Electromagnets
Solenoids
A A straight coil of wire which can carry an electric current to create a magnetic field. consists of a wire coiled up into a spiral shape. When an electric current flows, the shape of the magnetic field is very similar to the field of a bar magnet. The field inside a solenoid is strong and uniform. The small magnetic fields caused by the current in each coil add together to make a stronger overall magnetic field.
Just as with the bar An object capable of exerting a magnetic force., the strongest part of the electromagnet can be felt at the two ends.
Electromagnets
A solenoid with an iron core is called an A magnet made by wrapping a coil of wire around an iron bar and passing an electric current through the coil.. The iron core increases the solenoid's magnetic field strength. A simple electromagnet is made by coiling wire around an iron nail.
The strength of the electromagnet can be increased by passing more electric current through the coils and/or wrapping more coils around the iron core.
Electromagnets are used in devices such as electric bells, and door locks that can be controlled remotely.
Electromagnets have some advantages over permanent magnets. For example:
- they can be turned on and off
- the strength of the magnetic field can be varied
These properties make electromagnets useful for picking up scrap iron and steel in scrapyards.
