P15 - Electromagnetism Flashcards
What is an alternator?
An alternating current generator
What is a dynamo?
A direct current generator
What is an electromagnet?
An insulated wire wrapped around an iron bar that becomes magnetic when a current flows through the wire
What is electromagnetic induction?
The process of inducing a potential difference using a magnetic field
What is Flemingβs left hand rule?
A rule that gives the direction of the force on a current carrying wire in a magnetic field to the directions of the current and the field
What is the generator effect?
If a conductor is moved through a magnetic field, a potential difference will be induced on the conductor. If this conductor is part of a complete circuit, the induced potential difference causes a current to flow around the circuit.
What is induced magnetism?
Magnetism of an unmagnetized magnetic material by placing it in a magnetic field
What is a magnetic field?
The space around a magnet or a current-carrying wire
What is a magnetic field line?
line in magnetic field along which a magnetic compass points
What is magnetic flux density?
A measure of the strength of the magnetic field defined in terms of the force on a current carrying conductor at right angles to the field lines
What is the motor effect?
When a current is passed along a wire in a magnetic field, and the wire is not parallel to the lines of the magnetic field, a force is exerted on the wire by the magnetic field
What is a solenoid?
A long coil of wire that produces a magnetic field in and around the coil when there is a current in the coil
What is a split-ring commutator?
Metal contacts on the coil of a direct current motor that connects to the rotating coil continually to its electric power supply
What is a step-down transformer?
Electrical device that is used to step down the size of an alternating potential difference
What is a step-up tranformer?
Electrical device that is used to step-up the size of an alternating potential difference
What is a transformer?
Electrical device used to change an alternating voltage
What 3 elements can be permanent magnets?
- Iron
- Cobalt
- Nickel
Describe the magnetic field around a straight current carrying wire?
Circular shape, with field lines closest together nearest the wire as the magnetic field s strongest nearest the wire
How do you find the direction of the magnetic field around a straight current carrying wire?
Use the βright hand grip ruleβ
What is a wire coiled into a spiral called?
A solenoid
What is the north pole of a magnet?
Where the field lines point outwards
Describe the magnetic field inside a solenoid:
The magnetic field is very strong inside a solenoid. The field lines are parallel to the axis of the solenoid, and they are uniform (in the same direction).
Describe the magnetic field outside a solenoid:
the magnetic field lines bend from the north end of the solenoid to the south end of the solenoid. The magnetic field lines from a complete loop as they pass through the inside of the solenoid
How do magnetic field lines represent the strength of a magnetic field?
If the magnetic field lines are closer together then the magnetic field is stronger. But if the magnetic field lines are further apart then the magnetic field is weaker