Practice Question

1. State what an electromagnet is

An electromagnet is a solenoid with an iron core.

2. Should why it is preferable to use an iron core compared to a steel core in the solenoid

Iron is magnetically soft, this means it is easy to magnetise and demagnetise. It is ideal for use in temporary magnets. 

Steel is not suitable for electromagnets because it is magnetically hard, so its harder to magnetise and demagnetise. It is mostly used for permanent magnets.

3.Give two ways that strength of the magnetic field of the electromagnet can be increased

1. Increasing the current flowing through the coil(solenoid)

2. Increasing the number of turns on the coil(solenoid)