What material is the core of an electromagnet usually made of?

The core of an electromagnet is typically made of iron because iron has high magnetic permeability, which allows it to effectively enhance the strength of the magnetic field generated when electric current flows through the coil wrapped around it. When the current is applied, the iron core becomes magnetized, significantly amplifying the overall magnetic effect compared to using non-magnetic materials.

Iron also retains its magnetic properties temporarily, which can be beneficial in certain applications of electromagnets. While materials like steel can also be used for specific types of electromagnets, iron is preferred for its combination of magnetization efficiency and availability. Other materials mentioned, such as copper and aluminum, do not possess the ferromagnetic properties necessary to be effective cores in electromagnets.