Electricity and Magnetism Review Flashcards

Flashcards to review key concepts from the Electricity and Magnetism lecture notes in preparation for the upcoming assessment.

Where is the Earth's magnetic south pole located?

Earth's magnetic south pole is within 200 miles of the Earth's geographic north pole.

How does the solar wind affect Earth's magnetic field?

Our Earth has a magnetic field that reaches far out into space and is squashed by the solar wind.

What is plasma and what does it contain?

Plasma, the 4th state of matter, contains ions and/or free electrons that conduct electricity.

What are the three key relationships between electricity and magnetism?

Electric currents generate magnetic fields; a changing magnetic field induces an electric current; magnetic fields exert a force on moving charges or electric currents.

What kind of magnetic field does a solenoid generate and where is it strongest?

A magnetic field similar to that of a bar magnet. The magnetic field is concentrated into a nearly uniform field in the center.

What did Henry and Faraday discover independently about magnetism and wires?

A current could be induced in a wire by moving it in a magnetic field.

How is an electric current generated in a wire according to Faraday?

An electric current is generated in a wire when the wire cuts across magnetic field lines.

What are Right-hand rules used for in relation to magnetism and current?

Right-hand rules are used for conventional current flow to predict the direction of magnetic fields.

In what direction is the magnetic force on a moving charged particle relative to the charge and magnetic field?

The force is perpendicular to the direction of the charge and the direction of the magnetic field. (Lorentz Force)

In what direction is the force on a current-carrying wire in an external magnetic field?

The force is perpendicular to the direction of the current and the direction of the magnetic field.

What is the basic function of a generator?

To convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

What force produces a torque in a DC motor?

The magnetic force produces a torque which turns the DC motor.

What is the function of a transformer?

To change the voltage so that it suits the needs of a particular application.

What do moving charges or electric currents generate?

Moving charges or electric currents generate magnetic fields.

What determines the ratio of the voltages in a transformer?

The ratio of the number of turns on the two coils.