Physics Flashcards
Distance
Length between two points
Speed
Distance traveled divided by time taken
Time
How long it takes to do something
Magnet
Pieces of metal that attract other substances.
Magnetic material
Materials magnets attract. For example, iron, steel, cobalt and nickel, as well as other magnets.
Poles
Two opposite ends of a magnet at which the magnetic field is at its strongest.
Magnetic field
The space around a magnet that exerts a force on magnets and magnetic materials.
Magnetic field lines
The directions of forces in a magnetic field are represented by magnetic field lines.
Compass
A small magnet allowed to move freely on a pivot. The direction the compass needle points is the direction of the magnetic field lines.
Alloy
A mixture of two metals. Steel contains iron and cobalt
Current electricity
The steady flow of charge though wires and circuits.
Static electricity
When two objects come into contact, electrons can transfer between them. When this happens, both objects become charged with static electricity.
Charged particles
When two objects come into contact, electrons can transfer between them. When this happens, both objects become charged with static electricity.
Conductors
A substance that allows energy, such as heat or electricity, to pass through it easily.
Insulator
A substance that does not allow energy, such as heat or electricity, to pass through it easily.
Negative
Electrons have a negative charge. If an object gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged.
Positive
An object that has lost electrons takes on a positive charge.
Components
Objects in an electric circuit. The conversion of electrical energy into other forms takes place when that energy passes through these objects.
Circuit diagram
An electronic circuit drawn using symbols.
Current
The steady flow of charge though wires and circuits.
Ammeter
Measures the current flowing through a wire. Ammeters are connected in series.
Potential difference
When there is a point of high electrical energy and a point of low electrical energy in a complete circuit, we say that there is a difference in electrical potential energy between those points. Provides the energy that pushes electrons around a circuit. It is needed to make a current flow.
