How does a solenoid behave like a magnet ? Can you determine the north and south poles of a current-carrying solenoid with the help of a bar magnet ? Explain.

Explanation

When electric current flows through a solenoid, magnetic field is set up around the solenoid. The pattern of the magnetic field is same as that of the magnetic field of a bar magnet. One end of the solenoid behaves as north pole and the other end of the solenoid behaves as south pole. To determine the north and south poles of a current carrying solenoid with the help of a bar magnet, suspend it with a strong thread. Now bring the north pole of a bar magnet towards one end of the solenoic. If the solenoid attracts towards the magnet then the face of the solenoid is south pole. If the bar magnet moves away from the solenoid, then the face of the solenoid is the north pole.