Which component is responsible for keeping the motor running after a pushbutton is activated?

The component that is responsible for keeping the motor running after a pushbutton is activated is typically a relay. When the pushbutton is pressed, the relay energizes and allows current to flow to the motor. The relay can maintain its state once energized, thus keeping the motor running even after the pushbutton is released. This is often done through a latching or holding circuit where the relay's contacts close and keep the circuit complete until the system is de-energized or turned off.

In this context, a contactor also plays a similar role in motor control applications. It is designed to handle higher power loads and operates in much the same way as a relay, ensuring that the motor continues to run after the initial activation through the pushbutton.

A fuse is a protective device that interrupts the current in case of an overload or short circuit; it does not actively maintain a circuit.

The component CR1 typically refers to a control relay or a specific relay in the circuitry, but without additional context, it may not clearly indicate the broader functionality described in the question. In many systems, a contactor is specifically designed for motor starting and is the most correct choice in the context of maintaining a motor's operation.