Module 11 Definitions - Apologia Physical Science 4th Edition

Electric Field

An area around a charged particle that affects other charges that enter the space.

Field Line

A visual representation of an electric field, showing the direction and strength of the field around a charged particle.

Charging by Friction

Charging an object by rubbing two items together so that electrons transfer from one item to the other.

Static Electricity

The buildup of electric charge on the surface of an object, often resulting from friction or separation of materials.

Static Discharge

The rapid transfer of electric charge from one object to another, resulting in a sudden release of static electricity, often experienced as a spark.

Charging by Conduction

Charging an object by allowing it to come into contact with an object that already has an electric charge.

Charging by Induction

Charging an object without direct contact, using the influence of an electric field from a charged object.

Voltage

The electric potential difference between two points in a circuit, measured in volts, which drives the flow of electric current.

Electric current

The rate of flow of electrons moving past a fixed point in an electrical circuit.

Conventional current

The flow of electric charge assumed to flow from positive to negative, opposite to the actual flow of electrons in a circuit.

Resistance (electric current)

A material’s ability to oppose the flow of electric current

Open circuit

An electrical circuit that is incomplete, preventing current from flowing.

Series circuit

A type of electrical circuit in which components are connected end-to-end, so that the current flows through each component consecutively.

Parallel Circuit

A type of electrical circuit in which components are connected across common points or junctions, allowing current to flow through multiple paths.

Magnetic Domain

A cluster of many atoms whose magnetic fields align and so act as a magnet

Ferromagnetic Materials

Materials that can be magnetized, such as iron, cobalt, and nickel, due to their ability to form magnetic domains.

Magnetic Force

The attraction or repulsion between magnetic objects, resulting from their magnetic fields.

Magnetic Monopole

A theoretical particle that has only one magnetic pole, either north or south, unlike common magnets which have both.

Dipoles

Magnetic entities that have two poles, one north and one south, creating a magnetic field.