Solenoid Field
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 4.13.2
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 closely spaced parallel straight lines.
Outside
- Outside of the coil of wire, the field lines look like the field lines around a bar magnet, with a clear north and south pole.
- The field inside the solenoid points from south to north.
- Remember that magnetic field lines around a magnet go from North to South.
Test yourself on Solenoid Field
How are field lines drawn inside a solenoid?