What type of motor is a synchronous motor compared to?

A synchronous motor is compared to a generator because both devices operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction and typically require synchronous speed to function effectively. In a generator, mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy, while in a synchronous motor, electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy. Both machines share similar construction characteristics, including rotor and stator components, and they can be designed to operate at synchronous speed, meaning the rotor rotates at the same frequency as the stator magnetic field.

In contrast, a transformer does not convert energy types; it merely transfers electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction, while a rectifier serves to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), which is a different process involving semiconductor components. A compressor, on the other hand, is a completely different type of mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas, and it is not directly related to the functioning or principles of synchronous motors and generators. Thus, the comparison with a generator highlights the parallel nature of their operational characteristics within electrical systems.