This glossary gives the terms and question words that SPM Science answers depend on. Each entry has the Bahasa Melayu form, a short example and the word it is most confused with.
Use it alongside the SPM Science guide. For a method to learn the terms, read building confidence with Science question vocabulary.
Investigation terms
Manipulated variable (pemboleh ubah dimanipulasikan)
The factor you change on purpose. Example: the depth of water in a pressure test. Confused with: the responding variable.
Responding variable (pemboleh ubah bergerak balas)
The factor you measure because it responds to the change. Example: the pressure reading at each depth. Confused with: the manipulated variable.
Fixed variable (pemboleh ubah dimalarkan)
A factor you keep the same so the test is fair. Example: using the same liquid in every trial. Confused with: a control group.
Hypothesis (hipotesis)
A testable statement that links two variables. Example: the greater the depth, the greater the pressure. Confused with: a prediction of one number.
Observation (pemerhatian)
What you see or measure directly. Example: the reading rose from 2 to 4 units. Confused with: an inference.
Inference (inferens)
A reasoned explanation of an observation. Example: the pressure rose because the liquid above was deeper. Confused with: an observation.
Accuracy and precision (kejituan dan kepersisan)
Accuracy is how close a reading is to the true value. Precision is how close repeated readings are to each other. Confused with each other.
Mean (min)
The sum of readings divided by the number of readings. Example: 9, 10 and 11 give a mean of 10. Confused with: the middle value.
Content terms
Pressure (tekanan)
Force acting on each unit of area, found by force ÷ area. Example: 60 N on 0.30 m² gives 200 Pa. Confused with: force.
Force (daya)
A push or pull measured in newtons. Example: the weight of a box is a downward force. Confused with: pressure.
Hydraulic system (sistem hidraulik)
A system that transmits pressure through a liquid in a closed space. Example: a car jack. Confused with: a system that creates energy.
Buoyant force (daya julangan)
The upward force of a fluid on an object in it. Example: a floating block has a buoyant force equal to its weight. Confused with: weight.
Gene (gen)
A section of DNA that carries the instruction for one characteristic. Example: a gene for flower colour. Confused with: chromosome.
Chromosome (kromosom)
A long packed DNA molecule in the nucleus that carries many genes. Example: a human body cell has 23 pairs. Confused with: gene.
Allele (alel)
One version of a gene. Example: a purple allele and a white allele. Confused with: the gene itself.
Dominant and recessive (dominan dan resesif)
A dominant allele shows its trait when present once. A recessive allele shows only when two copies are present. Confused with: common and rare.
Renewable energy (tenaga boleh baharu)
Energy from sources that are replaced by natural processes. Example: solar energy. Confused with: clean energy.
Question words
State and name (nyatakan, namakan)
Give a short fact or label with no reason. Example: for “state the unit of pressure”, write pascal.
Explain (terangkan, jelaskan)
Give a fact and the reason for it. Example: for “explain why a dam wall is thicker at the base”, write that pressure increases with depth, so the water pushes harder at the bottom.
Compare (bandingkan)
Write a similarity or difference about the same feature for both items. Example: the pressure in cup A is larger than in cup B, because its water is deeper.
Suggest (cadangkan)
Give a sensible idea based on the information supplied. Example: for “suggest a reason for the lower measured force”, write friction at the piston.
Calculate (hitung)
Show the formula, the substitution and the final answer with its unit.
How to use the glossary
Pick the five entries that cost you marks, and write each in your own words. Test yourself after a day, and use the mistake log to record any term you still swap. If you want a teacher to practise these terms with you, see online one-to-one Science tuition.