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GED Physical Science
Lesson 6 Electricity and Magnetism
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| electric charge | atoms have protons with a positive charge or electrons that have a negative charge; this charge causes them to exert forces on one another; particles with like charges repel one another; particles with unlike charges attract one another |
| static electricity | when electrons are temporarily pulled away from atoms, creating stationary areas of positive and negative charge (think a balloon and a rug when they are rubbed together) |
| conductor | a material that allows electrons to move freely from atom to atom (metals are good) |
| insulator | a material that does not allow electrons to move freely from atom to atom (rubber and plastic are examples) |
| semiconductor | substances whose ability to conduct electricity is midway between that of a conductor and an insulator (silicon is an example) |
| magnetic field | produced by an electric current; affects magnetic substances such as iron in the same way a permanent magnet does; they are produced by moving charged particles |
| electromagnet | the charged particles move along a coil of wire connected to a battery or other power source |
| permanent magnet | the spinning of electrons creates a magnetic field; every magnet has two ends, called the north and south poles; north poles attract south poles; like poles repel one another |
| electric motor | in this, magnetic fields are produced by electric currents; the magnetic fields push against one another, turning the shaft of the motor |
| generator | in this, a moving magnetic field produces electric current |
| transformer | in this, an incoming electric current in coiled wire produces fluctuating magnetic fields, which in turn produce an outgoing electric current of a different voltage; the difference in voltage is caused by the differing sizes of the wire coils. |
| voltage | electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts |
| electric current | the movement of charged particles, usually electrons; direct current flows in one direction only, and it is used in battery-operated devices. Alternating current flows back and forth rapidly, and it is used in household wiring. |
Created by:
jpiittmann
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