Day 27 Electric Charge and Electromagnetism

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental concepts of electric charge, circuits, electromagnetic devices, and charge transfer mechanisms.

Neutral Object

An object that has an equal number of positive and negative charges, balancing one another out.

Induction

The process of generating an electric current using a moving electric or magnetic field, or pushing charges around using a field.

Electron

A negatively charged particle that moves through conductors, creating an electric current.

Circuit

A closed loop through which an electric current can flow.

Motor

A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (motion) by induction.

Generator

A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by induction.

Turbine

A machine with rotating blades that captures the energy of moving fluid, such as water, steam, or air.

Conductor

A material through which electricity can flow easily, made of atoms whose electrons can move away freely (for example, copper and aluminum).

Magnet

An object that produces a magnetic field, which can attract or repel other magnetic materials.

Solenoid

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

Voltage

The push that drives electric current through a circuit, measured in volts ($\text{V}$).

Current

The flow of electric charge, measured in amperes ($\text{A}$).

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric current in a material, measured in ohms ($\Omega$).

Power

The rate at which electrical energy is transferred or used, measured in watts ($\text{W}$).

Photon

A tiny particle of light that can knock electrons free from atoms in semiconductor solar panels to create electric current.

Charging by Friction

The transfer of charge occurring when two surfaces rub together, forming and breaking adhesion bonds.

Conduction (Movement of Charge)

The transfer of electric charge between or through materials to balance out when two surfaces with different net charges touch or come sufficiently close.

Electric Potential Difference

The formal scientific term for voltage, measured in the unit volts ($\text{V}$).