A solenoid is a long insulted copper wire wound in the form of a helix. When an electric current in passed through a solenoid, magnetic field is produced around it. The pattern of magnetic field produced in a solenoid when an electric current is passed through it is shown in figure. It should be noted that magnetic field produced in the solenoid resembles with that of a bar magnet.
Factors effecting strength of magnetic field produced in a solenoid
The strength of magnetic field produced in a solenoid depends upon following factors:
1. Strength of Current
The strength of magnetic field produced in a solenoid is directly proportional to the magnitude of current passing through it. Thus, strength of magnetic field increases if the magnitude of current passing through the solenoid is increased.
2. Number of Turns of Wire
Magnetic field can be increased by increasing the number of turns of copper wire in the solenoid.
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- Define a solenoid.
- Draw the pattern of magnetic lines of force due to current carrying solenoid.
- On what factors does the strength of magnetic field produced by a solenoid depend?