Untitled Flashcards Set

What is a magnet?

A magnet is any object that attracts iron or iron-like metals.

How many poles does a magnet have?

Two poles, known as North (N) and South (S).

What happens if you break a magnet into pieces?

Each piece will have both a North and a South pole.

What is magnetic force?

The force of attraction or repulsion between two magnets.

What do like poles do when they are approached?

Like poles repel each other.

What do unlike poles do when they are approached?

Unlike poles attract each other.

What surrounds all magnets?

A magnetic field.

What does the Earth's magnetic field influence?

Compass needles, which are permanent magnets.

What materials can be attracted to a magnet?

Magnetic materials that contain ferromagnetic elements, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel.

What are magnetic domains?

The magnetic poles of atoms caused by the electrons within.

What characterizes a permanent magnet?

The magnetic domains are aligned, pointing in the same direction.

What characterizes a nonmagnet?

The magnetic domains are skewed, resulting in no magnetism.

What is an electromagnet?

A temporary magnet that can be turned on and off by electricity.

How can the strength of an electromagnet be changed?

By adding or removing loops of wire or by varying the current flowing through the wires.

What is an electric motor?

A device that uses an electric current to produce motion, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.

What is required to generate electricity using magnetism?

Either the magnet, the coil of wire, or both must be in motion.

How does an electric generator work?

It transforms mechanical energy into electric energy using a magnetic field.

What type of current do most electric generators produce?

Alternating current (AC).

What is direct current (DC)?

Electricity that flows in only one direction.

What are some methods power plants use to generate electricity?

Wind farms, hydroelectric dams, and burning coal.