Physical Science · Electricity and Magnetism
Virginia SOL PS.9
Virginia SOL PS.9 is part of the Electricity and Magnetism strand in Physical Science (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Below is what PS.9 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice PS.9 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL PS.9 means
Investigate and understand basic principles of electricity and magnetism.
Practice Physical Science SOL questions
Free Physical Science questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on PS.9 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. An atomic model shows a central nucleus with electrons surrounding it. Point A indicates a particle in the nucleus with no charge. Point A represents —
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Answer: H — a neutron
2. A direct electrical current differs from an alternating current because only direct current —
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Answer: C — allows electrons to flow in one direction
3. A battery is placed inside a flashlight and the flashlight is turned on. The chemical energy of the battery is changed into all of the following forms of energy except —
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Answer: J — mechanical energy
4. Which model best shows the relationship between the Earth, the moon, and the sun?
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Answer: A — Sun at the center, Earth orbiting the sun, moon orbiting Earth
Skills you’ll practice for PS.9
- Explain how an imbalance of charge generates static electricity.
- Describe how materials have different conductive properties.
- Explain how electric circuits transfer energy.
- Explain how magnetic fields cause the magnetic effects of certain materials.
- Explain the relationship between electric current and magnetic fields.
- Describe technologies that use electricity and magnetism.
Key concepts covered by PS.9
- static electricity
- charge imbalance
- conductive properties
- materials
- electric circuits
- energy transfer
- magnetic fields
- magnetic effects
- electric current
- technologies
- electricity
- magnetism
How to study and practice SOL PS.9
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether PS.9 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Frequently asked questions about SOL PS.9
What is Virginia SOL PS.9?
SOL PS.9 is a Physical Science Standard of Learning in the Electricity and Magnetism strand. It expects students to investigate and understand basic principles of electricity and magnetism.
What skills does SOL PS.9 cover?
SOL PS.9 is assessed on 6 skills: explain how an imbalance of charge generates static electricity; describe how materials have different conductive properties; explain how electric circuits transfer energy; explain how magnetic fields cause the magnetic effects of certain materials; explain the relationship between electric current and magnetic fields; describe technologies that use electricity and magnetism.
What strand of Physical Science is SOL PS.9 in?
SOL PS.9 belongs to the Electricity and Magnetism reporting strand of the Physical Science Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL PS.9?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether PS.9 is already solid, then work the 6 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.