Grade 9

Grade 9Electricity and MagnetismMagnetism


Electromagnets and their applications


Electromagnets are fascinating devices that display the remarkable ability to create magnetic fields using electricity. Unlike permanent magnets, electromagnets can be easily turned on and off, making them extremely versatile for a variety of applications. In this discussion, we'll explore what electromagnets are, how they work, and how they're used in the world around us.

Understanding electromagnets

To fully understand electromagnets, we first need to understand the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism. At its core, magnetism is a force that acts on certain materials, particularly those that are ferromagnetic, such as iron. Electric currents, on the other hand, usually involve the flow of electrical charge through a conductor such as a wire.

An electromagnet is made by wrapping a coil of wire around a ferromagnetic core and passing an electric current through the wire. The electric current produces a magnetic field around the wire, and this magnetic field is intensified by the ferromagnetic core. Let us consider a basic example to make this concept clear.

Basic example of electromagnet construction

Imagine a coil of copper wire wrapped around a nail. When you connect the ends of the wire to a battery, through which electric current flows, the nail becomes magnetized. The electric current flowing through the wire generates a magnetic field around it, and the nail acts as a core that concentrates this magnetic field, making it stronger.

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