What Is A Solenoid?
A solenoid is a long coil of wire wrapped in many turn, when a current passes through it, it creates a nearly uniform magnetic field inside. Solenoids can convert electric current to mechanical action and so are very commonly used as switches. The magnetic field within a solenoid depends upon the current and the density of turns.
What You Need To Know About Solenoid
- They are temporarily magnetized.
- A solenoid can produce very strong magnetic force.
- The polarity of a solenoid can be reversed by changing the direction of current in its coil.
- It can easily be demagnetized by switching off the current.
- It produces a magnetic field as long as there is current flow.
- They are usually made from soft iron/steel.
- The poles of a solenoid can be changed by flow of current.
- The strength of solenoid depends upon the quantity of flow of current.
What Is A Bar Magnet?
A bar magnet is a rectangular piece of an object, made up of iron, steel or any other ferromagnetic substance or ferromagnetic composite, that shows permanent magnetic properties. It has two poles, north and a south pole such that when suspended freely, the magnet aligns itself so that the northern pole points towards the magnetic north pole of the earth.
What You Need To Know About Solenoid
- They are permanently magnetized.
- A bar magnet produces a comparatively weak force of attraction.
- The polarity of a bar magnet is fixed and cannot be reversed.
- It cannot be easily be demagnetized.
- It produces a permanent magnetic field.
- They are usually made from hard iron/steel.
- The strength of bar magnets depends upon the nature of the material used in its creation.
Difference Between Solenoid And Bar Magnet
BASIS OF COMPARISON | SOLENOID | BAR MAGNET |
Description | They are temporarily magnetized. | They are permanently magnetized. |
Magnetic Force | A solenoid can produce very strong magnetic force. | A bar magnet produces a comparatively weak force of attraction. |
The polarity of a solenoid can be reversed by changing the direction of current in its coil. | The polarity of a bar magnet is fixed and cannot be reversed. | |
Demagnetization | It can easily be demagnetized by switching off the current. | It cannot be easily be demagnetized. |
Magnetic Field | It produces a magnetic field as long as there is current flow. | It produces a permanent magnetic field. |
Material Used To Make | They are usually made from soft iron/steel. | They are usually made from hard iron/steel. |
Strength | The strength of solenoid depends upon the quantity of flow of current. | The strength of bar magnets depends upon the nature of the material used in its creation. |