Difference between Solenoid and Bar Magnet

Here are the differences between a solenoid and a bar magnet.

Solenoid

Bar Magnet

Solenoid is electromagnetic i.e. it’s magnetic effect is created due to flow of current.

Bar magnet is permanent magnet, which is naturally magnetic.

Poles can be reversed depending on the direction of flow of current.

Bar Magnet has fixed poles.

Solenoid is made using soft iron or steel.

Bar magnet are formed from hard steel or iron.

Strength of magnetic field depends on the flow and quantity of current.

Strength of magnetic field depends on the material used to create the magnet.

Solenoid

A solenoid is an electromagnetic device made out of a coil of wire wound around a cylindrical or elongated core, usually comprised of ferromagnetic material like iron or steel. When an electric current flows through a wire coil, it generates a magnetic field surrounding it, which can exert force on objects in the field or cause mechanical motion. In this article, we will learn in detail about solenoid, its working and application.

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What are Electromagnets?

Electromagnets are magnets that use electric current to generate magnetic fields. Unlike permanent magnets, which produce a steady magnetic field, electromagnets may be turned on and off by regulating the flow of electricity through a wire coil. They are commonly utilized in applications that demand changeable and regulated magnetic fields. A coil of wire twisted around a magnetic core, usually made of iron or steel, is what makes up an electromagnet. When electric current travels through a wire coil, it produces a magnetic field surrounding it in accordance with Ampère’s law....

What is a Solenoid ?

A solenoid is a type of electromagnet that consists of a coil of wire wrapped around a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic core. When an electric current is passed through the wire, it creates a magnetic field around the core, which results in various applications in industries and everyday devices....

How to Make a Solenoid?

To make a solenoid we need following materials...

Working of a Solenoid

When an electric current is passed through a circular wire, a magnetic field is generated around it. We know that magnetic field is directional, in simpler terms, if we place another circular wire with electric current passing in the opposite direction to that electric current of the first wire, the magnetic fields of both wires will cancel out each other....

Magnetic Field in a Current-Carrying Solenoid

The magnetic field inside the solenoid is parallel to the axis of the core. Beyond the solenoid, the magnetic field is very weak. The purpose of solenoid is to generate a magnetic field, so studying it is very important to understand how magnetic field are distributed around a current carrying solenoid....

Difference between Solenoid and Bar Magnet

Here are the differences between a solenoid and a bar magnet....

Types of a Solenoid

There are different types of solenoid for different purposes. Following are the major types of solenoid along with a small description for each....

Applications of a Solenoid

The applications of solenoid are mentioned below:...

Conclusion

In short, electromagnets and solenoids are crucial in lots of things we use every day, like electric motors and magnetic locks, as well as in important medical technologies like MRI machines. We learnt the functionality of solenoids and how we can create our own. Further we looked at different types of solenoids and various kind of applications of them. Understanding functionality of solenoid is important milestone in understanding of both – physics and engineering....

FAQs on Solenoid

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