Magnetic and Electric Fields: Principles and Applications

What is an electric dipole?

A pair of electric charges with centers separated by small distances.

What is a magnetic field?

A region of space around a magnet that causes a magnetic force on magnetic objects.

How do magnetic fields differ?

A magnetic object will orient itself in a magnetic field; a magnet always has a north and south pole.

What happens to magnetic field lines?

Magnetic field lines form closed loops; outside a magnet, they point from north to south.

What is the direction of field lines inside a magnet?

Inside a magnet, field lines point from south to north.

What aligns with Earth's magnetic field?

Compasses align with Earth's magnetic field.

What is unique about Earth's North magnetic pole?

Earth's North magnetic pole is actually a south pole.

How does the magnetic North pole differ from the geographic North pole?

The magnetic North pole is different than the geographic North pole.

What protects Earth from solar wind?

Earth's magnetic field protects us from charged particles of the sun.

What is the principle of electromagnetism?

Moving electric charges produce a magnetic field.

What happens to the direction of the magnetic field when the current direction changes?

The direction of the magnetic field changes when the direction of current changes.

What is an electromagnet?

A metal core that behaves like a bar magnet due to electric current passing through a coiled wire.

What is the right-hand rule?

A method to determine the direction of the magnetic field relative to current flow.

How does a generator work?

Motion causes a changing magnetic field in a solenoid, inducing current.

What increases electricity production in a generator?

Faster magnet movement, stronger magnets, and more loops in the coil.

What happens when a magnet moves near a solenoid?

It changes the magnetic field, pushing electrons through the wire, inducing electric current.