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How does an electromagnet work?

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Quick answer

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.

Step by step

  1. A current flowing through a coiled wire generates a magnetic field.
  2. Adding an iron core concentrates and strengthens the field.
  3. More current or more coils makes a stronger magnet.
  4. Switching the current off turns the magnetism off.
  5. It powers motors, speakers, MRI machines, and scrapyard cranes.

People also ask

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.