A nail is placed inside an electromagnet, why do we feel a buzzing sensation?

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The buzzing sensation felt when a nail is placed inside an electromagnet is attributed to the magnetic field generated by the current. The discussion raises questions about whether the current is alternating or direct, as a DC electromagnet typically behaves like a permanent magnet without buzzing. Participants express confusion about the placement of the nail, questioning if it can truly be "inside" the electromagnet. It is suggested that if buzzing occurs with a DC source, one should verify the current for any AC components. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity on the electromagnet's design and the nature of the current used.
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Homework Statement



A nail is placed inside an electromagnet, why do we feel a buzzing sensation?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Is it because of resonance? Can someone please explain? Thanks!
 
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highbury1991 said:

Homework Statement



A nail is placed inside an electromagnet, why do we feel a buzzing sensation?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Is it because of resonance? Can someone please explain? Thanks!

It depends on the electromagnet. What causes the force of an electromagnet? What creates that force?
 
berkeman said:
It depends on the electromagnet. What causes the force of an electromagnet? What creates that force?

Hi thanks for your reply. I understand that the force is created by the magnetic field due to the current. However, the nail is this case is placed inside the electromagnet, I'm not sure why then there will be a buzzing (vibrating) feeling. Can you elaborate on that a bit more please? Thanks!
 
highbury1991 said:
Hi thanks for your reply. I understand that the force is created by the magnetic field due to the current. However, the nail is this case is placed inside the electromagnet, I'm not sure why then there will be a buzzing (vibrating) feeling. Can you elaborate on that a bit more please? Thanks!

Correct that the magnetic force comes from the current. What are the two options for that current?
 
berkeman said:
Correct that the magnetic force comes from the current. What are the two options for that current?

you mean that the current reverses direction? I can't really see why...
 
highbury1991 said:
you mean that the current reverses direction? I can't really see why...

What's the difference in the current in a flashlight bulb versus a lightbulb plugged into the wall socket?
 
berkeman said:
What's the difference in the current in a flashlight bulb versus a lightbulb plugged into the wall socket?

the former is dc and the latter ac. you mean the current changes direction inside the electromagnet? the current source I used was a dc one, though
 
highbury1991 said:
the former is dc and the latter ac. you mean the current changes direction inside the electromagnet? the current source I used was a dc one, though

The nail buzzed inside of a DC electromagnet? That's unexpected. Are you sure it was a good DC source, and not going into a pulsating current limit or something? AFAIK, a DC electromagnet should act just like a permanent magnet.
 
berkeman said:
The nail buzzed inside of a DC electromagnet? That's unexpected. Are you sure it was a good DC source, and not going into a pulsating current limit or something? AFAIK, a DC electromagnet should act just like a permanent magnet.

this is for sure that we're going to feel a buzzing sensation when a metal bar is placed inside an electromagnet, since this is what the question states. But the whole thing really confuses me. What is placed "inside" an electromagnet... the centre of the electromagnet is a solid iron bar, the best we can do is to place a nail near that electromagnet. But thanks anyway for your help.
 
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highbury1991 said:
this is for sure that we're going to feel a buzzing sensation when a metal bar is placed inside an electromagnet, since this is what the question states. But the whole thing really confuses me. What is placed "inside" an electromagnet... the centre of the electromagnet is a solid iron bar, the best we can do is to place a nail near that electromagnet. But thanks anyway for your help.

When you said "inside", I assumed the electromagnet was C-shaped or similar, with a gap in the magnetic path. If it's just a bar, then yes, thre is no inside, just near the ends.

Update us after you try the experiment. If you do feel a buzzing, and the current source is supposedly DC, I'd suggest using a current meter or voltmeter to check that the current doesn't have an AC component for some reason.
 
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