magnetism and electromagnetism

Magnetic field

A region where magnetic materials experience a force.

Magnetic materials

Materials that are attracted to magnets, such as iron, steel, cobalt, and nickel.

Poles of a magnet

North and South poles; like poles repel each other, while unlike poles attract.

Permanent magnet

A magnet that produces its own magnetic field.

Induced magnet

A material that becomes a magnet when placed in a magnetic field.

Magnetic field shape around a bar magnet

Field lines go from north to south and are strongest at the poles.

Compass

An instrument that shows the direction of the magnetic field lines.

Electromagnet

A magnet created by passing a current through a wire.

Solenoid

A coil of wire that produces a strong, uniform magnetic field when current passes through.

Motor effect

A force experienced by a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field.

Flemings left-hand rule

A mnemonic to determine the direction of force, field, and current in a conductor.

Generator effect

Using electromagnetic induction to generate electricity.

Transformer

A device that changes the potential difference of an AC supply.

Step-up transformer

Increases voltage by having more turns on the secondary coil.

Step-down transformer

Decreases voltage by having fewer turns on the secondary coil.