Applications of electromagnets – Electromagnetism has caused a great impact on various fields such as medicine, industries, space, etc. In our day to day life, it finds application in;
(a) Speakers – In a speaker the electromagnet is placed in front of a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is fixed whereas the electromagnet is mobile. As pulses of electricity pass through the coil of the electromagnet, the direction of its magnetic field rapidly changes. This causes it to get attached to and repelled from the permanent magnet, thereby causing vibration. The electromagnet is attached to a cone made of plastic or paper which amplifies the sound and the waves reaching our ears.
(b) Maglev – Magnetic levitation trains are suspended with no support other than magnetic fields. In maglev trains two sets of magnets are used. One set to repel and push the train up off the track, and another to move the floating train ahead at a great speed without friction. The train travels along a guideway of magnets which controls the tram’s stability and speed using the basic principles of magnets.
(c) MRI Scanner – Magnetic resonance imaging is a procedure using sophisticated instruments that work on the principle of electromagnetism that can scan minute details of the human body. Other medical equipment such as X-rays etc., also use this principle for their functioning.
