Question

The poles of an electromagnet can be reversed. Give the reason.

Answer 1

There is no denying the fact that the poles of an electromagnet can be reversed and the reason for the same can be discussed below:

1. When electric current flows through the coil of the electromagnet, magnetism is induced in the electromagnet.
2. The direction of the magnetic field lines depends on the direction of the current flowing through the coil of the electromagnet.
3. Reversing the direction of the electric current reverses the direction of the magnetic field lines which reverses the polarity of the magnet.
4. If we hold the coil of the electromagnet in our right hand with fingers pointing in the direction of the current, our thumb points towards the north pole of the magnet.

Hence, reversing the direction of current reverses the direction of magnetic field lines which reverses the polarity of the electromagnet.