What is an electromagnet? Draw a diagram to explain the properties of electromagnets.

An electromagnet is a device consists of a soft iron bar placed inside a cylindrical coil of wire in which magnetic field is produced by the flow of electric current and the magnetic field generated lasts as long as there is current in the circuit.

The diagram of a electromagnet is shown below :

Properties of electromagnets are :

1. The magnetism of an electromagnet is temporary and can be switched on and off unlike that of a permanent magnet. Therefore, it is a temporary magnet.
2. The strength of an electromagnet can be changed as per the need. The strength of an electromagnet depends on the following factors:
   • The strength of current flowing in the coil
   • The number of turns in the coil
   • The nature of material of the core
     The strength can be increased by increasing the strength of current flowing in the coil and by increasing the number of turns in the coil.