Electromagnets How they work, and how to make them more powerful © Dominic McCamish 2015

What is an electromagnet? An electromagnet is a temporary magnet made by wrapping wire around an iron core When the electricity flows in the coil, the iron becomes a magnet.

How does an electromagnet work? Basic Electromagnet Components Wire Ferromagnetic material, like iron (with the wire coiled around it) Source of electricity

How does an electromagnet work? When wires have an electric current, they produce a magnetic field Raising the voltage or current (amps) makes the magnetic field bigger/stronger. These magnetic fields interact with permanent magnets and ferromagnetic materials, like iron

How does an electromagnet work? Ferromagnetic materials, like iron, interact with magnetic fields When electricity flows through the coiled wire, an electromagnetic field is created This electromagnetic field is made stronger by the ferromagnetic core

How do you make an electromagnet more powerful? Wire Thicker Better conductor Larger ferromagnetic core More electric current (amps) or voltage

Which would be more powerful?

Which would be more powerful?