What type of magnet is produced by DC current flowing through a coil of wire?

Study for the 2nd Year Lineman Apprentice Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations and hints. Prepare effectively for your exam!

When direct current (DC) flows through a coil of wire, it generates a magnetic field around the coil, transforming the coil into an electro-magnet. This occurs due to the fundamental relationship between electricity and magnetism, where an electric current produces a magnetic field. The strength of this magnetic field can be influenced by several factors, including the amount of current flowing through the wire, the number of turns in the coil, and the core material if one is used.

Electro-magnets are distinctive because they can be turned on and off by controlling the flow of electric current. This characteristic makes them highly versatile and useful in various applications, such as motors, generators, and magnetic locks. The ability to manipulate the magnetic field by changing the current distinguishes electro-magnets from permanent magnets, which maintain a constant magnetic field regardless of external factors.

Permanent magnets do not require an electric current to produce their magnetic field, while temporary magnets, which can be formed when a magnetic material is exposed to a magnetic field but lose their magnetism once the field is removed, are not the direct result of DC current flowing through a wire. Ferrite magnets, made from a specific ceramic material, are also permanent magnets and do not relate to the concept of magnetism

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