage
· B. Increased frequency
· C. Increased load
· D. Decreased field current
· Answer: C
93. A universal motor can operate at:
· A. Constant speed only
· B. Variable speed on AC or DC
· C. Synchronous speed
· D. Fixed torque
· Answer: B

⚙️Testing & Troubleshooting

94. To test insulation resistance of a motor, use:
· A. Multimeter
· B. Tong tester
· C. Megger
· D. CRO
· Answer: C
95. Which instrument is used to measure slip in induction motors?
· A. Tachometer
· B. Multimeter
· C. Voltmeter
· D. Frequency meter
· Answer: A
96. The purpose of a starter in a motor is to:
· A. Increase torque
· B. Reduce speed
· C. Limit starting current
· D. Control power factor
· Answer: C
97. Overheating of a motor is usually caused by:
· A. Low voltage
· B. High frequency
· C. Overloading
· D. High power factor
· Answer: C
98. What is the effect of under-voltage on a motor?
· A. Runs faster
· B. Reduced losses
· C. High current draw
· D. No effect
· Answer: C
 Practical Knowledge and Applications
99. Which motor is used in mixers and grinders?
· A. DC shunt motor
· B. Stepper motor
· C. Universal motor
· D. Synchronous motor
· Answer: C
100. The preferred motor for robotic arms is:
· A. Induction motor
· B. Synchronous motor
· C. Stepper motor
· D. Shaded pole motor
· Answer: C
101. Which motor is used for high precision control?
· A. Synchronous motor
· B. Stepper motor
· C. DC series motor
· D. Universal motor
· Answer: B
102. What is the primary advantage of a brushless DC motor?
· A. Higher friction
· B. Lower cost
· C. No commutator wear
· D. Fixed speed
· Answer: C
103. Torque in an induction motor is directly proportional to:
· A. Speed
· B. Square of voltage
· C. Frequency
· D. Resistance
· Answer: B
 Motors in Control Systems
104. Which motor can be easily reversed?
· A. Shaded pole motor
· B. Synchronous motor
· C. DC shunt motor
· D. Stepper motor
· Answer: C
105. Which of the following has linear motion control?
· A. Stepper motor
· B. Servo motor
· C. Linear induction motor
· D. PSC motor
· Answer: C
106. Which motor is used in CNC machines?
· A. Universal motor
· B. Induction motor
· C. Stepper motor
· D. Hysteresis motor
· Answer: C
107. A servo motor is controlled using:
· A. Voltage feedback
· B. Phase angle
· C. Position feedback
· D. Speed control only
· Answer: C
108. Stepper motors operate in:
· A. Discrete steps
· B. Continuous rotation
· C. Variable frequency
· D. Fixed torque
· Answer: A
 Final Revision Mix
109. The frequency of rotor current in an induction motor at standstill is:
· A. Zero
· B. Equal to supply frequency
· C. Double the supply frequency
· D. Half the supply frequency
· Answer: B
110. A DC series motor should never be operated:
· A. At rated voltage
· B. Without load
· C. In reverse direction
· D. On AC supply
· Answer: B
111. Which of the following has no slip?
· A. Induction motor
· B. Universal motor
· C. Synchronous motor
· D. DC motor
· Answer: C
112. Speed control of DC shunt motor is possible by:
· A. Changing armature resistance
· B. Changing load
· C. Changing power factor
· D. Changing frequency
· Answer: A
113. Hysteresis loss depends on:
· A. Frequency
· B. Flux density
· C. Volume of core
· D. All of the above
· Answer: D
114. Which loss occurs due to leakage flux?
· A. Core loss
· B. Eddy current loss
· C. Stray loss
· D. Mechanical loss
· Answer: C
115. A brake test is used to find:
· A. Efficiency
· B. Speed
· C. Torque
· D. All of the above
· Answer: D
116. What protects a motor from overcurrent?
· A. Fuse
· B. Starter
· C. Contactor
· D. Capacitor
· Answer: A
117. Centrifugal switch is used in:
· A. Split-phase motors
· B. DC motors
· C. Stepper motors
· D. Universal motors
· Answer: A
118. In 3-phase motor, imbalance causes:
· A. Normal running
· B. Heating
· C. Voltage boost
· D. Extra speed
· Answer: B
119. The rotor frequency at full load is:
· A. Zero
· B. Full supply frequency
· C. Very low
· D. Equal to stator frequency
· Answer: C
120. V/f control is used in:
· A. DC motors
· B. Stepper motors
· C. Induction motors
· D. Synchronous motors
· Answer: C
121. Load on a motor increases; current:
· A. Increases
· B. Decreases
· C. Remains same
· D. First increases, then drops
· Answer: A
122. Brushless DC motors are mainly used in:
· A. Toys
· B. Robotics
· C. Heavy industry
· D. Transformers
· Answer: B
123. Which of these machines has the highest torque per ampere?
· A. DC series motor
· B. Universal motor
· C. Induction motor
· D. Synchronous motor
· Answer: A