What is the purpose of damper winding in a synchronous motor? 

Explanation:
he correct answer is 1) "To assist in the motor’s starting as an induction motor."

• The damper winding in a synchronous motor serves the purpose of providing additional starting torque during the initial moments of operation.
• When the synchronous motor is started, the damper winding induces currents and creates a magnetic field that interacts with the stator field, producing torque to overcome the inertia and initiate rotation.
• Once the motor reaches synchronous speed, the damper winding becomes inactive, and the motor operates as a synchronous motor.