Motor Description

• Applying electrical power to a motor causes a shaft to turn. A motor will turn as long as it has power and stops when power is removed.
  
  

Solenoid Description

• Applying electrical power to a solenoid operates an electromagnet that drives a shaft into place. The shaft stays in place as long as the electromagnet has power.
  
  

Starter Motor's Job

• A starter motor in a car turns the engine motor until it starts. Once the engine is running, the starter motor stops turning.
  
  

Solenoid's Job

• The solenoid makes the physical connection between the starter motor and the car's engine. Moving its shaft also makes an electrical connection that turns on and shuts off the starter motor.
  
  

Other Applications

• A motor rotates things like a washing machine or a dryer drum. A solenoid operates things like remote deadbolts that move out of place when power is applied and then return when power is removed.