Concerning the operating characteristics of a synchronous motor, what statement is true?

Correct Answer: Option D — The synchronous motor initially starts as an induction motor and when it approaches synchronous speed, the motor then runs as a synchronous motor.

Synchronous motors lack inherent starting torque. Per IEEE 45 and marine engineering principles, they utilize amortisseur (squirrel-cage) windings in the rotor poles to start and accelerate as induction motors. Once approaching synchronous speed, DC excitation is applied to the rotor, pulling the motor into synchronism to run at synchronous speed.