What is the primary role of the electric motor's commutator?

The primary role of the commutator in an electric motor is to reverse the direction of current. In DC (direct current) motors, the commutator is a crucial component that enables the motor to rotate continuously. As the motor turns, the commutator periodically reverses the current direction flowing through the windings of the motor. This action is essential because it ensures that the magnetic field created by the windings always interacts properly with the static magnetic field from the motor's magnets (or stator), maintaining the rotational motion.

Without the commutator's function of reversing the current, the motor would not be able to sustain its rotation; it would only move in one direction and then stop. Therefore, the commutator plays a vital role in the basic operation of DC motors by allowing for efficient and continuous rotation.