Magnets & Static Electricity

Front

What is a magnet?

Back

A magnet is an object that can attract certain metals like iron and has a magnetic field around it.

Front

What is an electromagnet?

Back

An electromagnet is a type of magnet that is created by electric current. It can be turned on and off.

Front

What are the two poles of a magnet called?

Back

The two poles of a magnet are called the north pole and the south pole.

Front

What is a magnetic field?

Back

A magnetic field is the area around a magnet where magnetic forces can be felt.

Front

What happens when you bring two magnets close together?

Back

If the same poles (north-north or south-south) are brought together, they repel each other. If opposite poles (north-south) are brought together, they attract.

Front

What is static electricity?

Back

Static electricity is the build-up of electric charge on the surface of objects.

Front

What happens when you rub a balloon on your hair?

Back

Rubbing a balloon on your hair transfers electrons, giving the balloon a negative charge and your hair a positive charge.

Front

What is the Van de Graaff generator?

Back

The Van de Graaff generator is a machine that creates static electricity and can make your hair stand up.

Front

What does it mean when objects have the same charge?

Back

When objects have the same charge, they repel each other.

Front

What materials are attracted to magnets?

Back

Materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt are attracted to magnets.