(b) Electric Field
An electric field is the region around an electric charge where another charge experiences a force.
Examples:
Two positive charges repel each other.
A positive and negative charge attract each other.
Electric fields are important in electrical devices and circuits.
(c) Magnetic Field
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet or a current-carrying conductor where magnetic
forces act.
Examples:
A bar magnet attracting iron filings.
A current flowing through a wire producing magnetism.
Magnetic fields are widely used in motors, generators, and transformers.
GRAVITATIONAL FORCE
Gravitational force is the force of attraction between two masses.
All objects in the universe attract each other because of gravity.
Factors affecting gravitational force:
The mass of the objects
The distance between them
The closer the objects and the larger their masses, the stronger the gravitational force.
FORCE OF GRAVITY
Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the Earth.
Examples:
Fruits falling from trees
Rain falling to the ground
A ball returning to the ground when thrown upward
The force of gravity acting on an object is called weight.
The mathematical relation for weight is shown below:
W = mg
Where
W = weight (Newton)
m = mass (kg)
g = acceleration due to gravity (≈ 9.8 m/s²)
SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS OF THE EARTH
The Earth is not perfectly round. Its shape is called an Oblate Spheroid.
This means:
The Earth is slightly flattened at the poles
It bulges at the equator
Approximate dimensions of Earth:
Radius ≈ 6,371 km
Diameter ≈ 12,742 km
Circumference ≈ 40,075 km
These dimensions affect the strength of gravity at different parts of the Earth.
LINES OF FORCE (FIELD LINES)
Lines of force are imaginary lines used to represent the direction and strength of a field.
They are used in:
Gravitational fields
Electric fields
Magnetic fields
Properties of Lines of Force
They show the direction of the field.
They never intersect each other.
They are closer together where the field is stronger.
They move from positive to negative charge in electric fields.
In magnetic fields, they move from the north pole to the south pole outside the magnet.
PRODUCTION OF CONTINUOUS ELECTRIC CURRENT
Electric current can be produced from different forms of energy.
1. Chemical Energy
Electric current can be produced using electrochemical cells.
Example:
Dry cells
Car batteries
Chemical reactions inside the battery produce electricity.
2. Heat Energy
Heat can be used to generate electricity in power plants.
Example:
Steam turbines in thermal power stations.
3. Mechanical Energy
Mechanical motion can produce electricity using generators.
Example:
Hydroelectric power stations where flowing water rotates turbines.
4. Solar Energy
Electric current can also be produced from sunlight using Photovoltaic Effect.
Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electrical energy.