# An electromagnet is used in a scrapyard to lift pieces of scrap iron. Explain why an electromagnet is more suitable for this purpose than a permanent magnet.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 4.5 Electromagnetic effects · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. An electromagnet can be switched on and off (by switching the current on and off)
2. This allows the iron/scrap metal to be released/dropped when the current is switched off
3. A permanent magnet cannot be switched off / always produces a magnetic field
4. The strength of the electromagnet can be varied by changing the current

## Key terms

- [electromagnet](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electromagnet)
- [permanent magnet](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/permanent-magnet)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/an-electromagnet-is-used-in-a-0c18c6cd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.