Science
How does an electromagnet work?
An electromagnet works by running electricity through a coil of wire, which creates a magnetic field. Unlike a permanent magnet, it can be switched on and off — and made stronger — just by controlling the current, which makes it incredibly useful.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how an electromagnet works.
Step by step
- 1A current flowing through a coiled wire generates a magnetic field.
- 2Adding an iron core concentrates and strengthens the field.
- 3More current or more coils makes a stronger magnet.
- 4Switching the current off turns the magnetism off.
- 5It powers motors, speakers, MRI machines, and scrapyard cranes.
Frequently asked questions
- How does electricity make a magnet?
- Moving electric charge creates a magnetic field; coiling the wire stacks those fields, and an iron core focuses them into a strong magnet.
- Why use an electromagnet instead of a normal magnet?
- You can turn it on and off and dial its strength with the current — a permanent magnet is always on at one fixed strength.
- What is an electromagnet used for?
- Electric motors, generators, speakers, MRI scanners, maglev trains, and giant cranes that lift and drop scrap metal.