Electricity and magnetism

Physical Science

Electric Force

The attraction or repulsion between electric charges.

Electric Field

A region around a charged particle where other charges experience a force.

Conduction

The transfer of electric charge through direct contact.

Induction

The process of charging an object without direct contact.

Friction

The transfer of charge through rubbing two materials together.

Conservation of Charge

The principle that charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred.

Static Electricity

An electric charge at rest on an object.

Electric Current

The flow of electric charge through a conductor.

Ampere (Amp)

The unit of electric current.

Voltage

The electric potential difference between two points.

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric current.

Circuit

A closed loop through which electric current can flow.

Series Circuit

A circuit where components are connected end-to-end, resulting in one path for current.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit where components are connected across the same voltage source, providing multiple paths for current.

Magnet

An object that produces a magnetic field.

Magnetic Poles

The two ends of a magnet that produce the strongest magnetic effects.

Magnetic Force

The attraction or repulsion between magnetic poles.

Magnetic Fields

The area around a magnet where magnetic forces can be detected.

Charges of Subatomic Particles

Electrons have a negative charge, protons have a positive charge, and neutrons have no charge.

Conductors

Materials that allow electric current to flow easily, e.g., copper.

Insulators

Materials that resist electric current, e.g., rubber.

Current Electricity

Electricity that flows continuously in a circuit.

Static Electricity

Electricity stored and not flowing, typically from charge imbalances.

Parts of a Circuit

Includes a power source, wires, and components such as resistors.

Ohm’s Law

The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance (V=IR).

Solenoid

A coil of wire that generates a magnetic field when electric current passes through it.

Electromagnet

A magnet created by an electric current flowing through a coil.