Electromagnetism with an iron core

In summary, when an iron core is placed in a solenoid, it becomes magnetised. When a piece of iron is placed in front of the iron and solenoid, it will be pulled towards the solenoid like a door chime. The magnetic field at the end facing the solenoid will be stretched as the field lines leave the iron bar and extend all the way to the end of the solenoid. This results in a weaker magnetic field at the end, but the overall shape of the field is elongated. This can be visualized by imagining a bar magnet being lengthened.
  • #1
sgstudent
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Homework Statement


When we have an iron core in a solenoid, the iron core will become magnetised. But if I were to put a piece of iron in front of the iron and solenoid the piece of iron will come out like in a door chime. But as it comes out, will the magnetic field be stretched and elongated? The mechanism is something like this animation http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/repair/doorbell3.htm

So if we draw the magnetic field of the solenoid and iron, will the field at the end facing the solenoid be stretched such that when the field leaves the iron bar it stretches out all the way to the end of the solenoid? So in order words it's like have a bar magnet and just lengthening it?

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


I think so, just that at one end (not the iron part) is weaker as the iron bar does not concentrate the magnetic field lines? So only the part closest to the iron bar on both ends are equally strong as each other? I will draw some pictures to make this clearer. Thanks!

Here is the link to the picture: www.imgur.com/wGTvp oops I meant the whole field "belongs" to the solenoid rather than iron.
 
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  • #2
Sorry. Yes, I believe the magnetic field at the end facing the solenoid will be stretched such that when the field leaves the iron bar it stretches out all the way to the end of the solenoid. The magnetic field lines will be focused around the iron bar, and then spread out as they travel away from it. The strength of the field lines at the end of the solenoid will be weaker than at the beginning, but the overall shape of the magnetic field will be elongated.
 

1. What is an electromagnet with an iron core?

An electromagnet with an iron core is a type of electromagnet that uses a soft iron core to enhance its magnetic field. When an electric current flows through the coil, it creates a magnetic field, which is amplified by the presence of the iron core.

2. How does an electromagnet with an iron core work?

An electromagnet with an iron core works by using the principle of electromagnetism, where an electric current flowing through a coil of wire creates a magnetic field. The iron core helps to concentrate and amplify this magnetic field, making it stronger.

3. What are the advantages of using an iron core in an electromagnet?

Using an iron core in an electromagnet has several advantages. It increases the strength of the magnetic field, making the electromagnet more powerful. It also helps to focus the magnetic field in a specific direction, and it allows for better control of the magnet's strength by adjusting the amount of current flowing through the coil.

4. What are some common applications of electromagnets with iron cores?

Electromagnets with iron cores have a wide range of applications. They are commonly used in electric motors, generators, transformers, and other electrical devices. They are also used in industrial applications, such as lifting and separating metal objects, and in medical equipment, such as MRI machines.

5. How can the strength of an electromagnet with an iron core be increased?

The strength of an electromagnet with an iron core can be increased by increasing the number of turns in the wire coil, increasing the current flowing through the coil, or using a stronger iron core. Additionally, using a ferromagnetic material, such as neodymium, as the core can also increase the strength of the electromagnet.

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