How did Joseph Henry improve the electromagnet?

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Learn about magnetic fields and the levels of particles, atoms, crystals, and domains — magnet Magnetic fields and the levels of magnetism of particles, atoms, crystals, and domains.

In 1829, Joseph Henry significantly improved the electromagnet by refining the design originally developed by William Sturgeon.12

While Sturgeon used bare wire wrapped around an iron core, Henry introduced the use of insulated wire. This crucial innovation prevented the wire from short-circuiting, which allowed him to wrap a much larger number of turns around the iron core. By increasing the number of turns, Henry was able to greatly enhance the power of the magnet, eventually creating an electromagnet capable of lifting more than one ton of iron.12