An electromagnet on a recycling plant conveyor belt is used to pick up and move metal cans. Electromagnets attract ferromagnetic metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt. Electromagnets have the advantage over permanent magnets in that their magnetic field can be switched on and off by controlling the electric current running through the magnet coils.

1. Using electromagnets – recycling
A large electromagnet is used on a recycling plant conveyor
belt to pick up and move metal cans.

2. Using electromagnets – recycling
A large electromagnet is used on a recycling plant conveyor
belt to pick up and move metal cans.
Which metals would the electromagnet attract?

3. Using electromagnets – recycling
A large electromagnet is used on a recycling plant conveyor
belt to pick up and move metal cans.
Which metals would the electromagnet attract?

4. Using electromagnets – recycling
A large electromagnet is used on a recycling plant conveyor
belt to pick up and move metal cans.
Which metals would the electromagnet attract?
What advantages does an electromagnet
have over a permanent magnet?