Question

Explain the principle behind the working of a maglev train.

Answer 1

Maglev trains work on the basis of electromagnets.

• An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current.
• Electromagnets usually consists of a wire wound into the shape of a coil.
• The current through the wire creates a magnetic field which is concentrated at the centre of the coil.
• The magnetic field disappears whenever the current is turned off.
• The wire turns are often wound around a magnetic core made of soft iron.
• This soft iron core concentrates the magnetic flux and makes a more powerful electromagnet.
• The strength of the electromagnet can be further increased by increasing the current through the coil.