Linear motor
![Free-body diagram of a U-channel synchronous linear motor. The view is perpendicular to the channel axis. The two coils at centre are mechanically connected, and are energized in](/Images/godic/202502/08/Linear_motor_U-tube.svg2033.png")
![Synchronous linear motors are straightened versions of permanent magnet rotor motors](/Images/godic/202502/08/Linearmotorprinzip2034.png")
![A typical 3 phase linear induction motor. An aluminium plate on top often forms the secondary](/Images/godic/202502/08/Three_phase_linear_induction_motor2034.gif")
![Railgun schematic](/Images/godic/202502/08/Railgun-1.svg2034.png")
A linear motor is an electric motor that has had its stator and rotor "unrolled" so that instead of producing a torque (rotation) it produces a linear force along its length. However, linear motors are not necessarily straight. Characteristically, a linear motor's active section has ends, whereas more conventional motors are arranged as a continuous loop.