Definition of «electromagnet»

Usage examples

1. A simple example of an electromagnet is a doorbell. When the button is pressed, an electric current flows through a coil of wire, creating a magnetic field that attracts a metal striker and produces the familiar ringing sound.
2. Maglev trains rely on electromagnets to levitate and propel the train. The train hovers above the tracks using a series of electromagnets that repel against the magnets on the track, allowing for frictionless movement at high speeds.
3. Electric motors, such as those found in household appliances or electric vehicles, use electromagnets to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. The interaction between the magnetic field produced by the electromagnets and permanent magnets generates rotational movement, powering the device.
4. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines utilize superconducting electromagnets to generate strong magnetic fields for medical imaging. These magnets create a uniform field inside the machine, which interacts with the body's hydrogen atoms to produce detailed images of internal structures.
5. Particle accelerators, like the Large Hadron Collider, employ thousands of powerful electromagnets to bend and steer particles at near-light speeds. By varying the magnetic field, scientists can control the particle's trajectory and guide them into collision courses, allowing studies on fundamental particles and the laws of physics.