How do Electromagnets Work

The use of electromagnets arise out of one of the most fundamental physical forces at work, the electromagnetic force. One might have wondered, seeing the Maglev trains zoom past, about "How does electromagnet work?" The underlying principle behind the working of the electromagnet is the use of electric energy in order to activate magnetic energy. It is a magnet created when electric current passes thorough a conducting medium. The most conventional way to generate high intensity electromagnets is to wind a core substance, usually a ferromagnetic material like iron, nickel or cobalt with many coils of wire. Once this is done, electric current is passed through the magnets, which induces a magnetic field in the ferromagnetic core.

The Principle: How does an Electromagnet Work

The exact principle, for the working of electromagnetic motors or the field created, is briefly described as follows. On the application of electric current, the particle of the ferromagnetic element gets charged and it begins moving. The path which the particle takes for the travel, creates a field of magnetism around the region traced by the path. The strength of this magnetic field depends on the flow of the electric current, which can be altered (increased or decreased) by changing the direction of the current flow.

The charged particle always moves in tandem with the magnetic field. Thus, an electromagnet is a magnet created by the flow of an electric current. The field or the area of influence depends on the strength of the magnetic field, which is directly related to the cross-sectional area of the conductor, the rate of flow of the current and the change in direction of its flow. Everyday life has a range of examples which rely largely on the use of electromagnets. The best and most formidable examples of how electromagnetic motors work, is the irrigation process in the fields or modern plumbing applications. It involves a complex arrangement of these motors to supply water in the most cramped or difficult places. Cranes used in construction industry and various other jobs involving the use and movement of heavy equipment are a prime example of the technology of electromagnetic generators used to create enormous power.

Microwaves, electric motors, computers are some of the most common areas, where electromagnetic energy work is growing continuously. Another recent and rapidly developing area is the electromagnetic spectrum-works. The use of modern communication systems such as mobile phones and other wireless connectivity applications prompt yet another query for common man, about the working process of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Electromagnetic spectrum is nothing but a group of frequencies which are categorized according to the frequency ranges they occupy and exhibit certain uses on account of these ranges known as spectrum. Visible light emanating from a bulb, the X-rays that mostly find application in medical procedure or the radio waves of corresponding to a radio station are components of this electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, all the frequencies which correspond to electromagnetic radiation are included in the electromagnetic spectrum. Although, the electromagnetic spectrum is infinite and continuous but for all practical purposes the longest of its wavelength is the length of the universe (whatever it is) and the shortest wavelength is believed to be very close to the Plank's length.

Different components of this spectrum react differently with matter, and hence produce a wide range of applications. For example, radio waves stimulate oscillation of charge carriers. Ultraviolet rays produce an excitation in molecular electrons and the valence electrons, X-rays cause excitation of core atomic structures and so on. These effects impart different properties to these components of electromagnetic spectrum.

Thus, electromagnetism forms an integral part of many human activities and their applications is a big asset to the progress of humanity.