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In a magnetic material, the electrons of each atom orbit it in a particular direction, creating a current around the atom (and a mini-electromagnet or magnetic moment). In materials which make bar magnets (called ferromagnetic), these magnetic moments can sometimes can sometimes all line up, so the electron orbits are all orientated the same way. Inside the magnet, the currents around adjacent atoms cancel each other out, so there is an overall current around the outside, just like an electromagnet. This diagram might it clearer:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stokes-patch.png
Unlike the current through the electromagnet though, it is bound to the material; if you tried to power a lightbulb with it the current would still just flow around the boundary of the magnet.
This is a simplification; I've assumed you don't want a quantum mechanical explanation of ferromagnetism.
What else can I help you with?
What is the magnetic field of an electromagnet similar to?
The magnetic field of an electromagnet is similar to the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. Both exhibit magnetic properties and can attract or repel other magnetic materials. The strength of the magnetic field of an electromagnet can be controlled by adjusting the electrical current flowing through it.
How is an electromagnet similar to a magnet?
The reason is because an electromagnet is hooked up to an artificial energy force, while a magnet is a charged piece of metal example: a battery hooked up to a piece of iron attracts paperclips but a magnet can be made by stroking a paperclip against a bar magnet to create a temporary magnet somewhat how a compass works
Is the magnetic field of an electromagnet different to a bar magnet?
The magnetic domains in a refrigerator magnet are laid down in parallel strips. They are also re-curved back on themselves so that the back side of the magnet has both north and south poles. If you put two refrigerator magnets back-to-back and move them around a little, it won't take long for you to "feel" the strips of magnetism. The common bar magnet have two simple poles at the ends.
What is the difference between a bar magnet and a electromagnet?
A bar magnet is a permanent magnet that produces a magnetic field without the need for an external power source. An electromagnet is a temporary magnet that produces a magnetic field when an electric current flows through a coil of wire. The strength of an electromagnet can be controlled by adjusting the amount of current flowing through the coil.
Is a horseshoe electromagnet bar magnet or a magnet pole a example of a temporary magnet?
A horseshoe electromagnet is an example of a temporary magnet because it only exhibits magnetic properties when an electric current is passed through it. When the current is turned off, the magnetism disappears.
The magnetic field of an electromagnet is similar to that of a magnet?
bar
How is an electromagnet different a bar magnet?
a electromagnet is bigger than a bar magnet
An advantage of an electromagnet (in contrast to a bar magnet) is?
An electromagnet can be turned on and off.
Where are the two types of electromagnet and a bar magnet commonly used?
I'm not sure where a bar magnet is used, but an electromagnet is used in junkyards, and in some laboratories.
What does a electromagnet have that a bar magnet does not have?
The bar magnet and the electromagnet act identical. The difference being a electromagnet is a coil of wire that has a power source connect to both ends, this energizes the coil with an electromagnetic field.
What is the magnetic field of an electromagnet similar to?
The magnetic field of an electromagnet is similar to the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. Both exhibit magnetic properties and can attract or repel other magnetic materials. The strength of the magnetic field of an electromagnet can be controlled by adjusting the electrical current flowing through it.
If an electromagnet were used instead of a bar magnet to pick up nails the electromagnet would do what?
It will pick up the nails the same way a bar magnet would do!
What is the difference in a common bar magnet and an electromagnet?
The comon bar magnet has two poles, and the electromagnet can be turned on and off also the electromagnet uses electricity to create a magnetic field in the first place. so the difference is normal magnet cant be turned on and off but the electromagnet can. does that answer ur question?
What advantage does a electromagnet have over a bar magnet?
The electromagnet can be turned on and off depending on whether it's needed or not.
How is an electromagnet similar to a magnet?
The reason is because an electromagnet is hooked up to an artificial energy force, while a magnet is a charged piece of metal example: a battery hooked up to a piece of iron attracts paperclips but a magnet can be made by stroking a paperclip against a bar magnet to create a temporary magnet somewhat how a compass works
Is the magnetic field of an electromagnet different to a bar magnet?
The magnetic domains in a refrigerator magnet are laid down in parallel strips. They are also re-curved back on themselves so that the back side of the magnet has both north and south poles. If you put two refrigerator magnets back-to-back and move them around a little, it won't take long for you to "feel" the strips of magnetism. The common bar magnet have two simple poles at the ends.
Using the north pole of a bar magnet how can you prove that a nail has become an electromagnet?
Put the South pole of the nail against the bar magnet to see if it attracts or repels.
