What is an electromagnet?

An electromagnet is characterized as a temporary magnet that forms when an electric current is passed through a coil of wire wrapped around a core, typically made of iron. When the electric current flows, it generates a magnetic field, magnetizing the iron core and effectively creating a magnet. This process is based on the principles of electromagnetism, where electric currents produce magnetic fields.

One of the defining features of an electromagnet is that it can be turned on and off by controlling the current. When the current ceases, the magnetic field collapses, and the iron core loses its magnetism, distinguishing electromagnets from permanent magnets, which maintain their magnetic properties without an external current. This property makes electromagnets very useful in various applications, such as in electric motors, generators, and magnetic locks.