Question

Explain the construction of a U-shaped electromagnet with the help of a labelled diagram.

Answer 1

Construction:

• Core: It consists of a soft iron core bent into a U-shape (or horseshoe shape) having two parallel arms, labelled as A and B.
• Coil: A thin, insulated copper wire XY is spirally wound around both arms of this U-shaped soft iron core.
• Winding Direction: The winding on the two arms is done in opposite directions; it runs clockwise on arm A and counter-clockwise on arm B when viewed from the ends.
• Circuit Connection: The two open ends X and Y of the wire are connected to a Battery source.
• Control Elements: The circuit includes an Ammeter (A), a Rheostat to adjust the current, and a plug Key to turn the electromagnet on or off.