How to Control a Line of Flux

Create lines of flux. When the electromagnet is at rest, without any power flowing through the coils, the device doesn't create flux lines or a magnetic field. Attach the leads from a DC power source to the device. Attach the positive lead to the wires at one end and the negative lead to the wire on the other end of the magnet. Turn on the circuit and as power flows through the device, it creates the magnetic field, and flux lines around the magnet.

Control the direction of the field flow. Power flows from the negatively charged terminal on a battery, called the cathode, into the positively charged terminal, called the anode. The current flow creates a magnetic field that flows in the same direction. The direction of flow makes it possible for the electrical field to perform work, such as powering an electrical motor. Reverse the field flow by reversing the positive and negative leads on the battery. Using our example of an electric motor, reversing the flow direction will reverse the direction of the motor's rotation.

Control the magnitude. The magnitude of the flux lines are controlled by the amount of current passing through the electromagnet. By increasing the voltage or amperage through the device, the flux lines will increase in size and strength. Decreasing the voltage will have the inverse affect.

Control the flux lines vector, or direction. Magnetic fields interact with one another. The positive pole of a magnet attracts the negative pole of a magnetic field that is within its reach. To control the vector, or the direction of the magnetic field in relation to the axis of the magnet, place a second magnetic field within the flux lines of the first device. The second field will react with the first, to strengthen it, counteract it, or pull it in an altered direction. The response is based on the second magnet's position and strength relative to the first device.