MYP Physics Electromagnetism Key Definitions

An AC generator is a device that produces alternating current by rotating a coil in a magnetic field.

An electric current that repeatedly changes direction, typically produced by a generator.

A device used to measure electric current in a circuit.

An aurora is a natural light display caused by charged particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere.

A cell is a device that provides electrical energy to a circuit.

A compass is a device that uses a magnetised needle to show direction using Earth’s magnetic field.

A method of storing energy by using surplus electricity to compress air into a cavern or vessel, then releasing it later to drive a turbine and generate electricity.

A material in which electrons can move easily through the material.

The direction of current defined as the flow of positive charge; it is opposite to the direction electrons actually move in metal wires.

An electric current that flows in one direction only, typically produced by a constant voltage source such as a battery.

A property of matter that can be positive or negative and causes electrical interactions (attraction or repulsion) between objects.

An electric circuit is a complete, closed path that allows electric current to flow.

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor.

An electric field is a region around a charged object where another charge experiences a force.

Electrical power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred.

A magnet produced by an electric current, typically using a coil of wire; its strength can be controlled by changing the current.

The production of a voltage in a conductor when it experiences a changing magnetic field (or when it moves through a magnetic field).

A fundamental interaction in which electric charges and electric currents produce electric and magnetic fields, and changing fields can produce each other.

A force of attraction or repulsion between electric charges.

Change of energy from one form to another within a system or across interacting systems.

Fleming’s left-hand rule is a method used to predict the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.

Grounding (earthing) is the process of transferring excess charge safely to the Earth.

A way of reasoning where general principles are drawn from specific observations.

A material in which electrons do not move easily, so transferred charge tends to remain localized.