Current Creates Magnetism

Current Creates Magnetism

Whenever a current flows through a wire, magnetic lines of force are created aro
und the wire. These lines of force are small concentric circles formed around th
e wire. These circular lines of magnetic force have no polarity.
Current Creates Magnetism
Current Creates Magnetism
The magnetic lines leave the inside of the loop at the north pole, flow around t
he outside of the loop, and re-enter at the south pole just like a bar magnet.
Right-Hand Rule, Straight Wire
The direction of current flow can be determined by applying the right-Hand Rule.
Right-Hand Rule, Straight Wire
Grasp a straight conductor with your right hand with your fingers on the leading
side of the conductor, with your right hand with your fingers on the leading si
de of the conductor, and pointed in the direction of the magnetic lines of force
. Your thumb will then point in the direction of current flow.
Electromagnetism
When a wire carrying electric current is wound into a coil, a magnetic field wit
h north and south poles is created, just as in a bar magnet. If an iron core is
placed inside the coil, the magnetic field becomes much stronger because iron co
nducts magnetic lines more easily than air.
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism
An iron core can increase the strength of the magnetic field by as much as 2500
times This arrangement, called an electromagnet, is used in alternators to creat
e strong magnetic fields by winding many turns of current-carrying wire around i
ron core called pole pieces.
Electromagnetic Facts
The number of magnetic lines of force is proportional to the number of ampere tu
rns of the coil. The number of magnetic lines of force is inversely proportional
to the field reluctance.
Electromagnetic Facts
High reluctance = fewer lines of force. Lower reluctance = more lines of force.
Electromagnetic Induction
When a magnetic field is moved so its lines of force cut across a wire or conduc
tor. When a voltage is generated by magnetic lines of force cutting across a con
ductor, the process is called electromagnetic induction.
Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic Induction
In an alternator, the field moves, and the conductor is stationary. In a generat
or, the conductor moves, and the field is stationary. In an alternator, a magnet
is rotated inside the stationary conductor so lines of force cut across the con
ductor.
Electromagnetic Induction
Voltage is induced in the stationary conductor, called a stator. The rotating ma
gnet is called the rotor.
Right Hand Rule for Coils
With lines of force leaving the coil at one end and entering at the other, a nor
th and south pole are formed at the coil ends, the same as in a bar magnet. To f
ind polarity of the coil ends, apply the Right-Hand Rule for coils. If the curre
nt direction through the coil is reversed, the polarity of the coil ends will al
so reverse.
Relay Operation
Relay Operation
A relay, which is actually a switch, provides a way to control a large amount of
current with a small amount. Typically, a relay has both a control circuit and
a power circuit. The control circuit is fed current by the power source.
Relay Operation
The current flows through a switch and an electromagnetic coil to ground. The po
wer circuit is likewise fed current from the power source, and the current flows
to an armature, which can be attracted by the magnetic force on the coil.
Relay Operation
When the control circuit switch is open, no current flows to the relay and the c
oil is not energized. The contacts are open and no power goes to the loads.
Relay Operation
When the control circuit switch is closed, however, current flows to the relay a
nd energizes the coil.
Relay Operation
The resulting magnetic field allows power to the load by pulling the armature do
wn and closing the contacts.
Solenoid Operation
Solenoid Operation
Solenoid Operation
Solenoids are electromagnetic switches. The solenoids movable core converts current
flow into mechanical movement. In a pulling-type solenoid, the magnetic field p
ulls the core into the coil or holds the core in place. These solenoids are call
ed magnetic switches.
Solenoid Operation
In a push-pull-type solenoid, the core is a permanent magnet. The core is pulled
in or pushed out when current flow direction is changed. Solenoids are now bein
g used in automatic transmissions to control shifting. They eliminate the need f
or a TV cable and governor.