High School Physics

High School Physics explores the fundamental principles of matter and energy, covering topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and electromagnetism.

Advanced Topics

Electricity and Magnetism

The Power of Charges and Magnets

Electricity and magnetism are closely linked forces that shape our modern world. Electric charges create electric fields, and moving charges (current) create magnetic fields.

Key Ideas

  • Electric Charge: Positive and negative charges attract or repel.
  • Current: Flow of electric charge in a circuit.
  • Magnetism: Magnets have north and south poles and can attract or repel each other.

How They Connect

  • An electric current creates a magnetic field (used in electromagnets).
  • Moving a magnet near a wire can generate electricity (how generators work).

Real-World Impact

  • All electronics, from smartphones to TVs, rely on electricity and magnetism.
  • MRI machines use powerful magnets to see inside the human body.

Why It Matters

Understanding these forces allows us to harness electricity for power, communication, and medicine.

Examples

  • Flipping a light switch to turn on a lamp.

  • Maglev trains floating above the tracks using magnetism.

In a Nutshell

Electric and magnetic forces power technology and are fundamental to how our world works.