What Happens When a Magnet Approaches a Solenoid?

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SUMMARY

When a magnet approaches a solenoid, the interaction depends on the orientation of the magnet's poles relative to the solenoid's magnetic field. If the North pole of the magnet approaches the North pole of the solenoid, they will repel each other. Conversely, if the magnet's North pole approaches the South pole of the solenoid, the magnet will be attracted and may be propelled into the solenoid. The strength of the solenoid's magnetic field is determined by the formula B=μnI, where n represents the number of turns per unit length, indicating that a tightly wound solenoid produces a stronger magnetic field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and polarity
  • Familiarity with solenoid construction and behavior
  • Knowledge of the formula B=μnI for magnetic field strength
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
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  • Study the principles of electromagnetism in detail
  • Learn about the effects of magnetic field strength on solenoid performance
  • Explore the concept of magnetic field lines and their behavior in different configurations
  • Investigate practical applications of solenoids in devices such as relays and actuators
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Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electromagnetism and solenoid functionality.

nblu
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Hello, I was doing some questions and I thought I was understanding solenoids and magnets in incorrect way..

The question was, what would you feel if you bring a magnet close to a solenoid. I've wrote 2 possibilities, first is that they will repel and the second is that the solenoid would shoot-out the magnet. I was thinking that if the coil on solenoid is loosely wound, the field lines within the coil are curved so it will repel.. but if it is tightly wound, the field becomes straighter and it will react more aggressively..

I've wrote down my ideas but wasn't really happy with what I've wrote..

Could anyone please direct me to a better answer? Thank you in advance.
 
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nblu said:
The question was, what would you feel if you bring a magnet close to a solenoid. I've wrote 2 possibilities, first is that they will repel and the second is that the solenoid would shoot-out the magnet. I was thinking that if the coil on solenoid is loosely wound, the field lines within the coil are curved so it will repel.. but if it is tightly wound, the field becomes straighter and it will react more aggressively..

Your two possibilities are correct, but that would depend on whether you are bringing the North pole towards the north of the solenoid (remember how to find the direction of the magnetic field when a current is flowing?) and so forth.and the magnetic field of a solenoid is given by B=\mu n I where n is the no. of turns per unit length. If you wind the solenoid more tightly, n will increase and so will B and vice versa.
 
rock.freak667 said:
Your two possibilities are correct, but that would depend on whether you are bringing the North pole towards the north of the solenoid (remember how to find the direction of the magnetic field when a current is flowing?) and so forth.


and the magnetic field of a solenoid is given by B=\mu n I where n is the no. of turns per unit length. If you wind the solenoid more tightly, n will increase and so will B and vice versa.

Thank you rockfreak, for your comment. I'll make sure that I mention the polarity as well when I explain. :)
 

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