Verified Solution Science Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects

A student wants to increase the strength of an electromagnet. Which of the following actions would NOT contribute to increasing its strength?

5 views 1 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AIncreasing the number of turns in the coil.
  • BIncreasing the current flowing through the coil.
  • CUsing a core material that retains magnetism strongly after the current is switched off.
  • DUsing a thicker wire for the coil.
Explanation

The strength of an electromagnet is increased by increasing the number of turns (A), increasing the current (B), and using a soft iron core (which has high permeability and low retentivity). Using a thicker wire (D) reduces resistance, potentially allowing more current and thus increasing strength if voltage is constant. However, using a core material with high retentivity (meaning it retains magnetism strongly) is characteristic of materials used for permanent magnets and makes it difficult to demagnetize, which is counterproductive to the temporary and controllable nature of an electromagnet. Such materials are also generally harder to magnetize to a high degree compared to soft iron for the same applied field.

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