Question

What is a solenoid? Compare the magnetic field produced by a solenoid with the magnetic field of a bar magnet. Draw neat figures and name various components.

Answer 1

A solenoid is a coil of insulated wire wound on a rod-shaped form made of solid iron, solid steel, or powdered iron which produces magnetic field when electric current passed through it.

1) The poles of the bar magnet do not lie exactly on the end of the magnet but is somewhat inside. In solenoid poles can be considered to be lying at the edge.

2) The magnetism retains in the bar magnet naturally but in solenoid the magnetism is there so long current flows through it.

3) Magnetic field of a bar magnet emanates from throughout the body of the magnet, with more intensity at the poles. While there is no field emanating from the lateral surface of the solenoid.