Question 13.
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:
A solenoid is a coil of many circular turns of insulated copper wire wrapped closely in the shape of a cylinder.
Similarities-
i. The properties of the magnetic field produced due to a solenoid are similar to the properties of the magnetic field produced by a bar magnet.
ii. The magnetic field lines are closed continuous curves.
iii. They emerge from North pole and ends at South pole.
iv. No two magnetic lines intersect.
v. Both have magnetic properties and they attract magnetic materials towards them.
Dissimilarities-
i. The strength of magnetic field produced by a solenoid can be increased by increasing the amount of current which cannot be done in case of a bar magnet.
ii. The direction of the magnetic field can be changed by reversing the current in a solenoid but it cannot be done in case of a bar magnet.
