Electricity And Magnetism Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is static electricity?
Static electricity is generated by rubbing insulators together, transferring electrons and giving the objects magnetic charges.
Static electricity demonstrates the principles of charge transfer and the behavior of charged objects.
What happens when like charges are brought together?
Like charges repel each other
This is a fundamental principle of electrostatics.
What is the behavior of opposite charges?
Opposite charges attract each other.
This attraction is a key concept in understanding electric fields.
What is an electric field?
An electric field is a region around charged objects where they exert electric forces on other charges.
The field lines indicate the direction of the force exerted by the charge.
What defines a series circuit?
A series circuit contains only one loop.
In a series circuit, if one component breaks, the current stops flowing throughout the circuit.
List the characteristics of a series circuit.
- Contains only one loop
- The current is the same everywhere
- The potential difference across each component adds up to the potential difference across the battery
This makes series circuits straightforward but less reliable for powering multiple devices.
What is a parallel circuit?
A parallel circuit contains multiple branches.
In a parallel circuit, each branch can operate independently.
List the characteristics of a parallel circuit.
- Contains multiple branches
- Currents in all branches add up to make the total current
- The potential difference across each component is the same as the potential difference across the battery
Parallel circuits are commonly used in household wiring.
What is resistance?
Resistance is a measure of how easy it is to pass through a component.
It influences how much current can flow in a circuit.
Distinguish between conductors and insulators based on resistance.
Conductors have low resistance; insulators have high resistance.
This property determines the efficiency of materials in conducting electricity.
What is the unit for resistance?
The unit for resistance is the ohm (Ω).
This unit is fundamental in electronics and electrical engineering.
What are the poles of a magnet?
Magnets have north and south poles.
The behavior of magnets is defined by these poles.
What happens when opposite poles of magnets are brought together?
Opposite poles attract each other.
This attraction is essential for understanding magnetic interactions.
What occurs when like poles of magnets are brought together?
Like poles repel each other.
This repulsion is a key characteristic of magnetic fields.
What is a magnetic field?
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where it exerts a magnetic force.
The strength of the field can be visualized with tools like compasses or iron filings.
How can you visualize a magnetic field around a bar magnet?
You can see the field around a bar magnet with a small compass or iron filings.
This visualization helps in understanding the field’s strength and direction.
What defines an electromagnet?
Electromagnets are magnetic only when current flows through them.
Their ability to be turned on and off is a key feature.
How can you make an electromagnet stronger?
- Adding more turns of wire on the coil
- Using more current
These methods enhance the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.
What is the Earth’s magnetic field analogous to?
The Earth’s magnetic field acts like a big bar magnet, with the south pole at the top of the planet.
This analogy helps in understanding the Earth’s magnetic properties.
What is current in an electrical context?
Current is the amount of charge flowing per second.
It is a fundamental concept in understanding electricity.
What is the unit for current?
The unit for current is the ampere (A).
This unit is critical for measuring electrical flow.
What instrument is used to measure current?
Current is measured with an ammeter, which is connected in series.
Proper connection is essential for accurate measurements.
What is potential difference?
Potential difference is the amount of energy transferred by the charges in the circuit.
It is a critical concept in electrical circuits.
What instrument is used to measure potential difference?
Potential difference is measured with a voltmeter, which is connected in parallel.
This setup ensures accurate readings of voltage across components.
