What is magnetic slip?

Magnetic slip refers to the phenomenon in electrical machines, particularly in synchronous motors, where the rotor does not rotate at the same speed as the rotating magnetic field produced by the stator. This difference in speed, known as slip, allows for torque generation in the motor. Magnetic slip is essential for the operation of induction motors, where the rotor must lag behind the magnetic field to induce current and create motion. In synchronous motors, an absence of slip indicates that the rotor is synchronized with the magnetic field, typically at steady-state operation.