An electromagnet is a type of magnet whose magnetic field is generated by an electric current passing through a conductor. Unlike a permanent magnet, which has a constant and natural magnetic field, the intensity and direction of the magnetic field of an electromagnet can be controlled by varying the electric current.
When an electric current flows through the wire that forms the coil, a magnetic field is generated. The direction of the field depends on the direction of the current, and the intensity of the magnetic field is directly proportional to the intensity of the current.
If the wire is wound around a core of ferromagnetic material (such as iron), the resulting magnetic field will be stronger. When the current is stopped, the magnetic field ceases.
