Electromagnets: How Electricity Creates Magnetism

  1. An electromagnet is made by running electric current through a coil of wire.
  2. The flow of electrons creates a magnetic field around the coil.
  3. Adding an iron core inside the coil strengthens the magnet dramatically.
  4. Unlike permanent magnets, electromagnets can be turned on and off with a switch.
  5. The strength of an electromagnet depends on current, coil turns, and core material.
  6. Electromagnets power everyday devices like doorbells, speakers, and electric motors.
  7. Junkyard cranes use giant electromagnets to lift and drop heavy metal scraps.
  8. MRI machines rely on powerful electromagnets to peer inside the human body.
  9. Electromagnets show the deep link between electricity and magnetism discovered by Oersted and Ampère.
  10. From toys to trains, electromagnets are controllable magnets shaping modern technology.