[1] http://www.gcsescience.com/pme5.htm
[2] http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/physics/magnetic-fields/revise-it/effect-of-ferrous-cores-and-the-relationship-between-curre
[3] http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/energy_electricity_forces/magnets_electric_effects/revision/4/
[4] http://www.howmagnetswork.com/Electromagnetism.html
[5] http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-solenoid-door-lock.htm
[6] http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/solenoid.html
The shape of a magnetic field around a solenoid http://www.gcsescience.com/pme5.htm zzz
How to strengthen a magnetic field around / in a solenoid http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/physics/magnetic-fields/revise-it/effect-of-ferrous-cores-and-the-relationship-between-curre Electromagnets all consists of a current carrying conductor, however the strength of the magnetic field produced also depends on the surrounding substance. Air is not particularly good at 'carrying' a magnetic field and so the field around a wire is quite weak. By placing a core inside of a coil the strength of the magnetic field can be increased.
By putting a ferrous (iron) core inside a solenoid, the field lines are concentrated. This has the effect of strengthening the field.
Inside the core, the field lines are much closer together → stronger field.
Iron is a particularly good core for solenoids as it is easily magnetised and demagnetised. This means that when the current is switched off the iron does not stay magnetic. Iron is said to be magnetically soft. http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/energy_electricity_forces/magnets_electric_effects/revision/4/ Making an electromagnet stronger
We can make an electromagnet stronger by doing these things: wrapping the coil around an iron core adding more turns to the coil
Increasing the current flowing through the coil.
The magnetic field of an electromagnet
The magnetic field around an