Middle School Physical Science: Electromagnetism - Electricity and Magnetism — Flashcards

Electromagnetism is an interaction that occurs between particles with electric charge via electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. It is the dominant force in the interactions of atoms and molecules.

Electric Currents and Magnetic Fields    
The magnetic field created by a current flowing through a wire surrounds the wire in concentric circles. The magnetic field is stronger if more current is flowing through the wire. The direction of the magnetic field depends on the direction that the current is flowing through the wire. A simple rule, called the right hand rule, makes it easy to find the direction of the magnetic field if the direction of the current is known. When the thumb of the right hand is pointing in the same direction as the current, the fingers of the right hand curl around the wire in the direction of the magnetic field.