Which of the following statements is true about torque and speed in electric motors?

In the context of electric motors, the correct understanding is that torque and speed are typically inversely related. As the load on the motor increases and thus increases the torque requirement, the speed of the motor tends to decrease. This relationship can be visualized in the context of the motor’s performance characteristics, particularly in direct current (DC) motors and alternating current (AC) motors.

When an electric motor operates under a load, it is required to produce greater torque to maintain or increase its output speed. However, as the torque demand increases, the motor may slow down if the power supply remains constant. This behavior highlights the trade-off between torque and speed in motors; as torque goes up to handle more load, speed goes down.

This principle is clearly foundational in motor design and helps engineers and technicians understand how to select appropriate motors for specific applications, ensuring that power requirements align with operational speed and torque needs.