Which option correctly describes the effect of increasing starting torque in a capacitor-start motor?

• A. Increase
• B. Decrease
• C. Stay the same
• D. Vary unpredictably

Answer: (B)

Starting torque is the amount of torque the motor produces at zero rotor speed. In a capacitor-start motor, this torque comes from the current in the start winding, aided by the capacitor to create a useful phase shift. When you increase that starting torque, the motor is able to overcome inertia and friction more quickly, so it accelerates to running speed faster. In other words, the time it takes to start decreases. That’s why the effect is a decrease. The other possibilities don’t match how a stronger starting torque influences the initial acceleration: it doesn’t mean the motor starts more slowly, stay the same, or behave unpredictably when the start circuit is designed to provide higher torque.