A DC motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy by using the principle of electromagnetic induction. When a current carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force that causes it to rotate. In a DC motor, current is passed through stationary conductors located between poles of a magnetic field. This sets up opposing magnetic fields that produce a torque causing the rotor to rotate within the stator. The direction of current flow determines the direction of rotation. By reversing the current direction, the direction of torque and rotation is also reversed, allowing DC motors to run in both forward and reverse directions.