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Electromagnets are permanent magnets that have been coiled with a metallic wire such as copper. When current is passed through the wire, a field is produced in the permanent magnet which enhances the external magnetic field produced.

The magnetic field produced is dependent on some variables that can be changed relatively easily such as number of coil turns, and the amount of current applied to the coil. Hence, electromagnets can be designed to produce particular fields. A further advantage of electromagnets is possibility of changing the magnetic field over a period of time. This can be achieved by simply changing the current supplied to the coil, allowing the electromagnet to be switched on and off.