How can I determine the strength of an electromagnet with an iron core?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around determining the strength of an electromagnet with an iron core. Participants explore various factors that influence electromagnet strength, including current, wire turns, and core properties. The conversation includes requests for equations and clarifications on terminology related to electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in building a strong electromagnet and seeks equations to calculate its strength, mentioning confusion over terms like permeability.
  • Several participants provide links to external resources, such as HowStuffWorks and Wikipedia, but some indicate these resources lack specific equations.
  • Another participant suggests that the strength of the electromagnet can be increased by shortening its length while increasing the number of turns, proposing a disk shape for the design.
  • A participant shares a calculation attempt, yielding a strength of 3.17 tesla, and requests verification of their approach, indicating uncertainty in their results.
  • Another participant suggests that providing the formula and values used in calculations would be helpful for verification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the factors that can influence electromagnet strength, but there is no consensus on the specific equations or calculations needed to determine it accurately. Uncertainty remains regarding the correct application of these equations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of specific equations discussed in the thread and varying interpretations of how to apply the concepts related to electromagnet strength. Some participants express confusion over terminology and calculations.

hover
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lately i have been really interested in electromagnets. i have been building small ones and i will eventually (at least i want to anyway) build a strong electromagnet (not some toy). from what i understand you can increase the strength of an electromagnet by adding more current, turning the wire more and adding a solenoid. for a start anyway i want to know the equations on how to determine the strength of an electromagnet with an iron core. the problem is for one of course, i don't know any equations on electromagnetic strength but two, i have a really hard time with all the different fraises used in the equations (ex. permeability). I just get totally confused. can someone please help CLEARLY explain the equation for the strength of an electromagnet? any help will be appreciated.
thx:smile:
 
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hover said:
good amount of info but I'm still missing the equation to calculate an electromagnet's strength
Hmmm. You're right, no equations. I'm being lazy today, so here's a better explanation from wikipedia with equations. Hope they help. Keep in mind that the force varies a lot with the separation of the electromagnet and the target metal piece.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnet
 
berkeman said:
Hmmm. You're right, no equations. I'm being lazy today, so here's a better explanation from wikipedia with equations. Hope they help. Keep in mind that the force varies a lot with the separation of the electromagnet and the target metal piece.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnet

i'm always lazy:smile: . thanks maybe i can finally figure how to calculate the strength
 
you can increase the strength of the electromagnet by making it's length short but with lots and lots of turns. That would make a shape of a disk.
 
Astronuc said:
Hyperphysics is a good resource with equations as well as explanations.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/solenoid.html

i must be screwing up with the equation. somehow i get 3.17 tesla from a wire wrapped around a core 800 times with a core with 200 permeability and 1 amperes. it must be wrong. Can someone who knows what they're doing double check please?

thx
 
It would help if you write the formula/equation, and then show the values you are using.
 

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