Magnetic field of a circular electromagnet?

In summary, when the metal core of an electromagnet is in the shape of an iron ring, it creates a circular magnetic field known as a toroid magnet. This type of magnet is commonly found in particle detectors and fusion reactors. Unlike traditional magnets, there are no distinct poles in a toroid magnet. However, it is still capable of attracting and repelling other magnets due to its magnetic field configuration. The outside of the toroid magnet may have a weak stray field, but the inside has a homogeneous field that does not create a net force. Instead, it can create torque and cause other magnets to align with the magnetic field. This alignment is due to the configuration of the magnetic field near the poles of the toroid magnet.
  • #1
kolleamm
477
44
I know that the poles of an electromagnet that is straight is at the ends but what if the metal core is an iron ring?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Then you have a circular magnetic field. This is called a toroid magnet, and you'll find it in various particle detectors, fusion reactors and probably a couple of other places.
 
  • Like
Likes kolleamm
  • #3
mfb said:
Then you have a circular magnetic field. This is called a toroid magnet, and you'll find it in various particle detectors, fusion reactors and probably a couple of other places.
Would the poles be perpendicular to the ring's plane?
 
  • #4
There are no magnet poles in this case.
 
  • #5
Hints: what does it mean for part of a magnet or electromagnet to be a "pole"? Does that condition hold for any part of a toroid?
 
  • #6
It would mean that it could attract/repel other magnets right?

Would such a toroid electromagnet be able to repel or attract though? I had this idea of where I could make two of these toroid electromagnets repel and attract each other perpendicular to their plane, if that's possible.
 
  • #7
Outside you have a bit of stray field, which can lead to a weak force. Inside the field is quite homogeneous, so you don't have a net force. You can have torque - the magnet trying to align itself with the magnetic field.
 
  • #8
kolleamm said:
It would mean that it could attract/repel other magnets right?
And what is it about the magnetic field configuration (near the poles) that causes it to attract/repel other magnets? To keep things simple, suppose the "other magnets" are small (in physical size) compared to the magnet in question.

Also, by "attract" I don't mean just that the "other magnets" rotate to align themselves with the field. I mean that there is a net force which attracts them to or repels them from the magnet in question.
 

What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force can be detected. It is created by the movement of electric charges, such as electrons.

How is the magnetic field of a circular electromagnet created?

The magnetic field of a circular electromagnet is created by passing an electric current through a wire wrapped around a circular core. This current creates a magnetic field that wraps around the core in a circular shape.

What factors affect the strength of the magnetic field of a circular electromagnet?

The strength of the magnetic field of a circular electromagnet is affected by the number of turns in the wire, the amount of current flowing through the wire, and the material of the core.

How is the direction of the magnetic field of a circular electromagnet determined?

The direction of the magnetic field of a circular electromagnet is determined by the right-hand rule. If you point your right thumb in the direction of the current flow, then your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field.

How can the magnetic field of a circular electromagnet be used?

The magnetic field of a circular electromagnet has various practical applications, such as in motors, generators, and magnetic levitation systems. It can also be used for scientific research and in medical imaging devices like MRI machines.

Similar threads

  • Electromagnetism
Replies
10
Views
575
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
10
Views
331
Replies
28
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
640
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
960
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
238
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
940
Replies
6
Views
2K
Back
Top