Question Detail
Why is the speed of DC shunt motor dependent┬аon Back EMF?
Options
- Option A: Because flux is proportional to the armature current
- Option B: Because armature drop is negligible
- Option C: Because Back EMF is equal to armature current
- Option D: Because flux is constant in DC shunt motor
Correct Answer
Because flux is constant in DC shunt motor
Solution & Explanation
{"type":"technical","methodBadge":"Concept & Principle","explanation":"In a DC shunt motor, the speed is directly dependent on the back EMF ($E_b$) and inversely proportional to the flux per pole ($\\Phi$). Since the shunt field winding is connected in parallel with the armature across a constant supply voltage, the flux remains practically constant, making the back EMF the primary variable governing speed.","workingPrinciple":"The fundamental speed equation is $N = K \\frac{E_b}{\\Phi}$. In a shunt motor, because the field is connected directly to the constant supply voltage, the field current $I_{sh} = \\frac{V}{R_{sh}}$ is constant, resulting in constant flux $\\Phi$. Therefore, the motor speed $N$ directly follows variations in $E_b$, which is defined as $E_b = V - I_a R_a$. Any change in load affects $I_a$, which in turn alters $E_b$ to adjust the speed to the new equilibrium.","diagramSvg":"Speed Relation$N \\propto E_b$$Constant \\; \\Phi$","keyFormulas":["$N = K \\frac{V - I_a R_a}{\\Phi}$ тАФ General speed equation for DC motors","$E_b = \\frac{P \\Phi Z N}{60 A}$ тАФ EMF equation of DC machine"],"keyPoints":["Shunt motor acts as a constant speed motor due to constant flux excitation.","Back EMF ($E_b$) regulates the input current based on load demands.","The armature voltage drop ($I_a R_a$) is small, making $E_b \\approx V$ at no load.","If the field circuit breaks, flux drops to near zero, causing speed to rise to dangerous levels (overspeed)."],"advantages":["Constant speed characteristic","Easy to control speed via field rheostat"],"disadvantages":["Low starting torque compared to series motors","Not suitable for heavy traction applications"],"applications":["Centrifugal pumps","Lathe machines","Blowers and fans"],"comparisonTable":[],"additionalInfo":["Option A is incorrect because flux is independent of armature current in shunt motors.","Option B is incorrect because while $I_a R_a$ is small, it is critical for calculating $E_b$.","Option C is incorrect as $E_b$ is a voltage, while $I_a$ is a current, they cannot be equal."],"answer":"D is correct тАФ Because the shunt field is connected in parallel with the supply, the flux $\\Phi$ is held constant, forcing the speed $N$ to be solely determined by the back EMF $E_b$.","correctedOptions":["Because flux is proportional to the armature current","Because armature drop is negligible","Because Back EMF is equal to armature current","Because flux is constant in DC shunt motor"],"coreConcepts":["Back EMF","Constant Flux Excitation","DC Shunt Motor Characteristics"],"crossTopicTip":"Always remember: $N \\propto \\frac{E_b}{\\Phi}$. For shunt motors, $\\Phi$ is fixed; for series motors, $\\Phi \\propto I_a$, which explains why shunt motors are 'constant speed' and series motors have 'high starting torque'."}