Question

Which one of the following metals is generally used to make Electromagnets?
1. Cobalt
2. Nickel
3. Iron
4. Copper

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Iron

The correct answer is Iron.

• Soft iron is generally used for making electromagnets because it has high magnetic permeability, i.e. it can easily gain magnetic properties when current is passed around the core and quickly lose when current is stopped.

• An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current.
• Electromagnets are widely used as components of other electrical devices, such as motors, generators, loudspeakers, hard disks, scientific instruments, etc.
• The main advantage of an electromagnet over a permanent magnet is that the magnetic field can be quickly changed by controlling the amount of electric current through the winding.