What is a solenoid ? Draw a sketch to show the magnetic field pattern produced by a current-carrying solenoid.

Question

(a)What is a solenoid ? Draw a sketch to show the magnetic field pattern produced by a current-carrying solenoid.

(b) Name the type of magnet with which the magnetic field pattern of a current-carrying solenoid resembles. 

(c) What is the shape of field lines inside a current-carrying solenoid ? What does the pattern of field lines inside a current-carrying solenoid indicate ? 

(d) List three ways in which the magnetic field strength of a current-carrying solenoid can be increased ? 

(e) What type of core should be put inside a current-carrying solenoid to make an electromagnet ?

Answer 1

(a) A solenoid is a long coil containing a large number of close turns of insulated copper wire.

(b) The magnetic field produced by a current-carrying solenoid is similar to the magnetic field produced by a bar magnet. 

(c) Magnetic field lines inside a current-carrying solenoid are in the form of parallel straight lines. This indicates that the magnetic field inside the solenoid is uniform. 

(d) The magnetic field strength of a current-carrying solenoid can be increased by (i) increasing the number of turns in the solenoid. (ii) increasing the current flowing through the solenoid. (iii) using soft iron as core in the solenoid. 

(e) Soft iron core.