Ask A Scientist© Physics Archive

Question:  Does the amount of wire in an electromagnet effect its strength?
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Answer:  Yes, in a general sense.  The strength of the electromagnet is
determined by the product of the current through the wires and the number of
turns of wire.  Using a narrower wire raises the resistance and
so lowers the effective current - therefore a wider wire increases
the strength.  Also, the more turns, the stronger, so the longer
the wire the better.
Arthur Smith
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