An electromagnet is a coil of insulated wire wound around a piece of a magnetic substance, such as soft iron, which acts as a magnet only as long as the current is flowing in the wire. The magnetic material around which the coil is wound is called the core. The core increases the magnetic effect of the solenoid several times. They are used in electric motors, which find wide application in fans, washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.
