All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Why does one end of a solenoid behave as a north pole and the other as a south pole?

This question was previously asked in
RRB Group D 2025 Question Paper (18-Aug-2026) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

The current creates a similar magnetic effect to a bar magnet

A solenoid is a coil in which many circular loops of insulated wire are wound close together. When a current flows through the wire, each loop acts like a small magnet, and the magnetic fields of all the loops add up along the axis of the coil. The result is a nearly uniform magnetic field inside the solenoid, with field lines emerging out of one end and going into the other — exactly like the pattern of a bar magnet.

The end from which the field lines come out behaves as the north pole, and the end at which they enter behaves as the south pole. It is not that the solenoid is naturally magnetic (it acts as a magnet only while current flows), and the insulation on the wire simply keeps the loops from short-circuiting; it does not create the poles. Without current there would be no magnetic field at all.

Hence, the answer is The current creates a similar magnetic effect to a bar magnet.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. The direction of the magnetic field at the centre of a current-carrying circular loop is determined by which of the following?

  2. A single-turn coil of radius R produces a magnetic field B at its centre. If the same wire is wound into a coil of n turns (each of radius R/n) carrying the same current I, what will be the value of the new field at the centre?

  3. An electron enters a uniform magnetic field at right angles to it. If the magnetic field is directed into the page and the electron enters toward the right, what is the direction of the force acting on the electron?

  4. A student wants to design a device where the magnetic field due to a straight conductor is maximized at a certain point. Which modification will be most effective in increasing the field strength at that point?

  5. A student observes that the compass needle deflection decreases as it moves farther from a current-carrying straight conductor. What is the most likely reason for this observation?

  6. A technician wants to decrease the magnetic effect around a current-carrying wire without changing the wire's material or environment. Which method should be used?

  7. Which rule is used to determine the direction of the magnetic field at the centre of a circular current-carrying loop?

  8. A rectangular coil is placed in a uniform magnetic field. If the direction of the current is reversed, what is the effect on the force acting on each segment of the coil?

  9. A student uses Fleming's Left Hand Rule to determine the direction of force on a conductor. If the forefinger points north, and the middle finger points east, in which direction will the force act?

  10. If the direction of the magnetic field is north to south and the conductor moves upward, using Fleming's Right Hand Rule, what is the direction of the induced current?


Important Questions from Magnetism

  1. What is the direction of magnetic field lines outside a magnet?

  2. Which of the following statement is correct?

    ।. Magnetic field has both magnitude and direction.

    II. The magnetic field inside a current-carrying straight long solenoid is the same at all points.

  3. The magnetic effect of electric current was discovered by _____.

  4. The important property of magnet which was exploited by navigators and travelers from the ancient times is:

  5. The magnet used to lift and transport heavy loads like big metals, steel girders and scrap iron objects for loading and unloading purposes is known as____.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
RRB Technician
October 06, 2026
RRB JE
October 27, 2026
RRB ALP
November 03, 2026
Test Series
RRB Group D img
Railways
RRB Group D Mock Test Series 2026 (Latest Pattern)
1154 Tests 1 Tests Free
1710 Attempts
4.1(103)
English, Hindi
More Questions from RRB Group D

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App