Thornton Science Vocab

Current

A flow of electric charge. Current can also be described as the rate of flow of electric charges. In most cases, current is associated with the flow of electrons.

Electricity

Any phenomena that can be associated with the presence or flow of electric charges.

Elctromagnet

A type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by the flow of current. A temporary magnet is created by running a current through a coil of wire that is wrapped in a loop; usually this loop is wound around a piece of metal such as iron or iron compound.

Field Lines

Imaginary lines are used to show the direction of the force. While most often used in magnetism, they are also used to illustrate electricity and gravity.

Magnetic

Relating to or caused by magnetism; having the properties of a magnet, that is, of attracting iron or steel.

Magnetism

The energy and forces associated with magnetically charged particles, such as those found in bar magnets; due to the Earth having a magnetic field that consistently points in the same direction, magnets have for a long time been used in navigation; magnetism is due to the movement of electrically charged particles, such as electrons.

Voltage

Common name for electric potential difference. It is the driving force for electric current travelling from a point A to B; expressed in volts.

Multiple Choice

Whats Voltage

• Common name for electric potential difference. It is the driving force for electric current traveling from a point A to B; expressed in volts.

• Common name for electric potential difference. It is the driving force for electric current traveling from a point A to B; expressed in volts.