5.86. Solenoid http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 5.185
Strength of a Solenoid
Any wire with current flowing through it has a magnetic field. However, the magnetic field around a coiled wire is
stronger than the magnetic field around a straight wire. That’s because each turn of the wire in the coil has its own
magnetic field. Adding more turns to the coil of wire increases the strength of the field. Increasing the amount of
current flowing through the coil also increases the strength of the magnetic field.
Uses of Solenoids
A solenoid is generally used to convert electromagnetic energy into motion. Solenoids are often used in devices that
need a sudden burst of power to move a specific part. In addition to paintball markers, you can find solenoids in
machines ranging from motor vehicles to electric dishwashers. Another device that uses solenoids is pictured in the
Figure5.186.
Summary
- A solenoid is a coil of wire with electric current flowing through it, giving it north and south magnetic poles
and a magnetic field. - Using more turns of wire in the coil or more current increases the strength of the solenoid’s magnetic field.
- A solenoid converts electromagnetic energy into motion, providing a burst of power that can move a specific
part of a device.