Electromagnets
Angela Walker
What is an electromagnet?
An electromagnet runs on electricity. The strength of an electromagnet can be changed easily unlike permanent magnets. This change happens by changing the amount of electric current that flows through it. By reversing the flow of electricity, the poles of an electromagnet can be reversed.
How Electromagnets Work
Electromagnets work by electric currents producing magnetic fields. The magnetic field that an electric current produces forms circles around the electric current.
inventor of the electromagnet
William Sturgeon was the inventor of the first electromagnet. It was a horseshoe shaped piece of of iron that was wrapped along with a loosely wound coil of several turns. When currents were passed through the coil, the electromagnet would become magnetized and the coil would stop when the current was demagnetized.
Electric motor
Electromagnets are used in electric motors to supply electricity for machines and appliances.
Electric generator
Giant electric generators in hydro power plants generate electricity on a large level.
Car alternator
Alternators work with the battery to power the electrical components of a vehicle.
More about electromagnets
Electromagnet -What is it ? For Kids