Differences Between a Bar Magnet and a Solenoid

Bar magnets are rectangular objects made of steel or iron or any other element with permanent magnetic attributes and two poles, north and south. A bar magnet is designed so that when it is suspended freely, the north pole of the magnet aligns itself with the north pole of the earth. 

A solenoid is defined as a coil of wire having many turns, and is known to house a temporary magnetic field inside the structure when current flows through it. A bar magnet and solenoid have similar natures as they can create magnetic properties. 

What is a solenoid?

A solenoid refers to a long coil of wire made by twisting it through turns. It is designed so that when current passes through the coil, it creates a magnetic field. Solenoids convert electric energy into mechanical work. They are mainly used to make switches. 

There are quite a few differences between bar magnets and solenoids. Solenoids create temporary magnetic properties. The magnetic field inside the solenoid lasts until there is a current flow. Solenoids are made from iron and steel. There are two poles present in a solenoid and their directions can be changed by changing the flow of the current in the solenoid.

What are bar magnets?

Bar magnets refer to a rectangular object created from steel or iron or any different ferromagnetic substance consisting of permanent magnetic characteristics. Bar magnets consist of two poles, south and north, and when they are suspended freely, they align themselves so that the north pole of the magnet points toward the north pole of the earth. 

Bar magnets cannot be demagnetised easily, and their polarity cannot be reversed once fixed. The material used to make bar magnets indicates how strong the magnet is going to be. Hard steel or iron are mostly used to make bar magnets. Bar magnets and solenoids are similar in that respect.

Differences between bar magnet and solenoid 

The differences between a bar magnet and a solenoid are as follows: 

The definition of a bar magnet and a solenoid serve to educate further on some more of their differences. These are as follows: 

• Bar magnets are permanent types of magnets; on the other hand, solenoids are a type of electromagnet that only shows magnetic properties when an electric current flows through it. 

• A solenoid tends to have a weaker force of attraction when cut into two halves. As far as bar magnets are concerned, they show the same amount of magnetic force if cut into two halves. 

Similarities between bar magnet and solenoid 

• A bar magnet and a solenoid consist of both direct and alternative properties, which means that they both align themselves to the external magnetic field.

• At the axial point, a bar magnet and a solenoid share the same magnetic field. 

• A bar magnet and a solenoid share the same magnetic moment, going by their definitions.

Conclusion 

Bar magnets are rectangular objects made of hard steel or iron; they have permanent magnetic qualities. A bar magnet has two poles present, south and north. A solenoid is a coil made by twisting soft steel or iron; it displays magnetic properties only when an electric current flows through it. 

There are a number of differences between a bar magnet and a solenoid. The polarity of a bar magnet cannot be reversed, but that of a solenoid can be altered or changed. The strength of the magnetic field of bar magnets depends on the material used to make it, but for a solenoid, the strength of the magnetic field depends on the current flowing.