Magnet
Electricity and Magnetism

Electromagnets at work

Physics Narrative for 11-14 Supporting Physics Teaching

Electromagnets everywhere

What do electric bells, scrap-yard cranes and the central-locking in cars have in common? They all work using magnets, but not the permanent magnets of door catches and children's toys. The bells, cranes and car locks are based on electromagnets.

What is an electromagnet?

All electromagnets work on the principle that an electric current in a wire produces a magnetic field. In fact it is remarkably straightforward to make an electromagnet. Simply coil a length of wire round a piece of iron, such as a long iron nail, and pass an electric current through the wire. When the current flows a magnetic field is created and the iron becomes magnetised.

Magnet
can be analysed using Magnetic Field
Limit Less Campaign

Support our manifesto for change

The IOP wants to support young people to fulfil their potential by doing physics. Please sign the manifesto today so that we can show our politicians there is widespread support for improving equity and inclusion across the education sector.

Sign today