Question

Explain why the core of an electromagnet should be of soft iron and not of steel.

Answer 1

Step 1: Electromagnet:

1. An electromagnet is a temporary magnet that behaves like a magnet when an electric current is passed through it.
2. An electromagnet is used wherever controllable magnets are required.
3. Electromagnet loses its magnetism when the current is stopped.

Step 2: Metal of electromagnet:

1. The electromagnet's core should be made up of soft iron.
2. It is because soft iron loses all its magnetic properties when the current in the coil is switched off.
3. That's why we don't use steel which does not lose its magnetic properties when the current is stopped.

Conclusion: The core of an electromagnet must be made up of soft iron.