Electromagnetism Vocabulary
1. Magnetism
a physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charge, resulting in attractive
and repulsive forces between objects.
2. Electromagnetism
the interaction of electric currents or fields and magnetic fields.
3. Electromagnet
electromagnet, device consisting of a core of magnetic material surrounded by a
coil through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core.
4. Solenoid
a coil of wire usually in cylindrical form that when carrying a current acts like a magnet
so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows and that is used
especially as a switch or control for a mechanical device (such as a valve)
5. Electromagnetic Induction
the creation of an electro-motive force (EMF) by way of a moving magnetic field
around an electric conductor and, conversely, the creation of current by moving an
electric conductor through a static magnetic field.
6. Generator
a device that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy, typically by
electromagnetic induction via Faraday's Law.
7. Electric Motor
an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
8. Galvanometer
instrument for measuring a small electrical current or a
function of the current by deflection of a moving coil.
9. Magnetic domain
a region within a magnetic material in which the magnetization is in a uniform direction.
10. Magnetic field
a region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force
of magnetismacts.
11. Magnetic pole
region at each end of a magnet where the external
magnetic field is strongest.
12. Transformer
a device that transfers electric energy from one alternating-current circuit to one
or more other circuits, either increasing (stepping up) or reducing (stepping
down) the voltage.
13. Right hand rule
a rule in electricity: if the thumb, the forefinger, and the middle finger of
the right hand are bent at right angles to one another with the thumb
pointed in the direction of motion of a conductor relative to a magnetic
field and the forefinger in the direction of the field, then the middle finger
will point in the direction of the induced electromotive force