What is the difference between an electromagnet and a solenoid?

Answer 1

An electromagnet is a device to generate a magnetic field using current flow through a coil of wire. A solenoid is an electromagnet with a movable ferromagnetic structure in its core. Its purpose is to use the current flow, through the magnetic field, to effect motion in that structure, the armature.

Answer 2

No difference:

The simplest type of electromagnet is a coiled piece of wire. A coil forming the shape of a straight tube (similar to a corkscrew) is called a solenoid; a solenoid that is bent so that the ends meet is a toroid. Much stronger magnetic fields can be produced if a "core" of paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material (commonly soft iron) is placed inside the coil. The core concentrates the magnetic field that can then be much stronger than that of the coil itself.

Electromechanical solenoids consist of an electromagnetically inductive coil, wound around a movable steel or iron slug (termed the armature). The coil is shaped such that the armature can be moved in and out of the center, altering the coil's inductance and thereby becoming an electromagnet. The armature is used to provide a mechanical force to some mechanism (such as controlling a pneumatic valve). Although typically weak over anything but very short distances, solenoids may be controlled directly by a controller circuit, and thus have very low reaction times.

Answer 3

electromagnet can be in anyshape but solenoid is in round shape

Answer 4

they both work on the same principle - and electro-magnet simply becomes magnetic when current is applied. a solenoid acts as a gateway to allow passage of fluid or gas when energized (or de-energized)