Solenoids

[Rob]

Hi,I was wondering if anybody knows what a solenoid is, and what its
functions are...if anybody could explain this to me that would be
great...thnx

 

[Robert Baer]

Hi,I was wondering if anybody knows what a solenoid is, and what its
functions are...if anybody could explain this to me that would be
great...thnx

A solenoid is an inductor wound on a hollow core, which allows an
iron rod (plunger) to be attracted toward the center.
Usually there is a method (other than a spring) to push/move the
plunger away from the center when the solenoid is not energized.
Used in door un-latching, mechanical counters, relays and other
things that need to be moved in a line.

 

[Electric dabbler]

A solenoid is an inductor wound on a hollow core, which allows an
iron rod (plunger) to be attracted toward the center.
Usually there is a method (other than a spring) to push/move the
plunger away from the center when the solenoid is not energized.
Used in door un-latching, mechanical counters, relays and other
things that need to be moved in a line.

This answer could prompt the questions:

What is an inductor?
What is iron?
What is wound?

And anything else he can think of rather than reading and understanding the
copious information already on the web and in text books.

Philip