Electricity What is electricity, and how is it different from magnetism? Electricity = the interaction between electrical charges (positive and negative). The force between charged objects is called an electric force. Just like magnetic forces, electrical forces can exert a push (repel) or a pull (attract).

Electric Fields Electrical field = area around a charged object where that object’s electrical force is exerted on other charged objects. Electrical fields get weaker the farther you are away from the charge. Electrical field lines show the direction a positive charge would move. Field lines point away from a positive charge. Field lines point towards a negative charge.

Electric Fields *Electric currents can create a magnetic field* -We aren’t going to get into too many specifics here, but know that if there is a current, a magnetic field can be created. The magnetic field travels in the direction of your fingers if your thumb is going with the current This will come in handy for the electromagnet your table will be creating. Brainstorm reasons why—for example, why can’t we use a regular permanent magnet in our junkyard?

Comparing Electrical and Magnetic Fields Similarities: Both fields get stronger as you get closer (and weaker as you get farther). Both fields repel like and attract unlike. Both fields are the result of the spinning of electrons.

Contrasting Electrical and Magnetic Fields Differences: You can isolate and electrical charge. That is, you can separate a positive from a negative charge. You cannot separate magnetic poles. If you break a magnet in two, the two halves will each have a north and south pole. This will continue for as long as you have pieces of the magnet.