What is an electromagnet and what is it used for?

Electromagnets are widely used types of magnets due to their magnetic properties and their multiple possibilities of use. They are constantly present in our environment, both in our home and in our workplace.

In 1825 the Englishman William Sturgeon (1783-1850) carried out the experiment of winding 18 turns of conductive wire around a soft iron bar. By connecting the ends of the cable to a battery, a magnetic field was created and he was able to lift a weight that was 20 times greater than his own. Thus was born the first electromagnet, a magnet powered by electricity.

An electromagnet is characterized on the one hand by its magnetic effect and on the other hand by being dependent on a power source of electrical energy. If it is disconnected from the electrical source, its magnetic field disappears. The intensity of the magnetic field and therefore of the electromagnet is directly regulated by the current. These types of magnets have high power and moderate energy consumption. They are available in various shapes and sizes for a wide range of applications and uses.

There are several types of electromagnets:

1. The resistive electromagnet: They are composed of a conductive wire that is usually made of copper wound around an iron core. A magnetic field is generated thanks to the circulation of electric current. This type of magnet requires a lot of electrical consumption and usually generates overheating.
2. The superconducting electromagnet: The most powerful magnets are made with coils of superconducting wires, hence their name "superconductors." The use of magnets produced by superconducting coils reduce mechanical losses in the production of alternative energy.
3. The hybrid electromagnet: they are a combination of resistive and superconducting magnets. Scientists build a resistive magnet inside a superconducting magnet to create a high-powered magnet!