Uses for Electromagnets & Permanent Magnets

A permanent magnet is an object that exerts a magnetic field without the use of electricity. An electromagnet is not generally magnetic without an electrical current. Both types of magnets have extensive applications.

Magnetic Media

Magnetic media such as VHS tapes, hard drives and audio cassettes use a thin coating of magnetic material to record information. The reading device uses magnets to decode this information.

Cathode Ray Tubes

Devices such as televisions and monitors can contain a cathode ray tube (CRT). A CRT uses electromagnets to direct the flow of electrons to the screen.

Speakers

Speakers generally use a permanent magnet to convert an electrical signal into a physical movement that produces sound.

Magnetic Levitation

Magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) trains use many powerful electromagnets to lift the train about 15 mm above the tracks. This eliminates the friction between the train and the track.

Industrial Lifting

Large electromagnets are commonly used to move large metal objects such as crushed cars in a junkyard.

References

• Magnets and Magnetic Equipment