Electromagnetism

Front

Electromagnetism Noun

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[uh-lek-troh-mag-nuh-tiz-uhm]

Back

Electromagnetism

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The fundamental interaction between electricity and magnetism, where moving charges create magnetic fields and changing magnetic fields create electric currents.

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Example: This diagram shows that when electric current flows through a coil of wire, it creates a magnetic field around the coil, turning it into an electromagnet.

Front

Electrostatic Force Noun

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[uh-lek-troh-stat-ik fors]

Back

Electrostatic Force

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The force of attraction or repulsion that exists between stationary electrically charged particles, based on their positive or negative charge.

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Example: This diagram shows that objects with the same electric charge (like two positive charges) push each other away (repel), while objects with opposite charges (positive and negative) pull towards each other (attract).

Front

Magnetic Force Noun

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[mag-net-ik fors]

Back

Magnetic Force

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The force of attraction or repulsion between magnetic poles or moving electric charges, which is carried by photons.

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Example: This diagram shows that the magnetic force causes opposite poles of magnets, North (N) and South (S), to attract or pull towards each other.

Front

Magnetic Field Noun

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[mag-net-ik feeld]

Back

Magnetic Field

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A region of influence around a magnet or a moving electric charge where a magnetic force can be detected.

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Example: This diagram shows the invisible magnetic field around a bar magnet, with arrows indicating the field's direction from the North (N) to the South (S) pole.

Front

Conductor Noun

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[kuhn-duhk-ter]

Back

Conductor

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A material that allows electric charges, such as electrons, to move through it with minimal resistance, thereby conducting electricity.

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Example: The wire, an electrical conductor, provides a path for charged particles to flow from the battery to the light bulb, causing it to light up.

Front

Insulator Noun

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[in-suh-ley-ter]

Back

Insulator

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A material that resists the flow of electric charges, as its electrons are not able to move freely.

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Example: This image shows several types of insulators on power lines, which are the objects separating the electrical wires from the poles to stop electricity from escaping.

Front

Electromagnet Noun

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[uh-lek-troh-mag-nit]

Back

Electromagnet

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A type of magnet created by passing an electric current through a coil of wire, producing a controllable magnetic field.

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Example: This diagram shows how an electric current from a battery flows through a wire coiled around an iron bar, causing the bar's magnetic domains to align and create a temporary magnet (an electromagnet).

Front

Electromotive Force (EMF) Noun

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[uh-lek-troh-moh-tiv fors]

Back

Electromotive Force (EMF)

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The energy per unit of electric charge that is imparted by a source, which drives current in a circuit.

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Example: Rotating a wire coil (conductor) within a magnetic field generates an electromotive force (EMF), which pushes electric current through the circuit to power the lightbulb.

Front

Magnetosphere Noun

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[mag-nee-toh-sfeer]

Back

Magnetosphere

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The region of space surrounding a celestial body where its magnetic field dominates and deflects charged particles from solar wind.

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Example: This diagram shows how Earth's magnetic field creates a protective bubble, the magnetosphere, which is shaped by the constant flow of solar wind.

Front

Electromagnetic Induction Noun

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[uh-lek-troh-mag-net-ik in-duhk-shuhn]

Back

Electromagnetic Induction

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The process of generating an electric current within a conductor by exposing it to a changing or moving magnetic field.

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Example: Moving a magnet relative to a coil of wire creates, or induces, an electric current, which is detected by the galvanometer.