Solenoid Field
Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 7.2.2
Magnetic Field around a Coil of Wire
A solenoid is a loop of wire coiled into a cylindrical (cylinder like) shape. The magnetic field lines for a solenoid are drawn below:
Inside the coil
- Inside the coil of wire, the field lines are evenly spaced, parallel, straight lines.
Outside
- Outside of the coil of wire, the field lines look like the field lines around a bar magnet.
- The field lines have a clear north pole and south pole.
- Magnetic field lines go from north to south.
Strong and uniform
- The magnetic field is strong and uniform.
- The magnetic field is the same strength and in the same direction at every point.
Test yourself on Solenoid Field
How are field lines drawn inside a solenoid?