Electricity and Magnetism Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is electric charge?
Electric charge is a property of matter that can be positive or negative.
What happens between charged particles?
Forces occur between charged particles - like charges repel, unlike charges attract.
What is electric current?
Electric current is simply moving charged particles (usually electrons) flowing through a conductor.
How is current measured?
Current is measured in amperes (A) using an ammeter connected in series with the component.
How is voltage measured?
Voltage is measured in volts (V) using a voltmeter connected in parallel across the component.
What happens to current in a series circuit?
In a series circuit, the current is the same at all points around the circuit.
What happens to voltage in a series circuit?
In a series circuit, the voltage is shared between the components.
What happens to current in a parallel circuit?
In a parallel circuit, the current splits between the different branches.
What happens to voltage in a parallel circuit?
In a parallel circuit, the voltage is the same across each branch.
How can you compare bulb brightness in circuits?
Bulb brightness indicates the amount of current flowing - brighter bulbs have more current.
What is energy transfer in electrical circuits?
Energy is transferred from batteries and other sources to other components in electrical circuits.
What affects current in a circuit?
Current changes with the number of cells (more cells = more current) and the resistance of components (more resistance = less current).
What is a magnetic field?
A magnetic field is a region of space where magnetic materials experience forces.
What happens between magnetic poles?
Like magnetic poles repel and unlike poles attract.
What materials are attracted to magnets?
Magnetic materials like iron, steel, nickel and cobalt are attracted to magnets.
Where is the magnetic field strongest around a magnet?
The magnetic field is strongest at the poles of a magnet.
What happens when current flows through a wire?
A magnetic field is produced around any wire carrying current.
What is an electromagnet?
An electromagnet is a coil of wire that produces a magnetic field when current flows through it.
How is an electromagnet like a bar magnet?
A current in a coil produces a magnetic field pattern similar to that of a bar magnet.
What are electromagnets used for?
Electromagnets are used in devices like relays, lifting magnets, electric bells and motors.
