Can Adjacent Coils in a Solenoid Touch Without Affecting Its Functionality?

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SUMMARY

Adjacent coils in a solenoid must not touch each other to maintain functionality. When coils touch, current can flow straight down the axis instead of circulating around each loop, which disrupts the generation of the desired magnetic field. Insulation between coils is essential to prevent short circuits and ensure proper operation. This principle also applies to transformers, where coils must be insulated from the iron core to avoid unintended current flow.

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bluestrat182
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To create a solenoid, conductive wire is coiled with n # of turns per unit length. To create a real solenoid can each coil touch the adjacent coil or does there have to be some non-conductive material between them? The reason I ask is it seems if they were touching that current would flow straight down the axis of the solenoid rather than around each loop, therefore not producing the desired magnetic field...or is following the loops the least path of resistance for the current and it flows that way even when adjacent coils touch?
 
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You need to insulate the wires from each other to avoid a short circuit,
and for the reason you suggest. Don't try it at home.
 
Also with transformers, each coil must be electrically insulated from the (iron) core or else the current would flow through the core.
 

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