Investigation Test Review Sheet

Here is a condensed version of all the previous investigation reviews:

Electromagnets:

Ø  You can increase the strength of an electromagnet by

o  increasing the number of winds on the rivet (core)

o  using tighter coiled wire around the rivet

o  winding the coiled wire in one direction around the rivet

o  adding another d-cell in a series circuit; adding another d-cell in parallel does not strengthen the electromagnet

o  Using a thicker wire around the rivet

Ø  In order to build an electromagnet, you need the following components:

o  steel rivet (core)

o  wires

o  d-cell

o  circuit base

o  switch (for easy on and off)

Insulators/Conductors:

Ø  Insulators are materials that DO NOT allow the flow of electricity in a circuit. They include: plastics, glass, foam, paper, rubber, wood, and other non-metals

Ø  All conductors are made of metal. Conductors allow electricity to flow throughout the circuit. They include: wires, paperclips, nails, Fahnstock clips, and other metals.

Series/Parallel Circuits:

Ø  Series circuits have ONE pathway or flow of electricity in a complete circuit. They are connected in a circular shape.

Ø  Parallel circuits have TWO or MORE pathways of electricity flowing in a complete circuit. The energy is SHARED between components and they are connected in the shape of an 8.

Magnets:

Ø  They stick (attract) to objects that contain iron or steel.

Ø  When two magnets come in contact (come toward each other), they either attract (pull) or repel (push).

Ø  When like poles (+,+ or -,-) come in contact they repel.

Ø  When opposite poles (+,- or -,+) come in contact they attract.

Ø  When you touch a piece of iron to a permanent magnet, magnetism is induced in the piece of iron, and it becomes a temporary magnet.

Ø  The force of magnetism is stopped by thick objects because distance weakens the magnetic force between a magnet and another object or another magnet.