Magnetic Effect of an Electric Current (Electromagnets)

Magnetic Effect of an Electric Current (Electromagnets)

• When a coil or a conductor carries a current, it produces the magnetic flux around it. Then it starts behaving as a magnet. Such a current carrying coil or conductor is called an electromagnet. This is due to magnetic effect of an electric current.

• If such a coil is wound around a piece of magnetic material like iron or steel and carries current then piece of material around which the coil is wound, starts behaving as a magnet, which is called an electromagnet                                              

• The flux produced and the flux density can be controlled by controlling the magnitude the current.

 • The direction and shape of the magnetic field around the coil or conductor depends on the direction of current and shape of the conductor through which it is passing. The magnetic field produced can be experienced with the help of iron fillings or compass needle.

• Let us study two different types of electromagnets,

1) Electromagnet due to straight current carrying conductor

2) Electromagnet due to circular current carrying coil