Unit 7 Electricity and Magnetism (E/M)

Key terms and definitions related to Electricity and Magnetism, covering subatomic particles, properties of charge, electricity concepts, electric forces, and magnetism.

Proton

A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom that determines the element and contributes to the mass and charge.

Neutron

A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom that contributes to the mass and determines the isotope of an element.

Electron

A subatomic particle found in electron shells that contributes to the charge of an atom and can be removed from the atom.

Electricity

The flow of electrons, which is harnessed for energy.

Charge

A property of a matter system resulting from the difference in the number of electrons and protons.

Coulomb

A unit of electric charge defined as the amount of charge carried by a constant current of one ampere in one second.

Conduction

The process of charging an object through direct contact with a charged object.

Induction

The process of charging an object without direct contact by exposing it to a charged object, causing polarization.

Grounding

The process of removing excess charge from an object by transferring electrons between it and another object of substantial size like the ground.

Ohm's Law

A fundamental principle that relates voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit: V = IR.

Electric Current

The rate of flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A).

Resistance

The opposition that a substance offers to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω).

Magnetic Field

A field around a magnet or electric current where magnetic forces can be detected.

Ferromagnetic Materials

Materials that can be magnetized and are strongly attracted to magnets, such as iron.

Solenoid

A coil of wire that creates a uniform magnetic field when an electric current passes through it.

Voltage

The electric potential difference between two points, expressed in volts (V).

Polarization

The process of inducing charges within an object, leading to regions of positive and negative charge.