Difference between Electromagnets and Permanent Magnets
Magnets are a fundamental component in many everyday electronic devices. They have been used in many applications like fridge magnets, motors, generators, and more. However, there are two types of magnets used in most applications, and they are electromagnets and permanent magnets. This article seeks to highlight the significant differences between electromagnets and permanent magnets.
What are Electromagnets?
An electromagnet is a type of magnet that is created by moving an electric current through a wire. In an electromagnet, passing an electric current through a wire generates a magnetic field around it. The stronger the electric current, the stronger the magnetic field. The magnetic field strength of an electromagnet can be varied by changing the amplitude of the electric current passed through the wire. An electromagnet’s magnetic field disappears when it is turned off.
The applications of electromagnets include cranes, MRI machines, and electric motors. Electromagnets are also
Table difference between electromagnets and permanent magnets
| Electromagnets | Permanent Magnets |
|---|---|
| Creates magnetic field when an electric current is passed through it | Maintains its magnetic field without an external power source |
| The strength of the magnetic field can be controlled by varying the current | The strength of the magnetic field is fixed and cannot be altered |
| The magnetic field can be turned on and off by controlling the current | The magnetic field is always present |
| Commonly used in electric motors, generators and MRI machines | Commonly used in fridge magnets, speakers and hard drives |
| Requires a power source to operate | Does not require a power source to operate |