Electricity and Magnetism — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Large buildings where electricity is made for many homes are called power plants.
Power plants use heat, water, wind, or sunlight to spin generators that produce the electricity sent to homes.
2. A small portable power source used in flashlights is a battery.
A battery stores chemical energy and changes it into electrical energy to power small devices on the go.
3. You should never put metal objects into a wall outlet because it is very dangerous.
Wall outlets are connected to high-voltage wiring that can cause a deadly electric shock or fire.
4. Keep electrical cords away from water because this liquid conducts electricity.
Water lets electricity flow through it, so mixing water and electricity can shock a person very badly.
5. A wire that carries electricity safely is usually covered in plastic insulation.
Plastic insulation keeps the electric current inside the wire and protects people from touching the bare metal.
6. Electricity can travel from a power plant to homes through long power lines.
Power lines are big cables on tall poles or towers that carry electricity over long distances to cities and homes.
7. Solar cells are panels that use sunlight to make electricity.
Solar cells turn sunlight directly into electricity without needing to burn fuel or move parts.
8. You should never unplug a cord by yanking only the wire.
Pulling on the wire instead of the plug can damage the cord and create a shock or fire hazard.
9. A frayed or damaged cord should be not used in your home.
A damaged cord can expose bare wires that may start a fire or shock someone who touches them.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Battery
→ Powers a flashlight
Makes electricity for a city
Power plant
→ Makes electricity for a city
Uses sunlight for energy
Solar panel
→ Uses sunlight for energy
Powers a flashlight
Frayed cord
→ Unsafe and must be replaced
Unsafe and must be replaced
Each source or item plays a different role: storing power, generating it, using sunlight, or being a safety hazard.