Science Reading Comprehension Worksheet Magnetism

& Electricity
Magnetism and electricity are closely related phenomena. Electric charge is a
fundamental property of matter. Matter is made up of electrons, neutrons, and
protons. Electrons have a negative electric charge, while protons have a positive
electric charge; neutrons have no electric charge. These tiny particles are the
building blocks of atoms. An atom has a net positive electric charge when it loses
one of its electrons, and a net negative electric charge when it gains an extra
electron. On the other hand, magnetic charges do not exist - Magnetic fields are
generated solely by moving electric charges.

An example of the relationship between electricity and magnetism is the motor. In a

motor, a voltage is applied across the terminals of a coil of wire. The voltage causes
the electrons in the wire to move, which in turn generates a current. This current
results in a magnetic field, which interacts with permanent magnets attached to the
core of the motor, causing it to move.

Perhaps the most significant relationship between electricity and magnetism is light,
which is known to physicists as an electromagnetic wave. Light waves are oscillating
patterns of electric and magnetic fields, propagating through space at the speed of
light (3x108 meters/second).

Electric and Magnetic phenomena are intricately described by a collection of

physical laws, known as Maxwell's equations. Fully understanding these complex
equations require a thorough knowledge of calculus and differential equations. For
more information, take a course in electromagnetic theory from your local
university.

1. What is an atom made up of?

2. What is a magnetic field?

3. In most cases, does electricity create magnets or do magnets create electricity?

Explain.

4. When some on say "The Speed of Light", what are they referring to?
 Magnetism & Electricity Vocabulary Quiz
Directions: Match each definition with the correct term.

a rock that possesses magnetic properties and attracts iron;

1. magnet
magnetite.

a physical phenomenon caused by the movement of certain

charged particles such as electrons, esp. between points having
2. current different electrical charges, and seen in naturally occurring
phenomena such as lightning and magnetic attraction and
repulsion.

3. electricity to drive away or force backwards.

an instrument for determining direction, esp. one with a horizontal

4. attract magnetic needle that rotates freely until it points to the magnetic
north.

5. battery active power, energy, or physical strength.

an object that attracts iron and some other materials by virtue of a

6. electromagnet
natural or induced force field surrounding it.

7. circuit a device that generates electricity by means of chemical reactions.

8. lodestone
the flow of electricity in a conductor.
(loadstone)

a negatively charged particle, considered a fundamental unit of

9. repel matter, that exists independently or outside the nucleus of an
atom.

a magnet in which an iron or steel core is magnetized by the

10. electron
electric current in the coil of insulated wire wound around it.

11. force to cause to come near, as by some special quality or action.

an Arrangement of electronic elements, including conductors,

12. compass
resistors, and the like, through which electric current moves.
Magnetic Attraction!

An object that attracts metals, especially iron, is called a magnet. The area near the
magnet where it has enough power to attract things is called its magnetic field. The
farther away from the magnet an item is, the weaker the magnetic field is. When it is
weak, it is less likely an object will become attracted to the magnet. Magnets can be
either permanent or temporary. A permanent magnet stays magnetized for a long
time. A temporary magnet loses its magnetism after only a short time. You can even
turn something made out of iron into a temporary magnet by rubbing it against a
permanent magnet. The more you rub, the stronger your temporary magnet gets.
However, the effects will wear off over time. The two ends of the magnets are called
magnetic poles. The poles are found at the ends of bar magnets and the tips of the
horseshoe magnets. They are the strongest parts of the magnet. Each magnet has a
north pole and a south pole. Opposite poles attract, or pull toward each other. Poles
that are the same repel, or push away from each other. A north pole and a south pole
will pull toward each other. Two north poles will push away from each other. The same
happens with two south poles. When you hold magnets, you can actually feel the
push and pull effects of magnetism. A special kind of temporary magnet uses
electricity to create a magnetic field. It is called an electromagnet. An electromagnet
can be an extremely strong magnet. However, it only acts like a magnet when it has
electricity. A stronger electrical current will produce a stronger magnet. Unlike other
magnets, an electromagnet can be controlled by a switch. When the switch turns the
electrical current off the electromagnet loses its magnetism. Whatever the
electromagnet was holding drops to the ground. We use this technology to operate
large cranes that lift heavy metal objects, such as cars. Electromagnets are also used
to make motors run in small appliances. Combining regular magnets and
electromagnets makes it possible for electrical energy to be turned into energy of
motion.

Answer the following questions based on the reading passage. Don’t forget to go
back to the passage whenever necessary

1) Explain the difference between a temporary magnet and a permanent

magnet.

2) Would two north poles attract each other or push away from each other?

3) What is different about an electromagnet?

4) What do we use electromagnets for?

5) What does attract mean when speaking about magnets?