What does the small motor in a kilowatt-hour meter do?

The small motor in a kilowatt-hour meter is essential for measuring electric energy consumption. Its key function is to operate in a manner where its speed is directly proportional to the amount of power being drawn by the connected electrical circuit. This means that as power consumption increases, the motor spins faster, providing an accurate representation of the energy usage over time.

This proportional relationship is crucial for the functioning of the meter, as it allows it to accurately tally the amount of electricity used, typically measured in kilowatt-hours. This speed variability enables the kilowatt-hour meter to capture real-time energy consumption data continuously.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the operational principle of the motor in a kilowatt-hour meter. For instance, while the demand pointer might be related to measuring peak usage, it does not directly involve the motor's speed described in this context. Additionally, the notion of the motor slowing down as power consumption increases, or turning at a constant speed, contradicts the fundamental design of the device, which is meant to signal higher consumption rates with increased speed.