ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel The Engineering Mindset Solenoid Basics Explained – Working Principle
Hey there! Today, we’re diving into the world of solenoids and how they work. We’ll explore permanent magnets, see how magnetic fields look, make an electromagnet with some wire, check out real solenoids, and even build a simple one ourselves. Let’s get started!
First, let’s talk about a standard bar magnet, which is a type of permanent magnet. It has two ends: the north pole (N) and the south pole (S). These magnets can move objects like an iron nail, which can act like a piston in a valve. However, you can’t just turn off the magnetic field of a permanent magnet whenever you want.
When you put two magnets together, the same poles will push away from each other, while opposite poles will pull towards each other. If you use a compass near a magnet, you’ll see how it aligns with the magnetic field lines. To make these lines visible, you can sprinkle iron filings on a piece of paper over the magnet, and you’ll see the pattern of the magnetic field.
Unlike permanent magnets, electromagnets can be controlled. By removing the insulation from a wire and connecting it to a power source, you can create an electromagnetic field. This field forms a circular pattern around the wire and can affect a nearby compass.
If you coil the wire, the magnetic field becomes stronger. When electricity flows through the coil, the compass will align with this magnetic field, just like with a permanent magnet. The right-hand grip rule can help you figure out the north and south poles of the solenoid coil based on the direction of the current.
Now, let’s take a look at a real solenoid valve. By cutting it open, we can see what’s inside. You’ll find tightly packed copper wires that make up the solenoid’s design.
Ready to make your own solenoid? Grab a pen to use as the coil body and wrap it with enameled wire. Make sure to wrap the wire tightly. Then, remove the enamel from the ends to ensure a good electrical connection. Place an iron nail inside the coil and apply current. You’ll see the nail being pulled in by the electromagnetic field.
If you add a spring, it will push the piston back to its original position when the current stops.
And that’s a wrap! If you’re interested in solenoid valves, check out the magnetic tool app from Danfoss. It’s a handy tool to test if your solenoid valve is working properly, and it’s free for both Android and iPhone.
Thanks for learning with us! If you want to explore more, check out other videos or visit theengineeringmindset.com. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more cool engineering content!
Use a bar magnet and a sheet of paper to sprinkle iron filings over it. Observe the pattern formed by the filings and sketch the magnetic field lines. Discuss how these lines represent the magnetic field and how they relate to the poles of the magnet.
Gather some insulated copper wire, a battery, and a large iron nail. Wrap the wire around the nail, connect it to the battery, and observe how the nail becomes magnetized. Experiment with the number of coils and the strength of the battery to see how it affects the magnetism.
In groups, examine a real solenoid valve. Carefully open it to explore the internal components, such as the copper wire coil. Discuss how each part contributes to the solenoid’s function and relate it to the concepts of electromagnetism.
Create a simple solenoid using a pen, enameled wire, and an iron nail. Wrap the wire tightly around the pen, remove the enamel from the ends, and connect it to a power source. Insert the nail and observe how it moves when current flows through the coil.
Use an online simulation tool to explore how changing variables like coil turns, current, and core material affect a solenoid’s magnetic field. Experiment with different settings and predict the outcomes before testing them in the simulation.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, removing any unnecessary details and maintaining a focus on the educational content:
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Hello everyone, Paul here from theengineeringmindset.com. In this video, we will explore solenoids and their operation. We will discuss permanent magnets, visualize their magnetic fields, create an electromagnet using wire, examine real-world solenoids, and even cut one open. Finally, we will learn how to build a basic solenoid.
If you’re working with solenoid valves, consider downloading the magnetic tool app from Danfoss, our sponsor for this video. The app helps you test if your solenoid valve is functioning properly and is compatible with both AC and DC versions. You can download it for free on Android and iPhone via the link in the video description.
Let’s start by examining a standard bar magnet, which is a permanent magnet. It has marked ends: N for the north pole and S for the south pole. We can use its magnetic field to move objects, such as an iron nail acting as a piston in a valve. However, the magnetic field of a permanent magnet cannot be easily turned off.
When two magnets are placed together, like poles repel and opposite poles attract. Using a compass near the magnet, we can observe how the compass aligns with the magnetic field lines. To visualize these lines, we can sprinkle iron filings on a sheet of paper placed over the magnet, revealing the pattern of the magnetic field.
Unlike permanent magnets, we can control an electromagnetic field generated by a wire. By stripping the insulation from a standard wire and connecting it to a power source, we can create an electromagnetic field that affects a nearby compass. The field operates in a circular pattern around the wire.
If we wrap the wire into a coil, we can intensify the magnetic field. When current flows through the coil, the compass will align with the magnetic field, similar to a permanent magnet. The right-hand grip rule helps us determine the north and south poles of the solenoid coil based on the direction of current flow.
Next, let’s look at a real-world solenoid valve. We will cut it open to see its internal components. After making the cuts, we can observe the design, which consists of tightly packed copper wires.
Now, let’s create a simple solenoid. We will use a pen as the coil body and wrap it with enameled wire. After wrapping the wire tightly, we will remove the enamel to ensure a good electrical connection. By placing an iron nail inside the coil and applying current, we can see the nail being pulled in by the electromagnetic field.
If a spring is added, it will return the piston to its original position when the current is cut.
Remember to download the magnetic tool app from Danfoss using the link in the description.
That’s it for this video! If you want to continue learning, check out one of the videos on screen now. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and visit theengineeringmindset.com.
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This version retains the educational essence while removing informal language and extraneous details.
Solenoid – A coil of wire that acts like a magnet when an electric current passes through it. – Example sentence: When the switch is turned on, the solenoid creates a magnetic field that moves the piston.
Magnet – An object that produces a magnetic field and can attract iron or steel. – Example sentence: The magnet was strong enough to hold several paper clips at once.
Electromagnet – A type of magnet whose magnetic field is produced by the flow of electric current. – Example sentence: The crane used an electromagnet to lift the heavy metal beams at the construction site.
Current – The flow of electric charge through a conductor, typically measured in amperes. – Example sentence: The current flowing through the circuit was strong enough to power the light bulb.
Wire – A thin, flexible strand of metal used to conduct electricity. – Example sentence: The electrician used copper wire to connect the battery to the motor.
Field – A region in which a force, such as magnetism or electricity, is exerted on objects. – Example sentence: The magnetic field around the magnet was strong enough to move the compass needle.
Coil – A series of loops that has been wound or gathered. – Example sentence: The coil of wire was used to create an electromagnet for the science experiment.
Copper – A reddish-brown metal that is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. – Example sentence: Copper is often used in electrical wiring because of its high conductivity.
Piston – A cylindrical piece that moves back and forth inside a cylinder, often used in engines. – Example sentence: The piston’s movement inside the cylinder helps convert fuel into mechanical energy.
Valve – A device that controls the flow of a fluid or gas by opening, closing, or partially obstructing passageways. – Example sentence: The valve was adjusted to regulate the flow of water through the pipe.
