How do electromagnets differ from regular magnets

With very few exceptions, including exceeding maximum operating temperature , permanent magnets remain magnetized constantly. However, electromagnets gain or lose their magnetic properties based on the supply of electrical current. The magnetic strength of permanent magnets largely depends on the material make-up of the magnet.

Their inherent physical structures dictates the maximum amount of strength based on material, size and shape. On the other hand, electromagnets see their strength fluctuate depending on the amount of current supplied. The same electromagnet can provide multiple magnetic strengths. Choosing Permanent Magnets Permanent magnets have the main benefit of operating without a power supply, making them energy efficient.

They are easily portable to a variety of locations. Furthermore, their availability in very small dimensions make them ideal for size-limited applications.

Permanent magnets face limitations in operating temperatures. That is how you can differentiate between the two. The magnets that you have affixed to your refrigerator are permanent magnets, while electromagnets are the principle behind AC motors.

Electromagnet: Magnetic Strength Permanent magnet strength depends upon the material used in its creation. The strength of an electromagnet can be adjusted by the amount of electric current allowed to flow into it. As a result, the same electromagnet can be adjusted for different strength levels. Electromagnet: Loss of Magnetic Properties If a permanent magnet loses its magnetic properties, as it does by heating to a maximum temperature, it will be rendered useless and its magnetic properties can be only recovered by re-magnetizing.

With very few exceptions, such as exceeding maximum operating temperatures, permanent magnets remain magnetized constantly, while electromagnets are reliant on electrical currents for the strength of their magnetic properties.

The magnetic strength of permanent magnets depends on the overall material, size, and shape of the magnet itself, but once that level of magnetization is determined, it does not change.

Electromagnets, on the other hand, are highly dependent on the electrical current supplied. Meaning, electromagnets can provide multiple magnetic strengths. Able to manipulate their magnetic pull strength by turning the magnet or off, or by adjusting the electrical current. Since significant amounts of coiling is needed to create strong magnetic fields, their size can be prohibitive in some applications. Fixed magnetic pull can make them unattractive to users looking for flexibility with their magnets.

Whether you choose electromagnets or permanent magnets for your application, be sure you fully understand the pros and cons of each. If you need help deciding which magnet is best for you, give us a call.

One of our experts will be more than happy to assist! Some myths, such as whether a magnet can damage a laptop get passed around as truth and no one really knows why. Maybe we heard it as a child in school or as we got older within our business circle Previously, old magnets could not be recycled to reuse the rare earth metals inside them, but new methods hav Discovered by the physicist Michael Faraday in the 19th century, the law of electromagnetic induction shows that moving electrical charges create magnetic fields.

This is the basis for the existence of naturally occurring magnets and man-made electromagnets, according to Kristen Coyne of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. With naturally occurring magnets, the current of moving electric charges that creates the magnetic field is generated inside the substance of the magnet. Atoms, the tiny particles that make up all physical objects, are made up out of charged electrons orbiting nuclear particles.

Because the electrons are constantly moving around the nucleus, they are constantly creating magnetic fields. In most materials the north and south poles of these tiny atomic magnets point every which way. This makes the effects of each cancel each other out, and the material is left nonmagnetic. In some materials, mostly metals, these tiny magnets line up and make the entire object magnetic. An electromagnet is a device made up of three simple parts. A coil of wire is wound around a core of metal, usually iron.

A battery or other power source is connected to the coil of wire.