Does diameter of air coil in electromagnet affect strength?

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SUMMARY

The diameter of an air coil in an electromagnet significantly affects its strength. A smaller air coil diameter results in a stronger magnetic field due to reduced magnetic field leakage, allowing more of the field to pass through the core material, whether it is iron or air. Conversely, a larger diameter coil leads to increased leakage of the magnetic field, diminishing the overall strength of the electromagnet. Therefore, for optimal performance, a tightly wrapped small air coil is preferable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetism principles
  • Knowledge of magnetic field behavior in coils
  • Familiarity with core materials, specifically iron and air
  • Basic concepts of magnetic field leakage
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  • Research the effects of coil diameter on magnetic field strength
  • Explore the role of core materials in electromagnet performance
  • Learn about magnetic field leakage and its implications
  • Investigate design considerations for air coil electromagnets
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Electromagnetic engineers, physics students, hobbyists building electromagnets, and anyone interested in optimizing electromagnet design and performance.

Munnu
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The title is explanatory. I know that an iron core yields a stronger electromagnet. What if you have an electromagnet with an extremely tiny air coil relative to its volume? Does the small air coil diameter effect the electromagnet?
 
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Munnu said:
The title is explanatory. I know that an iron core yields a stronger electromagnet. What if you have an electromagnet with an extremely tiny air coil relative to its volume? Does the small air coil diameter effect the electromagnet?
The small coil, with the wire wrapped tightly around the iron core, will give a stronger magnet because nearly all the field of the coil passes through the iron. With a large diameter coil, much of the field does not pass through the iron - there is more leakage.
 
tech99 said:
The small coil, with the wire wrapped tightly around the iron core, will give a stronger magnet because nearly all the field of the coil passes through the iron. With a large diameter coil, much of the field does not pass through the iron - there is more leakage.
That makes sense, but what about air coils? If I don't have an iron coil but rather an air coil. Does having an extremely small air coil diameter (like almost no air coil whatsoever) affect the magnet strength?
 

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