Electromagnet and Permanent Magnet

Permanent and non-permanent magnets are the most common types of magnets. Magnetic fields play an important role in modern industries and daily life. Permanent magnets include Neodymium Magnets (NdFeB), Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), AlNiCo, and Ferrite, whereas non-permanent magnets include electromagnets. Permanent magnets and electromagnets have various features and provide different advantages, despite the fact that they are both magnetic and can attract ferrous objects.

Magnetic fields are created by both permanent magnets and electromagnets (which can be visualised by imaginary magnetic field lines). They will have North and South Poles, and their magnetic fields will interact with other magnetic fields and materials having magnetic characteristics in both directions. Electromagnets, on the other hand, differ from permanent magnets in that they may create magnetic fields when an electric current passes through them. Permanent magnets, on the other hand, are magnetised indefinitely, as the name implies. Magnetism is generated without the use of an electric current.

Permanent Magnet

These magnets, unlike ordinary magnets that lose their magnetic properties with time, may keep their magnetism. Permanent magnets are made up of hard materials that have been intensely magnetised. Bar magnets are one of the greatest examples of permanent magnets. This is a good example of magnetic behaviour.

Electromagnet

An electromagnet’s core is commonly made of iron. A solenoid’s magnetic field strength is increased by adding an iron core. A magnetic force is created when a battery and a solenoid are connected by winding wire around a nail. The magnetic field formed as electricity runs through the coil causes this. The magnetic qualities of the nail continue as long as there is a d.c. current passing through the coil, but after that, the magnetism of the nail is gone. Electromagnets may be created by wrapping wire around an iron core.

Electricity is used to create magnetic flux in electromagnets. Electromagnets, unlike permanent magnets, may have their magnetic output readily modified by adjusting the amount of electricity flowing through them, whereas permanent magnets have a set magnetic output. Electromagnets may also have their poles reversed by altering the direction of the electric current and reversing the flow of electricity.

Difference between electromagnet and permanent magnet

• Magnetic Properties

The magnetic characteristics of a permanent magnet exist even when the magnet is not in use (magnetized). When an electric current is applied to an electromagnetic magnet, it exhibits magnetic characteristics. That’s how you’ll be able to tell them apart. Permanent magnets, like the ones on your refrigerator, are used in AC motors, whereas electromagnets are used in DC motors.

• Strength of Magnets

The strength of a permanent magnet is determined by the material used to make it. The amount of electric current permitted to flow into an electromagnet can change its strength. As a consequence, the strength of the same electromagnet may be modified for different degrees of strength.

• Magnetic Properties Loss

If a permanent magnet loses its magnetic qualities, as it does when heated to a (maximum) temperature, it becomes unusable and can only be re-magnetized. An electromagnet, on the other hand, loses its magnetic power when an electric current is withdrawn and regains it when the electric field is reintroduced.

• Advantages

A permanent magnet has one major benefit over an electromagnet: it does not require a constant source of electrical energy to sustain its magnetic field. However, by adjusting the amount of electric current supplied to the electromagnet, the magnetic field of an electromagnet may be swiftly adjusted over a large range.

Conclusion

Permanent magnets and non-permanent magnets are the two types of magnets. They’re also commonly employed in modern industry and everyday life. Permanent magnets include NdFeB magnets, SmCo magnets, AlNiCo magnets, and Ferrite magnets, whereas non-permanent magnets include electromagnets. Permanent magnets and electromagnets are both magnetic and capable of attracting iron, but they have different properties and benefits.