SPS10 Magnetism Vocabulary

Electric Motor

Device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy to do work; basically has a power supply, a permanent magnet, and an electromagnet that can rotate.

Electromagnet

Temporary magnet made by placing an iron core inside a current-carrying coil of wire and who strength can be increased by adding more turns to the wire loop or by increasing the amount of current in the wire.

Electromagnetic induction

Process in which electric current is produced by moving a wire loop through a magnetic field or by moving a magnet through a loop of wire.

Generator

A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by rotating a wire coil through a magnetic field of a permanent magnet.

Magnetic domain

Groups of atoms having aligned magnetic poles

Magnetic field

The magnetic effect of electric currents and magnetic materials. The magnetic field at any given point is specified by both a direction and a magnitude (or strength).

Magnetic Pole

Region where a magnet's magnetic force is the strongest; like poles repel and opposite poles attract.

Magnetism

The properties and interactions of magnets.

Permanent magnet

A permanent magnet is an object made from a material that is magnetized and creates its own persistent magnetic field.

Transformer

A device that increases of decreases alternating current generated by a power plant so it can enter homes safely.

Turbine

Large wheel that rotates when pushed by steam, wind, or water and that provides mechanical energy to a generator.