NATS 105 Spring 2025 Quiz 4 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts related to magnets, electricity, energy resources, and energy transformations, aiding in study and review for the exam.

What are natural magnets?

Natural magnets are minerals or metals that generate a stable magnetic field and are all permanent.

What are artificial magnets?

Artificial magnets are manufactured by humans and can be either permanent or temporary.

What happens when you cut a magnet in half?

Cutting a magnet in half will create two smaller magnets, each with their own North and South pole.

What is electromagnetism?

Electromagnetism is the relationship between electricity and magnetism, explaining how electric currents create magnetic fields and vice versa.

What is Ohm's Law?

Ohm's Law states that V=IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.

What are the two types of electric current?

Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC).

What is a significant effect of solar flares?

Solar flares can result in a Corona Mass Ejection (CME), releasing plasma and magnetic field from the Sun.

What is a conductor?

A conductor is a material that allows electrons to move easily, such as copper or aluminum.

What is the main energy source for the majority of U.S. energy needs?

79% of all U.S. energy comes from coal, oil, and natural gas.

What is the environmental impact of coal power plants?

Coal power plants are a major contributor to CO₂ emissions and cause pollution, habitat destruction from mining, and high health risks.

What is a key difference between nuclear power and coal power plants regarding waste?

Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste requiring long-term management, while coal plants produce ash and other pollutants.

What is the significance of the dynamo effect?

The dynamo effect explains how electric currents in the Earth's molten outer core generate the planet's magnetic field.

What defines an insulator?

An insulator is a material through which electrons find it hard to move, such as rubber, plastic, wood, and air.

What role did the steam engine play in energy transformations?

The steam engine transformed farming and transportation by utilizing wood and fossil fuels, increasing land cultivation and enabling trains.