U -12 - Electricity and Magnetism

Alternating Current (AC)

an electric circuit with current that reverses direction at regular intervals.

Conduction

the process of electrons flowing from one object to another by direct contact.

Charge by Conduction

a process where a neutral object becomes charged by direct contact with a charged object, resulting in the transfer of electrons and both objects acquiring the same type of charge

Charge by Friction

he process of rubbing two objects together can cause the electric charges on the objects to separate. In this process, only electrons can be transferred from one object to another object. One object will become negatively charged as it gains electrons, while the other object will become positively charged as it loses electrons.

Charge by Induction

the process of electrons being rearranged without the need of contact to occur between the two objects.

Compass

a navigational instrument that uses the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction, typically pointing towards magnetic north

Current (I)

movement of electric charge. Measured in amperes (A).

Direct Current (DC)

an electric circuit with current flowing in one direction only.

Electric Field

the area in which the electric force is noticeable

Electric Force

the resulting interaction between two charged particles. These charges can be either positive or negative.

Electricity

a form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles (such as electrons or protons), either statically as an accumulation of charge or dynamically as a current.

Electromagnet

a coil of wire becomes an electromagnet when an electric current is used to produce a magnetic field in a coil of wire.

Ferromagnetic

strongly attracted to both poles of magnets

Generator

machine that converts mechanical energy to electricity through the process of electromagnetic induction.

Insulator

type of material that doesn't allow energy to transmit easily through it

Magnetic Domain

region in which the magnetic fields of atoms are grouped together and aligned

Magnetic field

a region around a magnet or current

Magnetic pole

point at either end of a magnetic field where the magnetic force is concentrated and strongest

Magnetism

is the force of attraction or repulsion that is produced by an arrangement of electrons.

Ohm's Law

the law stating that the direct current flowing in a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference between its ends. It is usually formulated as V = IR, where V is the potential difference, or voltage, I is the current, and R is the resistance of the conductor.

Parallel Circuit

circuit containing different branches in which the electric charges can flow

Permanent magnet

a piece of magnetic material that retains its magnetism after it is removed from a magnetic field.

Resistance (R)

the opposition to the current. Measured in ohms (Ω).

Series Circuit

circuit in which electric charges only have one path to flow.

Simple Motor

a rotating electromagnet converts electrical energy to mechanical energy.

Solenoid

a coil of wire that becomes an electromagnet when a current passes through it

Static discharge

occurs when electric charges leave a charged object. (Example: lightning)

Static electricity

results from the buildup of electric charges on an object.

Temporary magnet

a magnet that loses its magnetism when removed from a magnetic field.

Voltage

the potential difference in electrical potential energy between two places in a circuit. Measured in Volts (V).