Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from chapters on static and current electricity, magnetism and magnetic fields, and waves and sound.

What does Coulomb's Law describe?

The forces between electric charges, following an inverse square law.

What is Ohm's Law?

The relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) expressed as V = IR.

How do you calculate total resistance in series circuits?

Add the resistances: Rseries = R1 + R2 + R3 + …

How do you calculate total resistance in parallel circuits?

Use the formula 1/Rparallel = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + …

In a series circuit, what happens to the current?

The current is the same everywhere in a series circuit.

In a parallel circuit, how does voltage behave?

The voltage is the same across all components in a parallel circuit.

What is the meaning of kWh in electric power?

Kilowatt-hour is a unit used to measure electrical energy consumption.

What causes magnetization in materials?

The alignment of 'magnetic domains' within the material.

How do electric currents affect magnetic fields?

Electric currents produce magnetic fields.

What happens when a conductor is passed through a magnetic field?

A current is induced in the conductor.

What defines transverse waves?

Waves where the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

What are sound waves characterized by?

They are longitudinal waves that involve compression and rarefaction.

What is interference in wave phenomena?

The interaction of two or more waves that can result in constructive or destructive interference.

What is resonance in the context of vibrations?

The phenomenon where an object vibrates at its natural frequency when driven by an external force.