Types of Electromagnet

The electromagnets are mainly classified as

• Resistant Electromagnets
• Superconducting Electromagnets
• Hybrid Electromagnets
• Solenoid Electromagnets
• Toroidal Electromagnets

Resistant Electromagnets 

These electromagnet uses copper wires to create a magnetic field around them. The magnetic field is created when the copper wire is twisted around a piece of iron and an electric current is induced in the wire. The number of twits of the copper wires is directly proportional to the strength of magnetic field.

Superconducting Electromagnets

Superconducting electromagnets are crafted from materials displaying zero electrical resistance to the current flowing through them under low temperature. This property allows for the creation of magnetic fields even after power supply is cut off. These types of electromagnets are applied in certain scientific instruments like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines and particle accelerators due to their capability to generate powerful and stable magnetic fields.

Hybrid Electromagnets

Hybrid Electromagnets are a mixture of the two types of electromagnets i.e. resistive and superconductor electromagnets. They are commonly used in Spaceships, frictionless bearings, etc.

Solenoid Electromagnets

Solenoid electromagnets feature a coiled wire wound in a helical shape. When an electric current passes through this coil, it produces a strong and uniform magnetic field. These solenoids serve versatile roles in devices, functioning as switches, actuators, or integral components in locking mechanisms.

Read More, Solenoid Magnetic Field

Toroidal Electromagnets

Toroidal electromagnets take on a torus or ring shape with wire coiled around. This design improves the magnetic field, making it particularly effective within the core of the toroid. These are widely used in telecommunications and modern medical equipments, toroidal electromagnets excel in efficiently confining and directing magnetic fields.

Read More, Solenoid and Toroid Magnetic Field

Electromagnets are temporary magnets that form a magnetic field when an electric current is passed through them. These magnets are made by coiling a wire around an iron core. When electric current is passed through it, the iron core behaves like a magnet but when the current is turned off, it loses all its magnetic properties. Electromagnets are widely used in various devices like motors, electric bells, solenoids, etc. 

In this article, we will understand the meaning of electromagnet, properties of electromagnet, advantages and disadvantages, the right-hand rule of electromagnetic field, uses of electromagnet, and the difference between permanent magnets and electromagnet.