IGCSE Physics / Magnetism and electromagnetism
Coils, solenoids and electromagnets
Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1), chapter 20: Magnetism and electromagnetism, specification point 6.10P, 6.9P. Part of the full course.
Read the revision notes · IGCSE Physics past papers
A coil or solenoid produces a magnetic field, and adding a soft iron core makes an electromagnet. You can strengthen an electromagnet by changing the coil or current, and switch it off by stopping the current.