Exploring the Significance of Coils in Electricity and Magnetism

In summary, coils allow for more efficient use of current and create a stronger magnetic field, which is useful in various applications.
  • #1
Newtons Apple
57
1
hey everyone, I have a questions, that is very general, and perhaps, silly... but why are coils so significant in terms of electricity and magnetic fields? why is it when you push a magnet through a coil, you get a charge, but not when you touch it to a straight copper pipe? Or when you see generators, they always use the coil form? What is it about a metal coil, that conducts better than any other shape?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Coils don't conduct better than other shapes they just make use of inductance in a way that straight wires don't. This is really basic electronics and you'd learn more by studying it that getting a simple answer here.

I Googled "inductance in coils" and got a zillion hits.
 
  • #3
Basically through inductance, capacitance, and resistance we can build circuits that are frequency selective. For example, read about resonance. Coils have inductance, which is what is special. Of course frequency selectivity is but one of the applications of circuits containing coils.
 
  • #4
Another simple answer or point, other than it not being about conducting, is that current flowing in the coil creates a magnetic field, and the strength of the field is proportional to the ampere-turns. So a stronger coil needs more current or more turns of the wire.
 
  • #5
I would say that the difference between a coil and a straight wire is that the coil interacts with itself, that is the field by generated by a given bit of wire is felt by other nearby bits of wire. The field generated by a straight wire does not cross the wire again.
 
  • #6
It depends on the shape of the magnetic field you want to generate.

When current passes through a wire, it creates magnetic field that is circular around the wire.

While if you turn it in the shape of the coil as you mentioned you will get magnetic field in the shape of approximately straight lines which can be more easily manipulated for your application purpose.

In motors applications, the torque generated by 3 phase motor is the result of the cross product of magnetic field from stator and rotor, so if you have 2 straight magnetic fields you can easily find the torque resulted from the interaction of these 2 fields.
 

What is a coil?

A coil is a length of wire wound in a spiral or helix shape. It is used in electrical circuits and devices to generate or amplify electromagnetic fields.

How do coils work in electricity and magnetism?

Coils work in electricity and magnetism because the current flowing through the wire creates a magnetic field. The magnetic field lines are concentrated within the coil, making it a strong electromagnet. This magnetic field can interact with other magnets or conductors to produce motion or induce electrical currents.

What is the significance of coils in electricity and magnetism?

The significance of coils in electricity and magnetism is that they allow us to control and manipulate these forces for practical applications. Coils are used in generators, motors, transformers, and other devices that rely on electromagnetic fields. They also play a crucial role in wireless communication and power transmission.

How are coils used in electromagnets?

Coils are used to create electromagnets by wrapping them around a magnetic core, such as a piece of iron or steel. When a current flows through the wire, it creates a magnetic field that magnetizes the core. This allows for a stronger and more controllable magnetic field than a permanent magnet.

What factors affect the strength of a coil's magnetic field?

The strength of a coil's magnetic field depends on several factors, including the number of turns in the coil, the amount of current flowing through the wire, and the material of the core. Increasing any of these factors will result in a stronger magnetic field. Also, the coil's shape and size can affect the direction and shape of the magnetic field.

Similar threads

  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
20
Views
919
Replies
2
Views
928
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
998
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
7
Views
417
  • DIY Projects
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top