Question

What is an electromagnet and how is it different from a permanent magnet? Also state Why is iron used as the core of an electromagnet?

Answer 1

Electromagnet:

1. An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current.
2. Electromagnets are made of coils of wire with electricity passing through them.
3. Moving charges create magnetic fields, so when the coils of wire in an electromagnet have an electric current passing through them, the coils behave like a magnet.
4. Examples of electromagnetic devices include doorbells and any devices that have electric motors, such as electric fans.

Difference between the electromagnet and permanent magnet:

Difference Between Electromagnet and Permanent Magnet
Electromagnet	Permanent Magnet
The magnetic properties are displayed when current is passed through it.	Magnetic properties exist when the material is magnetized.
The strength is adjusted depending upon the amount of flow of current.	The strength depends upon the nature of the material used in its creation.
Removal of magnetic properties is temporary.	Once magnetic properties are lost, it becomes useless.
It requires a continuous supply of electricity to maintain its magnetic field.	It doesn’t require a continuous supply of electricity to maintain its magnetic field
It is usually made of soft materials	It is usually made of hard materials.
The poles of this kind of magnet can be altered with the flow of current.	The poles of this kind of magnet cannot be changed.

Iron used as the core of an electromagnet:

1. The most suitable material to be used as the core of an electromagnet is soft iron.
2. The iron core increases the coil's magnetic field strength.
3. Soft iron loses all its magnetism when current in the coil is switched off.
4. it has high permeability but its availability and cost makes it uneconomical.