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EE Ch 10-18 Vocab
Exploration Education Q2 Vocab Review
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| motor | A machine that converts electrical energy (or sometimes another form of energy) into mechanical motion (rotational or linear). |
| compass | A navigational instrument with a freely rotating magnetic needle that aligns with Earth’s magnetic field, showing direction (typically North, South, etc.). |
| computer disc | A data-storage medium (e.g. magnetic or optical) — here more broadly included as an object made from magnetic materials; in physics context, refers to use of magnetism for storing digital data. |
| north | The end (or direction) of a magnet or compass needle that points toward the Earth’s geographic North, defined by magnetic polarity. |
| volta | (As in “voltage” — from the unit “volt”) — a measure of electric potential difference or electromotive force between two points in an electric circuit. |
| iron | A metallic element (Fe) that is ferromagnetic — commonly attracted by magnets and capable of being magnetized. |
| radar | A technology that uses electromagnetic waves (radio waves) to detect the distance, speed, or other characteristics of distant objects. |
| lodestone | A naturally magnetized piece of the mineral magnetite; a natural magnet that can attract ferromagnetic materials like iron. |
| attract | The force by which a magnet (or charged object) pulls another material (magnetic or opposite charge) toward itself. |
| force | A push or pull acting on an object, causing it to accelerate, decelerate, or change direction — fundamental in mechanics and electromagnetism. |
| coil | A length of wire wound into a spiral or helix, often used in electromagnets, inductors, or electromotive devices to generate magnetic fields or change inductance. |
| magnet | An object or material that produces a magnetic field and can attract or repel other magnetic materials or magnets. |
| electromagnet | A type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current flowing through a coil of wire, often around a core of iron. |
| copper | A metallic element (Cu) that is a good electrical conductor — commonly used in wiring and coils for electromagnets or electrical circuits. |
| charge | A property of matter (positive or negative) that causes it to experience a force in an electric field; electric charge enables electromagnetic interactions. |
| south | The end (or direction) of a magnet or compass needle that points opposite to the “north” pole; part of a magnet’s polarity designation. |
| oersted | The unit (symbol Oe) formerly used to measure magnetic field strength (magnetic field intensity or H-field) in the CGS system. |
| repel | The force by which like magnetic poles (or like electric charges) push each other away. |
| generator | A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy — typically by rotating a coil in a magnetic field to induce an electric current (electromagnetic induction). |
| aluminum | A metallic element (Al) — though not strongly magnetic, but used in science/material contexts for its conductivity, light weight, or structural properties. |
| magnetic field | The region around a magnet (or moving electric charges / current) within which magnetic forces can be detected and magnetic effects (force on other magnets or charges) occur. |
| armature | The rotating (or moving) part of an electric motor or generator — usually a coil of wire or assembly of coils that interacts with the magnetic field to produce motion or induce current. |
| brush | In motors or generators: a conductive contact (often carbon) that maintains electrical connection between stationary and rotating parts (e.g. the armature and external circuit). |
| poles | The distinct ends of a magnet (north pole and south pole) where the magnetic field is strongest; magnets always have two poles. |
| electrolyte | A substance (often a liquid) containing free ions that can conduct electric current — used in electrochemical cells (batteries) or in processes involving ion movement. |
| astronomical unit | (AU) A unit of distance used in astronomy: approximately the average distance between the Earth and the Sun (~ 150 million kilometers). |
| milky way | In a physical science / astronomy context: the galaxy that contains our Solar System — a large system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter. |
| kepler | Refers to Johannes Kepler — a scientist/astronomer known for laws of planetary motion describing how planets orbit the Sun. |
| AC & DC | Shorthand for alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC): types of electric current — AC changes direction periodically, DC flows in one direction. |
| electricity | The flow or presence of electric charge, typically produced by moving electrons. |
| zinc | A metallic element often used as an electrode in batteries due to its tendency to give up electrons. |
| current | The rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor, measured in amperes. |
| battery | A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. |
| proton | A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom. |
| attraction | A force that pulls objects together, such as opposite electric charges or opposite magnetic poles. |
| safety | Practices or devices designed to prevent electrical harm, shocks, fires, or equipment damage. |
| switch | A device that opens or closes a circuit, controlling the flow of electrical current. |
| atom | The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element; made of protons, neutrons, and electrons. |
| voltage | The electric potential difference between two points; the "push" that causes charges to move in a circuit. |
| electrons | Negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus of an atom; their movement produces electricity. |
| insulator | A material that does not allow electrons to flow easily (e.g., rubber, plastic). |
| particle | A small unit of matter or energy, such as atoms, ions, electrons, or molecules. |
| positive | Having a deficiency of electrons or possessing a positive electric charge. |
| electrolyte | A substance containing free ions that allows electricity to flow, commonly used inside batteries. |
| resistor | A component used to limit or control current in a circuit. |
| negative | Having an excess of electrons or possessing a negative electric charge. |
| volta | Refers to Alessandro Volta; also related to the volt—unit of electric potential difference. |
| circuit | A closed path through which electric current can flow. |
| static | Relating to static electricity, where electric charge builds up on the surface of an object. |
| series | A circuit arrangement where components are linked end-to-end, causing the same current to flow through each. |
| fuse | A safety device that melts and breaks the circuit when the current becomes too high. |
| conductor | A material that allows electric charge to move easily (e.g., copper, aluminum). |
| parallel | A circuit arrangement where components are connected across the same two points, providing multiple current paths. |
| free electrons | Electrons that can move easily within a material, enabling electrical conductivity. |
| induction | Producing electric current or charge in an object without direct contact, typically through a changing magnetic field. |
| Ohm's Law | The relationship V=IR stating voltage equals current times resistance |
| ion | An atom or molecule with a positive or negative charge due to loss or gain of electrons. |
| LED | Light-Emitting Diode; a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. |
| electrolytes | Substances containing ions that conduct electricity; often used in batteries or biological systems. |