Red Seal Electrician Practice
MotorsQuestion 1206 of 1506

A synchronous motor has 12 poles and runs on 60 Hz power. What is its speed?

  1. 300 rpm
  2. 1200 rpm
  3. 600 rpm
  4. 3600 rpm
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Correct answer: 600 rpm

Each added pole pair lowers the speed. A 2-pole motor runs at 3600 rpm, so 12 poles give 3600 / 6 = 600 rpm.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits II: AC (Kuphaldt), 13.2: Synchronous Motors

Practice motors

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026