Magnetism and Electromagnetism

What is a magnetic field?

Region around a magnet where a force acts on another magnet or magnetic material.

What is a permanent magnet?

Magnet that produces its own magnetic field.

What is an induced magnet?

Material that becomes magnetised when placed in a magnetic field.

What is a solenoid?

Coil of wire that produces a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it.

What is an electromagnet?

Solenoid with an iron core that produces a magnetic field when current flows.

What is the motor effect?

Force acting on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field.

What is Fleming's left-hand rule?

Rule showing the directions of force, magnetic field and conventional current (uses the thumb, first finger and second finger respectively).

What is the generator effect?

Induction of a potential difference when a conductor cuts through magnetic field lines or the magnetic field through a coil changes.

What is an alternator?

Generator that produces an alternating potential difference.

What is a dynamo?

Generator that produces a direct potential difference using a split-ring commutator.

What is a transformer?

Device that changes the size of an alternating potential difference using electromagnetic induction.

What is a step-up transformer?

Transformer that increases potential difference.

What is a step-down transformer?

Transformer that decreases potential difference.