Can I make an electromagnet attract to either pole of a mag?

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Can an electromagnet like this one be manipulate to attract either pole of a permanent magnet by running the current in either direction?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metal-11LB-5kg-0-5A-Electric-Lifting-Magnet-Holding-Electromagnet-9V-DC-50N-/161550273936?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item259d258d90
 
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radaballer said:
Can an electromagnet like this one be manipulate to attract either pole of a permanent magnet by running the current in either direction?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metal-11LB-5kg-0-5A-Electric-Lifting-Magnet-Holding-Electromagnet-9V-DC-50N-/161550273936?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item259d258d90

Yep! :smile:
 
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berkeman said:
Yep! :smile:

Actually, I need to modify my answer...

If you look at the alternate images you will see the "holding end" of the electromagnet. To make the strongest holding force, they bring both poles of the electromagnet out on that end, with a center pole an an outer pole that have opposite N/S on them. That way when you attach it to a ferrous metal plate, the magnetic path length through the air is minimized.

So, if you want to be able to attract a N or S pole with this, you would do best to put an extension piece on the center pole, to get it away from the outer return cylinder. Or you may be able to take it apart and remove the outer return cylinder.

Makes sense?
 
berkeman said:
Actually, I need to modify my answer...

If you look at the alternate images you will see the "holding end" of the electromagnet. To make the strongest holding force, they bring both poles of the electromagnet out on that end, with a center pole an an outer pole that have opposite N/S on them. That way when you attach it to a ferrous metal plate, the magnetic path length through the air is minimized.

So, if you want to be able to attract a N or S pole with this, you would do best to put an extension piece on the center pole, to get it away from the outer return cylinder. Or you may be able to take it apart and remove the outer return cylinder.

Makes sense?
Yes, thank you
 
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