Electricity & Magnetism Vocabulary Quiz

A switch is a device that can open or close a circuit. When the switch is in the "open" position, it breaks the circuit and prevents the flow of electricity. When the switch is in the "closed" position, it completes the circuit and allows the flow of electricity. Therefore, a switch is capable of both opening and closing a circuit, making it the correct answer.

A compass is an instrument that uses a freely moving magnetic needle to indicate direction. The needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, allowing users to determine the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). This makes it a useful tool for navigation and orientation purposes. The other options, insulator, static electricity, and fuse, do not match the description of an instrument using a magnetic needle to indicate direction.

The word "attract" means to pull towards one another. In the context of the given question, it is likely referring to the phenomenon of magnetic attraction, where two objects with opposite magnetic poles are drawn towards each other. This can also be applied to other situations where objects or people are drawn towards each other due to some force or attraction between them.

The word "repel" means to push away or keep at a distance. It is often used to describe the action of two objects or substances that have opposite charges or magnetic poles, causing them to push each other away. In this context, "repel" is the most suitable term to describe the action of pushing away. The other options, such as "discharge," "open circuit," and "closed circuit," do not convey the same meaning of pushing away.

An open circuit refers to a circuit that is not complete, meaning there is a break or disconnect in the pathway for the flow of electric current. This interruption prevents the current from flowing and causes the circuit to be incomplete. Unlike a closed circuit, where the current can flow continuously, an open circuit does not allow the electricity to complete its path. This can result in devices or components not receiving power or functioning properly.

A conductor is a material that allows electricity to flow easily through it. Unlike insulators, which resist the flow of electricity, conductors have free electrons that can move freely within the material. This allows electric current to pass through the conductor with minimal resistance. Examples of conductors include metals like copper and aluminum.

A circuit breaker is a switch that protects circuits from dangerously high currents. It is designed to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity when it detects an overload or a short circuit, preventing damage to the circuit and potential hazards such as electrical fires. Unlike a fuse, which needs to be replaced after it blows, a circuit breaker can be reset and used again. Therefore, a circuit breaker is the correct answer as it accurately describes its function and purpose.

The filament is the correct answer because it is the material in a light bulb that glows when heated by an electric current. When the electric current passes through the filament, it heats up and emits light. This is how an incandescent light bulb works, with the filament being the key component that produces the illumination.

Static electricity refers to the build-up of electrical charge on the surface of an object, typically due to friction or contact with another charged object. This build-up of charge can cause objects to attract or repel each other, and can result in a spark or shock when discharged. Static electricity is different from other forms of electricity, such as current electricity, which involves the flow of electrons through a conductor.

The given answer "current" is correct because it accurately describes the flow of electricity through a conductor. Current refers to the movement of electric charge, typically carried by electrons, through a medium such as a wire. In conductors, such as metals, the electrons are free to move, allowing the flow of current. Therefore, current is the appropriate term to explain the flow of electricity through a conductor.

In a series circuit, the current must flow through one bulb in order to flow through the other. This means that the bulbs are connected in a series, one after the other, forming a single pathway for the current to flow. If one bulb in a series circuit burns out or is removed, the entire circuit will be broken and none of the bulbs will light up.

An insulator is a material that does not allow the flow of electricity. It has high resistance to the flow of electric current, preventing the movement of electrons. Insulators are commonly used to protect against electric shocks and to prevent the loss of electrical energy. Unlike conductors, which allow the flow of electricity, insulators act as barriers and inhibit the movement of electrons.

Lightning is a flash of light caused by a discharge of static electricity. It occurs when there is a buildup of electrical charge in the atmosphere, usually between a cloud and the ground or between two clouds. When the electrical charge becomes too great, it is released in a powerful discharge, resulting in a flash of light and the characteristic thunder sound. This discharge is known as lightning and is a natural phenomenon that can be both fascinating and dangerous.

A closed circuit refers to a complete path for the flow of electric current, where the current can travel from the power source through the connected components and back to the source. In a closed circuit, the electrical circuit is complete and allows the flow of electrons, enabling the devices or components in the circuit to function properly. This is in contrast to an open circuit, where there is a break in the path, preventing the flow of current. Magnetism and lightning are unrelated to the concept of a closed circuit.

The term "discharge" refers to the release or flow of electrical charge from a charged object. It occurs when there is a build-up of electrical charge that needs to be released, and it can happen when the charged object comes into contact with something that allows the charge to flow through it. This can result in a sudden release of electrical energy, often accompanied by a spark or a loud noise. A discharge can occur in various situations, such as when a capacitor discharges its stored energy or when static electricity is discharged through a person touching a grounded object.

A parallel circuit is a circuit where each component, in this case, each bulb, is connected to the cell separately. In a parallel circuit, the current has multiple paths to flow through, and each component receives the same voltage. This means that if one bulb were to burn out or be removed, the other bulbs would still continue to function. Therefore, a parallel circuit is the most suitable explanation for a circuit in which each bulb is connected to the cell separately.

An electromagnet is created when electricity flows through an insulated wire wrapped around a piece of iron. The flow of electric current generates a magnetic field, which magnetizes the iron, making it temporarily magnetic. This temporary magnetism can be turned on and off by controlling the flow of electricity. Electromagnets are commonly used in various applications, such as electric motors, generators, and magnetic locks.

Electricity is a form of energy that can produce light, heat, and magnetism. It is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. When electric charge moves through a wire, it can produce heat, which is why we use electricity to power appliances like heaters. Additionally, electricity can produce light when it flows through a bulb, causing it to glow. Finally, electricity can also create magnetism when it flows through a coil of wire, creating an electromagnet. Therefore, electricity is the correct answer as it encompasses all these properties.

The word "pole" refers to either of two opposing forces or parts, such as the poles of a magnet. In this context, it can be understood as the two ends of a magnet that have opposite charges, causing them to attract or repel each other. The other options, "lodestone," "patent," and "repel," do not accurately describe this concept.

A circuit is a complete path that allows electricity to flow from one point to another. It consists of various components such as wires, switches, and resistors connected in a loop or series. This path enables the continuous flow of electric current, allowing the electrical energy to be transferred and utilized in various devices or systems. Therefore, a circuit is the correct answer as it accurately describes a complete path for electricity to move.

Magnetism is a property of certain materials that allows them to attract iron, metal, or steel. This attraction is due to the presence of magnetic fields generated by these materials. Magnets are objects that exhibit strong magnetism and can attract or repel other magnets or magnetic materials. The term "flow" does not accurately describe the property of attracting iron, metal, or steel, while "magnetic" and "magnetism" both refer to the correct property.

A fuse is a device that is used to prevent excessive electric current from flowing through wires. It is designed to melt and break the circuit if the current exceeds a certain limit, thus protecting the wires and preventing damage or fire hazards. Unlike a circuit breaker, which can be reset and reused, a fuse needs to be replaced after it has melted.

A resistor is a component in an electrical circuit that is designed to impede the flow of electric current. It is made of a material that has high resistance, meaning it resists the flow of electricity. Therefore, a resistor can be considered a material in which electricity has difficulty flowing.

A short circuit occurs when there is an unintended low-resistance connection between two points in an electrical circuit. This allows a large amount of current to flow through the conductor, bypassing the normal load. This can cause overheating, damage to the conductor, and potentially start a fire. Therefore, the correct answer is short circuit.

The given correct answer, "current electricity," refers to the flow of electric charge in a conductor. When there is a continuous movement of charged particles, such as electrons, through a conductor, it is known as an electric current. This flow of electrical charge is responsible for the functioning of various electrical devices and systems. Therefore, the answer accurately describes the concept of a moving electrical charge.