Science Vocabulary Words/Definitions

Attract: To pull toward one another, as opposite poles of two magnets pull toward one another

Repel: To push away, as similar poles of two magnets push away from one another

Compass: An instrument that uses a freely moving magnetic needle to indicate direction (needle will point to magnetic north on Earth)

Force: A push or a pull

Lodestone: A form of the mineral magnetite that is naturally magnetic or has become magnetized

Magnet: An object that sticks to iron or steel

Magnetism: A property of certain kinds of materials that causes them to attract iron or steel.

Pole: Either of two opposing forces or parts, such as the poles of a magnet

Photosphere- the outside part of the sun that can be seen where the atmosphere of the sun becomes clear to visible light

Chromosphere- a layer of the sun that is ten times hotter than the photosphere

Corona- a layer of a star that escapes the star’s gravity and extends millions of miles into space as solar wind

Magnetic Field- a region around a magnetic material within which the force of magnetism acts

Surface- the outermost layer of something

Atmosphere- a layer of gases surrounding the Earth or another celestial body

Sun- is a middle-aged yellow star that is more gigantic than the normal star. It helpsand takes care of life on Earth.

Solar flare- tremendous explosions on the surface of the Sun that release energy

Solar wind- a stream of charged particles ejected from the Sun constantly in all directions

Coronal Mass Ejection (CMEs)-a massive burst of solar wind

Sun spot- a relatively dark, cool spot on the Sun’s photosphere caused by intense magnetic activity; most solar flares originate from sunspots

Concepts:

-The Earth is a big magnet, with a north and south pole.

-Magnetism is a fundamental force of our Universe. A magnetic field is a bubble-shaped force that attracts or repels magnetized materials, such as iron or steel.

-The Sun constantly ejects charged particles in all directions in the form of solar wind. Some of these particles hit the Earth’s magnetic field. This can disrupt telecommunications and satellites, and we can see the particles on Earth in the form of an Aurora.