SPS 10: Electricity & Magnetism

Wet Cell

a cell that contains 2 different metal bars placed in liquid

Circuit

a complete path for electricity to flow

Closed Circuit

a path for electricity that does not have breaks in it

Series Circuit

a circuit in which the objects are connected in a single path

Open Circuit

a path for electricity that has a break in it

Magnet

Any material that attracts iron, nickel, and colbalt or materials containing the latter

Magnetic Pole

One of 2 points, such as the ends of a magnet, with opposing magnetic qualities

Magnetic Force

The force of attraction or repulsion generated by moving or spinning electrical charges

Electromagnetism

The interaction between electricity and magnetism

Solenoid

A coil of wire with an electric current in it

Electromagnet

A coil that has a soft iron core that acts acts a magnet when an electric current is in the coil

Electric Generator

A device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy

Electromagnetic Induction

The process of creating a current in a circuit by changing a magnetic field

Transformer

A device that increases or decreases the voltage of an alternating current

Repel

To resist attraction

Attract

To draw towards something by physical force

Compass

An instrument for determining direction with a magnetic north

Magnetic Field

Refers to a folce field generated by moving electrical charges

Current

The flow of electrical charges through a conductor; Measured in Amps

Conductor

A material that allows heat and electricity to pass through it.

Voltage

The potential difference that pushes currents through a circuit; Affects the speed of electrons; Measured in Volts

Ohm's Law

Voltage = Current * Resistance

Resistance

"Electrical friction"; The opposition of a material to the flow of electrons through it; Produces heat; Measured in Ohms

What influences resistance?

The material, thickness, length, and temperature of a wire

Direct Current

When electrons flow in the same direction within a wire

Alternating Current

An electric current where the electricity periodically changes direction

Watt

A unit of electrical pressure used to measure how strongly the electrons in a wire are pushed

Load

A device that uses electrical energy to work

Short Circuit

Occurs when charges bypass the loads in a circuit; Sometimes caused by overloading

Static Electricity

The buildup of electrical charges on an object; Leaves the object as electric discharge

Resistor

A device that melts to keep too much electric current from flowing through wires

Parallel Circuit

A circuit where each object is connected to the cell seperately

Fuse

A reusable switch that projects circuits from dangerously high currents

Dry Cell

A battery that has a rod in the center surrounded by a chemical paste

Electrodes

The negative or positive ends of a wet cell

Terminals

The positive and negative ends of the battery

Circuit breakers

A poor conductor or electricity; EX: the filament of a light bulb

Current Electricity

the continuous flow of charge in a complete circuit

Electric Motor

A device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy

Photocell

A device that turns light energy into electrical energy

Electric Discharge

Rapid movement of excess charge from one place to another; EX: Lightning

Cell

A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy

Step-Up Transformer

A transformer that increases voltage and decreases current

Step-Down Transformer

A transformer that decreases voltage and increases current

Potential Difference

The difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit (expressed in volts)

Galvometer

A device that measures current