| English | Magnetic field |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Medan magnet |
| 中文 | 磁场 |
Definition
The region around a magnet or current-carrying conductor in which a magnetic force can be detected.
In exam terms
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet or a current-carrying conductor in which a magnetic force can be detected. It is represented by magnetic field lines that point from the north pole to the south pole outside a magnet; where the lines are closer together the field is stronger.
Around a straight current-carrying wire the field lines form concentric circles, whose direction is given by the right-hand grip rule.
Example of correct use: iron filings sprinkled around a bar magnet line up along the magnetic field, revealing its pattern.
Do not confuse it with…
Do not confuse a magnetic field with an electric field. A magnetic field is produced by magnets or moving charges and acts on other magnets and moving charges; an electric field is produced by charges and acts on any charge, whether moving or at rest.
The two are distinct even though both are represented by field lines.
In Paper 2 you may be asked to sketch the field pattern of a bar magnet or a current-carrying wire, or to state how the pattern shows the direction and relative strength of the field.
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)