How Electromagnets Work?
Electromagnets are a common component found in a widely diverse set of applications, enabling the operations of concert speakers, wrecking yard equipment, and even building doors. Electromagnets may come in various forms, but at their most basic, they are simply devices that form magnetic fields through the induction of electricity. Nevertheless, they support the functionality of countless processes that modern societies depend on, making them extremely important. To help you better understand electromagnets and the impact they have in various settings, we will discuss their functionality in this blog.
Electromagnets are fairly simplistic mechanically speaking, often consisting of a conductive wire that is wrapped around a metallic component. With the use of a battery or similar electrical source, current can be induced to the assembly. As current flows through the wire, a magnetic field is generated, causing the metal to act as a permanent magnet. Unlike a conventional magnet in nature, electromagnets allow for magnetism to be controlled quickly and easily through the management of a circuit.
When discussing permanent magnets, one is referring to the substances that attract or repel steel or iron through their north and south poles. Generally, the north end will attract the south end of another magnet, and vice versa. Meanwhile, similar poles will repel one another. This is very similar to how a typical electromagnet works, albeit magnetism only exists for as long as there is an electrical current running through the wires or assembly.
While one may then say that a permanent magnet is the easier solution, there are instances where they would be completely infeasible. For example, a doorbell uses an electromagnet, that of which causes the clapper to become magnetized when the circuit is completed through the push of a button. This then causes the collision of the clapper and bell, leading to the actuation of the chime. If a permanent magnet was used, the repeatable functionality of a doorbell would not be feasible.
As discussed before, most electromagnets can be simplified into a wire wrapped around a metal material. The metal rod that the wire wrapped around is called the solenoid, and the magnetic field emanates from this point with a strength correlated to the amount of coils present around the rod. To increase magnetic strength, one simply needs to rotate the wire more.
In a resting state, the atoms comprising the electromagnet rod are arranged in random patterns. However, the introduction of electricity causes a realignment of atoms, causing them all to move in the same direction. This is what leads to the generation of a magnetic field which will remain until electricity is lost and all atoms return to their resting state. As electricity is always necessary for electromagnets to work, such power may be sourced from batteries, generators, electrical grids, or any other supply of electricity.
With the advantages and simplicity of electromagnets, such parts find use all around us. For instance, common applications that demand the use of electromagnets include computer hard drives, VCRs, wireless charging equipment, electric aircraft, and much more. When you are in the market for electromagnets or parts for the equipment they are found in, look no further than One Click Aviation.
One Click Aviation, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, is a premier purchasing platform for top-quality parts that have come from leading global manufacturers that we trust. With over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find products readily available for purchase from our database, we can fulfill all your operational requirements with ease. Even if the part you need is not currently on our database, we will still tirelessly work to craft a customized solution for your benefit. Get in touch with a One Click Aviation representative today and see how we are revolutionizing the procurement process.
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