Electric Basics
What is electricity?
The flow of electric charge (or electrons)
What is a complete path for electricity called?
Circuit
What are the two poles of a magnet?
North and South
What is created when electric current flows through a wire?
Magnetic field
What is voltage?
The push that moves electric charges
What particle carries a negative charge?
Electron
What type of circuit has only one path for current?
Series circuit
What happens when like poles are brought together?
They repel
What is an electromagnet?
A magnet created by electric current
What is resistance?
The opposition to the flow of current
What is the flow of electricity called?
Electric current
What type of circuit has multiple paths for current?
Parallel circuit
What happens when opposite poles are brought together?
They attract
How can you make an electromagnet stronger? (name one way)
Increase current / add more coils / use an iron core
What happens to current if resistance increases?
Current decreases
What material allows electricity to flow easily?
Conductor
What happens to a circuit when there is a break in the path?
The circuit is open / current stops flowing
What is the invisible area around a magnet called?
Magnetic field
What happens to the magnetic field when the current stops?
It disappears
What is an insulator?
A material that does not allow electricity to flow easily
What is the unit used to measure electric current?
Ampere (amp)
What tool is used to open or close a circuit?
Switch
What materials are strongly attracted to magnets?
Iron, nickel, cobalt
What device uses electromagnets to convert electrical energy into motion?
Electric motor
Why are wires often covered in rubber or plastic?
To keep electricity from escaping and to protect people from electric shock