A cylindrical Coil of wire whose diameter is small compared to its length is known as a Solenoid. It can be used to generate an essentially uniform Magnetic Field similar to that of a bar Magnet, Figure 1, when a Current is running through it. The Magnetic Field is directed along the axis of the Solenoid.
Figure 1: The Magnetic Field is similar for both the Solenoid and the bar Magnet
By wrapping the Current carrying Coil around a core of iron, the Magnetic Field can further be strengthened and an Electromagnet is formed, Figure 2.
Figure 2: Solenoid wrapped around a core of iron
Electromagnet converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It is used in many electromechanical devices such as circuit breakers, motors, relays, etc.
Links
- Soldnoid - HyperPhysics, George State University
- Solenoid Animation - An animation about building a solenoid. It shows how many loops are necessary to create a solenoid with a uniform magnetic field.
- Magnetic Field and Magnetic Force - Electricity and Magnetism, San Jose State University
- Magnetic Fields Created by a Solenoid - Study the magnetic field created by a solenoid depending on the position inside a solenoid and the current through the solenoid.
