static electricity
A buildup of charges on an object.
positive charge
An electric charge with more protons than electrons; the opposite of a negative charge
negative charge
an electrical charge in which there is a build up of electrons; the opposite of a positive charge
induction
the separation of a charge on the surface of an object caused by the electric field of another object without the 2 objects touching
conduction
The direct transfer of heat from one substance to another substance that it is touching.
How do statically charged objects interact?
Objects with the same charge, either positive or negative, repel or move away from one another. Objects with opposite charges move towards and stick to each other.
How can objects release their electrostatic charges?
When objects have different charges excess electrons may move from one object to another. When the charge is large enough electrons may jump quickly to another oject, causing a spark or shock.
How are electricity and magnetism related?
An electric current creates a magnetic field, and a moving magnetic field creates an electric current.
magnetic field
a region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts.
electric
having to do with electricity; a form of energy commonly used for lights, electric motors, and heating.
electromagnet
a coil that has a metal core and that acts as a magnet when an electric current is connected to a power source
magnet
an object with a north and south pole that produces a magnetic field
How can wire, a magnet, and mechanical energy be used to generate electricity?
Based on the principle that a wire moving within a magnetic field produces electricity, generators are able to produce usable electricity by spinning a large coil of wire around a magnet. The spinning (mechanical energy) is converted to electrical energy. The energy of wind, water, or steam are often used to turn a turbine, which is connected to the generator.
generator
A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
What factors affect the amount of electricity that a generator produces?
The strength of the magnet, the size of the coil, and the speed of the turbine's rotation affect the amount of electrical energy generated by a generator. As the size of the coil, the strength of the magnet, and the speed of rotation increase, electrical output also increases.