What is the term for the stationary part of an electric motor or generator?

In an electric motor or generator, the stationary part is referred to as the stator. The stator serves as the framework that surrounds the rotor, which is the rotating part of the motor or generator. It usually consists of coils of wire or permanent magnets, which create a magnetic field that interacts with the current flowing in the rotor. This interaction is fundamental for generating rotational motion in motors or electrical current in generators.

The importance of the stator lies in its role in establishing the necessary magnetic field for the operation of the device. Without the stator, there would be no stable magnetic field, resulting in a lack of force to induce motion in the rotor or in generating electricity.

Other components like the rotor, commutator, and slip rings serve different functions: the rotor is the moving part that interacts with the magnetic field, the commutator ensures the direction of current in the rotor windings remains consistent in DC motors, and slip rings allow the transfer of current between the stationary and rotating parts in AC machines. Hence, the definition and function of the stator make it the correct choice for describing the stationary part of an electric motor or generator.