Science Questions & Answers

The potential difference between two points in a circuit, measured in volts, is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Voltage A device that increases or decreases the voltage of an alternating current is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Transformer A circuit in which all parts are connected in a single loop...

The potential difference between two points in a circuit, measured in volts, is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Voltage A device that increases or decreases the voltage of an alternating current is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Transformer A circuit in which all parts are connected in a single loop is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Series circuit A circuit in which different parts are on separate branches is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Parallel circuit A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Electric generator A magnet created by passing an electric current through a coil of wire is called an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Electromagnet The interaction between electricity and magnetism is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Electromagnetism What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion? Fission splits a large nucleus into smaller ones, while fusion combines small nuclei into a larger one. How does a nuclear power plant control a chain reaction? It uses control rods to absorb excess neutrons and regulate the reaction. Why do electric field lines never cross? Each point in space has only one direction of the electric field, so lines cannot cross. How do conductors and insulators differ? Conductors allow electric charges to move freely, while insulators resist the movement of charges. What causes lightning? Lightning is an electric discharge caused by the buildup and sudden movement of electric charge in clouds. How does increasing resistance affect an electric circuit? Higher resistance reduces the flow of electric current. What is the function of a transformer in an electrical system? A transformer changes the voltage of alternating current, either increasing or decreasing it. How does a parallel circuit differ from a series circuit? A parallel circuit provides multiple paths for current, while a series circuit has only one path. What role do electromagnets play in electric motors? Electromagnets create a magnetic field that interacts with a permanent magnet to produce motion. Why is AC used in power transmission instead of DC? AC can be easily transformed to higher or lower voltages for efficient power transmission. A wave is any disturbance that transmits \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ through matter or space. Energy The material through which a wave travels is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Medium A wave that requires a medium to travel is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ wave. Mechanical Electromagnetic waves do not require a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to travel. Medium Waves that move the particles of the medium perpendicular to the direction the wave is traveling are called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ waves. Transverse The highest point of a transverse wave is called the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Crest The lowest point of a transverse wave is called the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Trough A wave in which particles move parallel to the direction of the wave is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ wave. Longitudinal The areas where particles are close together in a longitudinal wave are called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Compressions The areas where particles are spread apart in a longitudinal wave are called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Rarefactions The number of waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Frequency The distance between two corresponding parts of a wave is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Wavelength The maximum distance that the particles of a medium move from their rest position is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Amplitude The bouncing back of a wave when it hits a surface it cannot pass through is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Reflection The bending of waves due to a change in speed as they move from one medium to another is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Refraction The bending of waves around the edge of a barrier is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Diffraction When two waves meet and combine to form a wave of greater amplitude, this is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ interference. Constructive When two waves meet and combine to form a wave of smaller amplitude, this is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ interference. Destructive A frequency shift that occurs when a sound source moves relative to a listener is called the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Doppler Effect A loud sound heard when an object travels faster than the speed of sound is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Sonic Boom What happens to the speed of sound as the temperature of the medium increases? It increases because the particles move faster and transfer energy more quickly.