What does slip refer to in the context of induction motors?

In the context of induction motors, slip is defined as the difference in speed between the rotor and the rotating magnetic field produced by the stator. When an induction motor operates, the stator generates a rotating magnetic field that moves at synchronous speed. However, the rotor does not reach this speed; it always lags behind to some extent. This lagging speed is what is referred to as slip.

Slip is crucial because it determines how much induced current flows in the rotor, which in turn creates the torque necessary for the motor to operate. The amount of slip affects the performance characteristics of the motor, such as its starting torque and efficiency. Slip is typically expressed as a percentage of the synchronous speed and varies depending on the load applied to the motor.

Understanding slip is important for identifying operational characteristics of induction motors and for optimizing their performance in various applications.