Module 3 Vocabulary: Electromagnetic Forces

closed circuit

• circuit is complete and electric energy flows through the circuit.

• circuit is open and no electric energy flows.

• circuit has a short circuit causing energy to dissipate.

• circuit is incomplete and energy is stored.

magnet

• an object that attracts iron and other materials that have magnetic qualities similar to iron

• a device used to measure electric current

• a type of rock that contains iron

• a tool for lifting heavy objects

magnetic force

• a force of attraction or repulsion created by a magnet

• a type of gravitational force

• a force that only attracts objects made of wood

• a force that can only be felt in a vacuum

electric conductor

• a material through which electrons easily move.

• a substance that resists the flow of electricity.

• a type of insulator that prevents electron movement.

• a material that can store electrical energy.

electric generator

• a device that converts solar energy into thermal energy.

• a device that uses a magnetic field to transfer mechanical energy to electric energy.

• a device that stores electrical energy for later use.

• a device that transforms chemical energy into mechanical energy.

electric insulator

• a material that allows electrons to flow freely

• a material that does not conduct electricity well

• a material through which electrons cannot easily move.

• a material that generates electricity when heated

magnetic pole

• the place on a magnet where the force it exerts is the strongest.

• the area around a magnet where magnetic forces are weak.

• the point at which a magnet loses its magnetism.

• the center of a magnet where all magnetic forces converge.

magnetic potential energy

• Stored energy due to the interactions of magnetic poles in a magnetic field.

• Energy stored in a capacitor due to electric charge.

• Kinetic energy of a moving charged particle in a magnetic field.

• Energy released during a magnetic field collapse.

electric motor

• a device that uses an electric current to produce motion.

• a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

• a tool used for measuring electric current.

• a device that stores electrical energy for later use.

current

• the movement of electrically charged particles.

• a type of electrical resistance.

• the flow of water in a river.

• a measure of voltage in a circuit.