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SPM Physics Glossary: Electromagnetism

The key terms from the Electromagnetism chapter. Tap any term for its full definition in three languages.

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Magnetic field
The region around a magnet or current-carrying conductor in which a magnetic force can be detected.
Electromagnet
A magnet made by passing an electric current through a coil, usually wound around a soft iron core, whose magnetism can be switched on and off.
Force on a current-carrying conductor
The force experienced by a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field, at right angles to both the current and the field.
Electromagnetic induction
The production of an electromotive force in a conductor when there is a changing magnetic field linking it.
Induced current
The current that flows in a closed conductor as a result of electromagnetic induction.
Transformer
A device that uses electromagnetic induction to change the voltage of an alternating current.
Step-up transformer
A transformer with more turns on the secondary coil than the primary, which increases the alternating voltage.
Step-down transformer
A transformer with fewer turns on the secondary coil than the primary, which decreases the alternating voltage.
Direct current
An electric current that flows in one direction only.
Alternating current
An electric current that periodically reverses its direction of flow.
Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction
The magnitude of the induced electromotive force is directly proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linking the conductor.

What "Electromagnetism" terms cover

This group collects the 11 SPM Physics terms in Electromagnetism. Getting these definitions exactly right is some of the cheapest marks in Paper 2, a "define" or "state" question wants one precise sentence with the correct unit.

The key terms to get right

  • Magnetic field, The region around a magnet or current-carrying conductor in which a magnetic force can be detected.
  • Electromagnet, A magnet made by passing an electric current through a coil, usually wound around a soft iron core, whose magnetism can be switched on and off.
  • Force on a current-carrying conductor, The force experienced by a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field, at right angles to both the current and the field.
  • Electromagnetic induction, The production of an electromotive force in a conductor when there is a changing magnetic field linking it.
  • Induced current, The current that flows in a closed conductor as a result of electromagnetic induction.
  • Transformer, A device that uses electromagnetic induction to change the voltage of an alternating current.
  • Step-up transformer, A transformer with more turns on the secondary coil than the primary, which increases the alternating voltage.
  • Step-down transformer, A transformer with fewer turns on the secondary coil than the primary, which decreases the alternating voltage.
  • Direct current, An electric current that flows in one direction only.
  • Alternating current, An electric current that periodically reverses its direction of flow.
  • Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, The magnitude of the induced electromotive force is directly proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linking the conductor.

How this vocabulary is examined

These terms appear as define/state items in Paper 1 and Paper 2, and inside explain and calculate questions where using the wrong word costs marks. Learn each term with its unit and one example of correct use.

Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)

Frequently asked questions

How many terms are in Electromagnetism?
11. Each has its own page with a full definition and how it is examined.
Are the Chinese terms official?
The Malay and English terms follow the official DSKP usage; the Chinese are careful editorial translations, as no official Chinese DSKP exists.
How should I revise definitions?
Cover the definition, say it aloud with the unit, then check. Pair each term with a formula or experiment from the same chapter.

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