Question

What is a solenoid? Draw the pattern of magnetic field lines of a current carrying solenoid and a bar magnet. Also, list two distinguishing features between the two fields.

Answer 1

Solenoid:

1. A solenoid is a coil with many circular terns where the wire is tightly wrapped in the shape of a cylinder.
2. It is used as an electromagnet.

The pattern of magnetic field lines of a current-carrying solenoid :

The pattern of magnetic field lines of bar magnet:

Two distinguishing features between the two fields are given below:

Features	Solenoid	Bar Magnet
Pole	The poles of a solenoid are considered to be at the edge.	Inside the bar magnet are the poles of the bar magnet.
2. Magnetism	Magnetism exists in a solenoid until an electric current flows through it.	Magnetism is always present in a bar magnet.