Can an ordinary electric motor be used to generate measurable electricity?

Question

can an electric motor such as: one salvaged from a computer's cooling system, one taken off of an RC car, one bought from radioshack, or generally any electric motor that can be found in an electric device or appliance; be used to generate a measurable amount of electricity

i need an electric generator to use with an anemometer that is going to be used to measure wind speed

Answer 1

Yes,

Any electric motor, where electricity input produces motion output via a coil of wire working within a magnetic field when put into reverse (that is where motion input produces electricity output) will generate electricity.

There will be efficiency differences as there are motors with high torque and HP  those that are harder to turn etc.

But the basic principal will apply; a magnet turning within a coil of wire (or a coil of wire turning within a magnetic Field ) will generate measure able electricity.

Answer 2

Yes.

Answer 3

It has to be a permanent magnet motor. it needs to have residule magnetism in it .  Get a DC motor out of some kids RC car