Magnet Basics
Earth as a Magnet
Electricity
Electric Circuits
100
This is an object that attracts certain materials like iron.
What is a magnet?
100
Earth acts like a giant __ magnet.
bar
100
When a neutral atom gains or loses an electron, it becomes charged and is called a(n) ____.
ion
100
Electric current can only flow when a circuit is this.
What is closed?
200
These are the places of a magnet where it is strongest.
What are magnetic poles?
200
Earth's magnetic field was proposed in 1600. Scientists have used data from ___ (a scientific tool) to try to help prove what cause these forces.
What is a seismograph?
200
A buildup of electric charges on objects is called ____ electricity.
static
200
This type of circuit has only one loop.
What is a series circuit?
300
If you cut a bar magnet in half, this happens to the poles.
Each piece still has a north and south pole.
300
This is the name of Earth's magnetic field.
What is the magnetosphere?
300
Two characteristics affect the strength of an object's electric force. Name them & explain how they increase electric force.
The size (amount) of charge - the more negatively charged an object is, the more electric force it will have.
The distance between them - the closer the objects (particles) are the greater the force.
300
In this circuit, one bulb can burn out and the others still work.
What is a parallel circuit?
400
Arrange two bar magnets like this to have them repel each other.
So the same pole is towards each other (N-N or S-S).
400
Which parts of Earth's magnetic field are strongest? Which are weakest?
Earth's magnetic field is strongest at the poles (where there are multiple field lines modeled). Earth's magnetic field is weakest at the equator and as you get farther away from Earth's crust (farther out into space).
400
Materials that have low resistance to electric current are called ____.
Fill in the blank and give an example of one of these objects.
conductor
Examples: metals (like copper, aluminum, and steel), water
400
All electric circuits must have these two parts:
What is a voltage (power) source & a conductor (metal for current to flow on)?
500
Sketch two bar magnets that are arranged so their magnetic fields attract each other. Label the magnetic poles, and add arrows to represent lines of force between the two magnets.
500
Explain how scientists think Earth's magnetic field is created?
As Earth rotates (spins) on its axis, charged particles in the molten outer core move around Earth's solid inner core. As these particles move, magnetic fields are created.
500
Explain electric grounding. What is it? How does it keep objects (like buildings) and people safe during a storm?
Grounding is the process of connecting an electrical circuit or device to the Earth, creating a path of least resistance for extra electrical charge to flow safely away instead of going through a person or equipment.
500
Explain the benefits/drawbacks of using a series or parallel circuit.
To earn points for the game: include one benefit and one drawback of one circuit type.
Series circuit:
- benefit they are simpler & use less material.
- drawback if one part of the circuit fails, the whole circuit fails. If more bulbs are added to a series circuit, the bulbs will not shine as brightly.
Parallel circuit:
- benefit if one part of the circuit fails, the rest can still function. They are also easy to expand. Brightness of the bulbs is not impacted by adding more bulbs to the circuit.
- drawback they require more material and more current. They are more complex to make.