O_TEXTBLOCK_TEXT Notice that the metal objects are attracted to the electromagnet as if it were a <HL Topic=Magnet.tpc>MAGNET</HL>. The metal is electromagnetic because electricity flows through a coiled wire; when the electricity is cut off, the metal is no longer <HL Topic=Magnet.tpc>MAGNETIC</HL>.
E_QUEST1 How does an electric toy auto racing track work?
E_QUEST2 How does an airport metal detector work?
E_QUEST3 How does a microwave oven work?
D_TEXTBLOCK_TEXT An electromagnet is a device that uses the <HL Topic=Magnet.tpc>MAGNETIC</HL> <HL Topic=Force.tpc>FORCE</HL> produced by a flow of electricity through coils of wire to attract <HL Topic=Magnet.tpc>MAGNETIC</HL> objects. This is a temporary condition, since an electromagnet is <HL Topic=Magnet.tpc>MAGNETIC</HL> only when electricity flows through the coils of wire; when the electricity stops flowing, so does the <HL Topic=Magnet.tpc>MAGNETIC</HL> attraction.