What type of energy conversion is primarily utilized by an electric motor?

An electric motor primarily converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. This conversion is achieved through the interaction of magnetic fields and electric current. When electricity flows through the motor's windings, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic field of the motor’s magnets. This interaction produces a force that causes the rotor to turn, thus converting the electrical input into mechanical output, which can be harnessed to do work, such as turning a fan or powering a machine.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary conversion taking place within an electric motor. Thermal to mechanical conversion would involve heat energy being transformed into motion, which is not the main function of an electric motor. Mechanical to electrical energy conversion refers to devices like generators, where mechanical movement is converted back into electrical energy. Magnetic to electrical conversion typically pertains to inductive systems or generators, where a magnetic field induces electrical current, rather than the operation of a motor.