Question

How does changing the direction of current flow affect the strength of an electromagnet?

1) Increases the strength of the electromagnet
2) Decreases the strength of the electromagnet
3) Does not affect the strength of the electromagnet
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

The strength of an electromagnet is not affected by changing the direction of current flow; it only changes the polarity of the magnetic field.

Step-by-step explanation:

Changing the direction of current flow in an electromagnet does not affect the strength of the electromagnet; it only reverses the polarity of the magnetic field. Specifically, the strength of the magnetic field is determined by the magnitude of the current and the number of turns in the coil, not the direction of the current. The direction of the magnetic field in relation to the direction of the current can be understood using the right-hand rule, where a currrent-carrying conductor will generate magnetic fields that loop around it. When the current direction is reversed, the created magnetic field's north and south poles are flipped, but the strength remains unchanged as long as the magnitude of the current stays the same.