Electromagnet

An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which magnetic field is produced by the flow of electric current.

For making electromagnet take a piece of paper and give a cylindrical shape. Make several turns of a copper wire over this from one end to the other. This is called solenoid a long thin loop of wire. When the ends of the copper wires are attached to the ends of a battery (+ and -) current starts flowing through the coil which starts functioning as a bar magnet.

When the flow of current is stopped from the battery, then, its magnetic property ceases. If the +ve and -ve terminals of the battery are reversed, then the poles of the magnet are also reversed.

For increasing the magnetic field, put soft iron like iron nails inside the core. Electromagnet may be made as strong as one may desire. Electromagnet are widely used as a components in electrical devices such as motor, generator, electrical bells, MRI machine.

Difference between Bar Magnet and Electromagnet