Explain how an electromagnet is made. Mention two ways in which the strength of an electromagnet can be increased.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:10 · grounding rag
Model Answer
An electromagnet is made by winding a coil of insulated copper wire around a soft iron core. When electric current flows through the coil (solenoid), a strong magnetic field is produced inside it, which magnetises the soft iron core, forming an electromagnet.
Two ways to increase its strength:
- Increasing the number of turns of wire in the coil.
- Increasing the amount of current flowing through the coil.
Source: Chapter 12, Section 12.2.4
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Explanation
- The key definition expected is: insulated copper wire coil + soft iron core — both parts must be mentioned.
- The textbook states the electromagnet is formed when a soft iron piece placed inside a current-carrying solenoid gets magnetised.
- For the two ways, examiners accept: more turns, more current, or using a stronger core material. Pick any two clearly.
- Avoid writing long paragraphs; a one-sentence construction explanation + two labelled points is the ideal board-exam format for 3 marks.