Magnets & Static Electricity

Front

What is a magnet?

Back

A magnet is an object that can attract certain metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Front

What is static electricity?

Back

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

Front

What is an electromagnet?

Back

An electromagnet is a type of magnet that is created when electricity flows through a wire wrapped around a metal core.

Front

What materials can be used to make an electromagnet?

Back

You can use a wire, a battery, and a metal core like a nail.

Front

What happens to the strength of an electromagnet when you increase the number of wire coils?

Back

The strength of the electromagnet increases with more wire coils.

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 to your hair when you touch a Van de Graaff generator?

Back

Your hair stands up because all the hairs have the same electric charge.

Front

Which metals are attracted to magnets?

Back

Iron, nickel, and cobalt are attracted to magnets.

Front

What is the purpose of a battery in an electromagnet?

Back

The battery provides the electrical energy needed to create the magnetic field.

Front

What is the difference between a permanent magnet and an electromagnet?

Back

A permanent magnet always has a magnetic field, while an electromagnet only has a magnetic field when electricity is flowing.