Unit 4 Vocabulary 12/7/23
Ammeter
*A device used to measure current in a circuit
Insulator
*A material that does not allow heat or electrons to move through it easily.
voltmeter
*a device used to measure voltage
fuse
small piece of metal within that melts when overheated to open the circuit and prevent current from flowing.
Magnet
something that gives off an external magnetic field, making it possible to apply a force over a distance
electromagnet
temporary magnet made by placing a piece of iron inside a current carrying coil of wire.
electric motor
device that uses an electromagnet to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.
generator
device that uses an electromagnet to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
circuit breaker
piece of metal that bends when overheated to open the circuit and prevent current from flowing.
magnetism
property of some materials that allow them to give off an attractive, or repelling force
grounding
providing a path for electric charges to flow safely into the ground
Static electricity
a charge imbalance that results in the buildup of excess electric charge in an object.
ferromagnetism
a phenomenon where objects placed in a strong magnetic field become magnetized due to the poles with their atoms aligning (all electrons in the same direction).
Electric Field
a region around a charged object where the object's electric force is exerted on other charged objects
static discharge
a sudden flow of static electricity from one object to another
circuit
closed path through which electrons can flow (series and parallel 2 types)
Ohm's Law
the amount of current is directly proportional to the voltage difference. V=IR
current
the net movement of electric charge in a single direction
voltage difference
the push (force) that causes charge to move
Electroscope
tool used to detect the presence and magnitude of an electrical charge.
Conductor
transfer of electrons through direct contact between objects.
magnetic field
•external force given off by a magnet. Strongest at the poles
