Electricity and Magnetism Study Guide

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to electricity and magnetism, focusing on definitions and applications of key concepts.

open circuit

A break in the current of electricity, which prevents the flow of current and causes a light bulb to not turn on.

closed circuit

A complete path for current to flow, allowing devices such as light bulbs to turn on.

negatively charged

An object that has more negative charge than positive charge.

electric field

The invisible region around a charged object where an electric force can be applied.

magnetism

A force that can attract or repel objects with magnetic material inside.

conductor

A material in which electric charges can easily move; examples include copper, water, iron, nickel, and cobalt.

insulator

A material in which electric charges cannot easily move; examples include wood, fabric, and a soccer ball.

alternating current

Electric current that continually reverses direction.

direct current

Electric current that only travels in one direction.

magnetic force

A push or pull that a magnetic field applies to either a magnetic material or an electric current.

fossil fuels

Natural substances burned to provide energy that is converted to electricity; examples include oil, gas, and coal.

parallel circuit

An electric circuit that connects each device to the electric source with a separate path or branch, allowing one light bulb to be on while another can be off.

magnetic poles

The two ends of a magnet; the North Pole and South Pole, where the magnetic field applies a strong force.

electromagnetism

The relationship between electricity and magnetism, involving a temporary magnet created when current flows through wire wrapped in coils around iron.

simple circuit

A basic circuit that includes a source of power (battery), an electric device (light bulb), and an electric conductor (wire).

particle interaction

When particles of the same charge repel each other (positive with positive or negative with negative) and opposite charges attract each other (positive with negative).