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An electromagnet is a temporary magnet created by winding wire around an iron core. With the flow of current in the coil, the iron becomes a magnet. Electromagnets are used for various purposes on a day-to-day basis.
Also Read: Rare Earth Magnets
| Table of Content |
Key Terms: Electric Current, Magnetic, Magnetic, Magnetism, Metal, Iron, Electron, Proton, Magnetic Field
What Is An Electromagnet?
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Electromagnets are temporary magnets in which a magnetic field is created by an electric current. Electromagnets are considered temporary magnet whose functions depends upon the electric current.
Also Read: Uses of Magnets

Electromagnet
Uses Of Electromagnet
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The use and application of electromagnets are specified below:
Electromagnet In the Medical Industry
- In hospitals MRI scanner has electromagnets in them.
Electromagnet In Communication Devices
- The long distances calls via mobiles and telephones take place with the involvement of electromagnets.
Also Read: Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnet In The Home
- Electric fans & doorbell works on the principles of electromagnetism.
- Electric kitchen applies like induction, electric cooker works on electromagnetism.
Electromagnet In Electronics
- Data in computers or memory cards is saved in an electromagnetic format.
- The hardware in computers works on the principle of electromagnetism.
Also Read:
| Content Related To Electromagnet | ||
|---|---|---|
| What are Electromagnets | Permanent Magnets and Electromagnets | Difference between Electromagnets & Permanent Magnets |
Properties Of Electromagnets
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The property of electromagnets are:
- Electromagnets are made of soft iron cores.
- Electromagnets are temporary in nature.
- The polarity of an electromagnet can be reversed.
- The strength of the magnetic field is changeable.
- Electromagnets can easily be demagnetized by switching off the current.
Advantages Of Electromagnet
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The advantages of electromagnets are:
- The strength of the magnetic field of an electromagnet can be changed through any variation in currents.
- Electromagnetsare easy to manufacture.
- The magnetic power of electromagnets is comparatively more than that of permanent magnets.
- Electromagnets are lightweight.
Disadvantages Of Electromagnets
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The disadvantages of electromagnets are:
- Electromagnets quickly get heat up
- For strong magnetic fields, a huge amount of copper wire coiling is required.
- To maintain a constant magnetic field continuous power supply is required.
- Electromagnets are not suitable for small spaces.
Also Read:
| Chapter Related Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Current Coil | Electromagnetic Field | Electromagnetic Induction |
Things To Remember
- In hospitals MRI scanner has electromagnets in them.
- Electromagnets are made of soft iron cores.
- Electromagnets quickly get heat up
- Electromagnets quickly get heat up
- Electromagnets are temporary in nature.
Sample Questions
Ques. Define electromagnet. (1.5 Marks)
Ans. An electromagnet is a temporary magnet created by winding wire around an iron core. With the flow of current in the coil, the iron becomes a magnet. Electromagnets are used for various purposes on a day-to-day basis
Electromagnets are magnets in which a magnetic field is created by an electric current. Electromagnets are considered temporary magnet whose functions depends upon the electric current.
Ques. List three things through which electromagnets are made stronger. (1.5 Marks)
Ans. Things that make electromagnet strong are:
- wrapping the coil around a piece of iron
- More number of turns to the coil.
- Increase in the current flowing through the coil.
Ques. What are the advantages of an electromagnet? (3 Marks)
Ans. The advantages of electromagnets are:
- The strength of the magnetic field of an electromagnet can be changed through any variation in currents.
- Electromagnetsare easy to manufacture.
- The magnetic power of electromagnets is comparatively more than that of permanent magnets.
- Electromagnets are lightweight.
Ques. Which of the following is NOT part of an electromagnet? (1 Mark)
(a) Iron
(b) Plastic
(c) Wire
(d) Power source
Ans. b. Plastic
Explanation: The electrons in the insulators are bound to each other so tightly that there are no free electrons available for movement so electricity cannot be passed through the plastic.
Ques. List the disadvantages of electromagnets. (3 Marks)
Ans. The disadvantages of electromagnets are:
- Electromagnets quickly get heat up
- For strong magnetic fields, a huge amount of copper wire coiling is required.
- To maintain a constant magnetic field continuous power supply is required.
- Electromagnets are not suitable for small spaces.
Ques. State the uses of an electromagnet. (5 Marks)
Ans. The use and application of electromagnets are specified below:
Electromagnet In the Medical Industry
- In hospitals MRI scanner has electromagnets in them.
Electromagnet In Communication Devices
- The long distances calls via mobiles and telephones take place with the involvement of electromagnets.
Electromagnet In The Home
- Electric fans & doorbell works on the principles of electromagnetism.
- Electric kitchen applies like induction, electric cooker works on electromagnetism.
Electromagnet In Electronics
- Data in computers or memory cards is saved in an electromagnetic format.
- The hardware in computers works on the principle of electromagnetism.
Ques. Place the options in the correct order.
In order for an electromagnet to be formed, an __________ current must pass through a coil of __________ wrapped around ________ core. (1.5 Marks)
(a) Wire, iron, Electric
(b) Electric, Wire, Iron,
(c) Iron, Wire, Electric
(d) Iron, Electric, Wire
Ans. Electric, Wire, Iron
Explanation: An electromagnet is formed when an electric current must pass through a coil of wire wrapped around an iron core.
Ques. What kind of magnet can be turned on and off? (1 Mark)
(a) Refrigerator magnet
(b) Iron magnet
(c) Electromagnet
(d) Copper magnet
Ans. Electromagnet
Explanation: An electromagnet is flexible so can be turned on and off.
Ques. What happens when a wire is wound into a coil around an iron core in an electromagnet? (1 Mark)
(a) We get electrocuted
(b) The wire explodes
(c) The magnetic field becomes weaker
(d) The magnetic field becomes stronger
Ans. (d) The magnetic field becomes stronger
Ques. What is the use of electromagnets in communication devices? (1 Mark)
Ans. The long-distance calls via mobiles and telephones take place with the involvement of electromagnets.
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