Question

Why is insulated wire used in an electromagnet around a soft iron core?

• A. As insulated wires are more prone to shorts.
• B. To prevent the contact of the wires with each other.
• C. As insulated wire does not maintain conductivity.
• D. All of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is B To prevent the contact of the wires with each other.

The wire used in an electromagnet must be an insulated wire which is wrapped around a soft iron core. A bare wire would cause an electrical short and the current would then run through the nail or metal core. In some electromagnets, like in an electric motor, the wire will look like bare copper, but it is insulated with a thin coating of a clear material. Also, if the wire is thin, it may get warm from the resistance to the electricity passing through it.