Examples of materials and their common physical properties that frequently appear in SPM physics exams:

A.    A. Good insulators.

Here are some examples of insulated materials commonly found in SPM physics exams, along with their key physical properties:

a.                         Wood: Sec C, Q11(SPM 2022)

Poor thermal conductor & Low thermal conductivity

b.                        Plastic (e.g. PVC, polystyrene): Sec B, Q9(SPM 2017)

Poor thermal conductor, low thermal conductivity & lightweight

c.                         Glass: Sec B, Q9(SPM 2015)

Poor thermal conductor, Low thermal conductivity & can withstand high temperatures

d.                         Concrete: Sec C, Q11(SPM 2022)

Moderate thermal conductor, moderate thermal conductivity, durable and long-lasting

e.                          Fiberglass:

Poor thermal conductor, low thermal conductivity and lightweight

f.                           Ceramic (e.g. clay): Sec C, Q11(SPM 2022)

            Poor thermal conductor, low thermal conductivity & high melting point.

g.                          Rubber: Poor thermal conductor, low thermal conductivity, flexible and elastic.

 

A.    B. Good heat conductor

In In SPM Physics exams, materials that are good heat conductors are often tested along with their key physical properties. Here are some examples:

a.                         Copper (Cu):

High thermal conductivity, Good electrical conductivity & high melting point.

b.                         Aluminium (Al)

High thermal conductivity, Lightweight & Good electrical conductivity

c.                         Iron (Fe) Sec C, Q11(SPM 2017)

Moderate thermal conductivity, strong and durable and high melting point.

a.                         Steel : Sec C, Q11(SPM 2017)

Corrosion-resistant (depending on alloy composition),High melting point (varies with

alloy composition)

A.    C. Low Resistance Material

a.               Copper Sec A, Q7(SPM 2014), Sec B, Q10(SPM 2015)

High Conductivity, good thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance & low resistance.

b.              Aluminum

Good electrical conductivity, light weight and corrosion resistance

c.               Tungsten  Sec B, Q10(SPM 2017)

Good electrical conductivity, high melting point and dense.

A.    D. High Resistance Material

a.              Nichrome  Sec B, Q10(SPM 2014),Sec B, Q10(SPM 2017) & Sec A, Q8(SPM 2018)

High electrical resistance, high melting point and corrosion resistance.

is the most common resistance wire for heating purposes

b.              Constantan  Sec A, Q8(SPM 2018)

High electrical resistance, temperature stability and corrosion resistance.