JAMB Syllabus for Physics

General Objectives | JAMB Syllabus for Physics

It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:

(1) sustain their interest in physics;
(2) develop attitude relevant to physics that encourage accuracy, precision and objectivity;
(3) interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions, concepts and other theories;
(4) demonstrate the ability to solve correctly physics problems using relevant theories and concepts.

Topic 1: Measurement and Units

(a) Length, area and volume: Metre rule, Vernier calipers Micrometer Screw-gauge, measuring cylinder
(b) Mass
(i) unit of mass
(ii) use of simple beam balance
(iii) concept of beam balance
(c) Time
(i) unit of time
(ii) time-measuring devices
(d) Fundamental physical quantities
(e) Derived physical quantities and their units
(i) Combinations of fundamental quantities and determination of their units
(f) Dimensions
(i) definition of dimensions
(ii) simple examples
(g) Limitations of experimental measurements
(i) accuracy of measuring instruments
(ii) simple estimation of errors.
(iii) significant figures.
(iv) standard form.
(h) Measurement, position, distance and displacement
(i) concept of displacement
(ii) distinction between distance and displacement
(iii) concept of position and coordinates
(iv) frame of reference

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the units of length, area and volume;
ii. use different measuring instruments;
iii. determine the lengths, surface areas and volume of regular and irregular bodies;
iv. identify the unit of mass;
v. use simple beam balance, e.g Buchart’s balance and chemical balance;
vi. identify the unit of time;
vii. use different time-measuring devices;
viii. relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units;
ix. deduce the units of derived physical quantities;
x. determine the dimensions of physical quantities;
xi. use the dimensions to determine the units of physical quantities;
xii. test the homogeneity of an equation;
xiii. determine the accuracy of measuring instruments;
xiv. estimate simple errors;
xv. express measurements in standard form.
Candidates should be able to:
i. use strings, meter ruler and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer, screw guage
ii. note the degree of accuracy
iii. identify distance travel in a specified direction
iv. use compass and protractor to locate points/directions
v. use Cartesians systems to locate positions in x-y plane
vi. plot graph and draw inference from the graph.

Topic 2: Scalars and Vectors

(i) definition of scalar and vector quantities
(ii) examples of scalar and vector quantities
(iii) relative velocity
(iv) resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions including graphical methods of solution.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between scalar and vector quantities;
ii. give examples of scalar and vector quantities;
iii. determine the resultant of two or more vectors;
iv. determine relative velocity;
v. resolve vectors into two perpendicular components;
vi. use graphical methods to solve vector problems.

Topic 3: Motion

(a) Types of motion:
translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random
(b) Relative motion
(c) causes of motion
(d) Types of force
(i) contact
(ii) force field
(e) linear motion
(i) speed, velocity and acceleration
(ii) equations of uniformly accelerated motion
(iii) motion under gravity
(iv) distance-time graph and velocity time graph
(v) instantaneous velocity and acceleration.
(f) Projectiles:
(i) calculation of range, maximum height and time of flight from the ground and a height
(ii) applications of projectile motion
(g) Newton’s laws of motion:
(i) inertia, mass and force
(ii) relationship between mass and acceleration
(iii) impulse and momentum
(iv) force – time graph
(v) conservation of linear momentum (Coefficient of restitution not necessary)
(h) Motion in a circle:
(i) angular velocity and angular acceleration
(ii) centripetal and centrifugal forces.
(iii) applications
(i) Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M):
(i) definition and explanation of simple harmonic motion
(ii) examples of systems that execute
S.H.M
(iii) period, frequency and amplitude of
S.H.M
(iv) velocity and acceleration of S.H.M
(v) simple treatment of energy change in S.H.M
(vi) force vibration and resonance (simple treatment)
(iii) conservative and non-conservative fields
(iv) acceleration due to gravity
(v) variation of g on the earth’s surface
(iv) distinction between mass and weight
(v) escape velocity
(vi) parking orbit and weightlessness

Objectives

Candidates should be able to :
i. identify different types of motion ;
ii. solve numerical problem on collinear motion;
iii. identify force as cause of motion;
iv. identify push and pull as form of force
v. identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces;
vi. differentiate between speed, velocity and acceleration;
vii.deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion;
viii. solve problems of motion under gravity;
ix. interpret distance-time graph and velocity-time graph;
x. compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration
xi. establish expressions for the range, maximum height and time of flight of projectiles;
xii. solve problems involving projectile motion;
xiii. solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum;
xiv. interpretation of area under force – time graph
xv. interpret Newton’s laws of motion;
xvi. compare inertia, mass and force;
xvii. deduce the relationship between mass and acceleration;
xviii. interpret the law of conservation of linear momentum and application
xix. establish expression for angular velocity, angular acceleration and centripetal force;
xx. solve numerical problems involving motion in a circle;
xxi. establish the relationship between period and frequency;
xxii. analyse the energy changes occurring during S.H.M
xxiii. identify different types of forced vibration
xxiv. enumerate applications of resonance.

Topic 4: Gravity

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies;
ii. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation;
iii. give examples of conservative and non-conservative fields;
iv. deduce the expression for gravitational field potentials;
v. identify the causes of variation of g on the earth’s surface;
vi. differentiate between mass and weight;
vii. determine escape velocity

Topic 5: Equilibrium of Forces

(a) equilibrium of particles:
(i) equilibrium of coplanar forces
(ii) triangles and polygon of forces
(iii) Lami’s theorem
(b) principles of moments
(i) moment of a force
(ii) simple treatment and moment of a couple (torgue)
(iii) applications
(c) conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of parallel and non-parallel forces
(i) resolution and composition of forces in two perpendicular directions,
(ii) resultant and equilibrant
(d) centre of gravity and stability
(i) stable, unstable and neutral equilibra

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of coplanar forces to solve problems;
ii. use triangle and polygon laws of forces to solve equilibrium problems;
iii. use Lami’s theorem to solve problems;
iv. analyse the principle of moment of a force;
v. determine moment of a force and couple;
vi. describe some applications of moment of a force and couple;
vii. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of rigid bodies to solve problems;
viii. resolve forces into two perpendicular directions;
ix. determine the resultant and equilibrant of forces;
x. differentiate between stable, unstable and neutral equilibra.

Topic 6: Work, Energy and Power

(i) definition of work, energy and power
(ii) forms of energy
(vii) conservation of energy
(iv) qualitative treatment between different forms of energy
(viii) interpretation of area under the force-distance curve
(b) Energy and society
(i) sources of energy
(ii) renewable and nonrenewable energy eg coal, crude oil etc
(iii) uses of energy
(iv) energy and development
(v) energy diversification
(vi) environmental impact of energy eg global warming, green house effect and spillage
(vii) energy crises
(viii)conversion of energy
(ix) devices used in energy production.
(c) Dams and energy production
(i) location of dams
(ii) energy production
(d) nuclear energy
(e) solar energy
(i) solar collector
(ii) solar panel for energy supply.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between work, energy and power;
ii. compare different forms of energy, giving examples;
iii. apply the principle of conservation of energy;
iv. examine the transformation between different forms of energy;
v. interpret the area under the force -distance curve.
vi. solve numerical problems in work, energy and power.
Candidates should be able to:
i. itemize the sources of energy
ii. distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy, examples should be given
iii. identify methods of energy transition
iv. explain the importance of energy in the development of the society
v. analyze the effect of energy use to the environment
vi. identify the impact of energy on the environment
vii. identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment
viii. identify energy uses in their immediate environment
ix. suggests ways of safe energy use
x. state different forms of energy conversion.

Topic 7: Friction

(i) static and dynamic friction
(ii) coefficient of limiting friction and its determination.
(iii) advantages and disadvantages of friction
(iv) reduction of friction
(v) qualitative treatment of viscosity and
terminal velocity.
(vi) Stoke’s law.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between static and dynamic friction
ii.determine the coefficient of limiting friction;
iii.compare the advantages and disadvantages of
friction;
iv. suggest ways by which friction can be reduced;
v. analyse factors that affect viscosity and terminal velocity;
vi. apply Stoke’s law.

Topic 8: Simple Machines

(i) definition of simple machines
(ii) types of machines
(iii) mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of machines

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify different types of simple machines;
ii. solve problems involving simple machines.

Topic 9: Elasticity

(i) elastic limit, yield point, breaking point, Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus
(ii) the spring balance as a device for measuring force
(iii.) work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings
(i) work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret force-extension curves;
ii. interpret Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus of a material;
iii use spring balance to measure force;
iv. determine the work done in spring and elastic strings

Topic 10: Pressure

(a) Atmospheric Pressure
(i) definition of atmospheric pressure
(ii) units of pressure (S.I) units (Pa)
(iii) measurement of pressure
(iv) simple mercury barometer, aneroid barometer and manometer.
(v) variation of pressure with height
(vi) the use of barometer as an altimeter.
(b) Pressure in liquids
(i) the relationship between pressure, depth and density (P = ?gh)
(ii) transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal’s Principle)
(iii) application

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. recognize the S.I units of pressure; (Pa)
ii. identify pressure measuring instruments;
iii. relate the variation of pressure to height;
iv. use a barometer as an altimeter.
v. determine the relationship between pressure, depth and density;
vi apply the principle of transmission of pressure
in liquids to solve problems;
vii. determine and apply the principle of pressure in liquid;

Topic 11: Liquids At Rest

(i) determination of density of solids and liquids
(ii) definition of relative density
(iii) upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
(iv) Archimede’s principle and law of floatation and applications, e.g. ships and hydrometers.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between density and relative density of substances;
ii. determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
iii. apply Archimedes’ principle and law of
floatation to solve problems

Topic 12: Temperature and Its Measurement

(i) concept of temperature
(ii) thermometric properties
(iii) calibration of thermometers
(iv) temperature scales -Celsius and Kelvin.
(v) types of thermometers
(vi) conversion from one scale of temperature to another

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify thermometric properties of materials that are used for different thermometers;
ii. calibrate thermometers;
iii. differentiate between temperature scales e.g Celsius and Kelvin.
iv. compare the types of thermometers;
vi. convert from one scale of temperature to another.

Topic 13: Thermal Expansion

(a) Solids
(i) definition and determination of linear, volume and area expansivities
(ii) effects and applications, e.g. expansion in building strips and railway lines
(iii) relationship between different expansivities
(b) Liquids
(i) volume expansivity
(ii) real and apparent expansivities
(iii) determination of volume expansivity
(iv) anomalous expansion of water

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine linear and volume expansivities;
ii. assess the effects and applications of thermal expansivities
iii. determine the relationship between different expansivities.
iv. determine volume, apparent, and real expansivities of liquids;
v. analyse the anomalous expansion of water.

Topic 14: Gas Laws

(i) Boyle’s law (isothermal process)
(ii) Charle’s law (isobaric process)
(iii) Pressure law (volumetric process
(iv) absolute zero of temperature
(v) general gas quation (PVT = constant )
(vi) ideal gas equation e.g. pv = nRT
(vii) Van der waal gas

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret the gas laws;
ii. use expression of these laws to solve numerical problems.
iii. interprete Van der waal equation for one mole of a real gas

Topic 15: Quantity of Heat

(i) heat as a form of energy
(ii) definition of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of solids and liquids
(iii) determination of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of substances by simple methods e.g method of mixtures and electrical method and Newton’s law of cooling.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity;
ii. determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity using simple methods;
iii. solve numerical problems.

Topic 16: Change of State

(i) latent heat
(ii) specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization;
(iii) melting, evaporation and boiling
(iv) the influence of pressure and of dissolved substances on boiling and melting points.
(ii) application in appliances

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization;
ii. differentiate between melting, evaporation and boiling;
iii. examine the effects of pressure and of dissolved substance on boiling and melting points.
iv. solve numerical problems

Topic 17: Vapours

(i) unsaturated and saturated vapours
(ii) relationship between saturated vapour pressure (S.V.P) and boiling
(iii) determination of S.V.P by barometer tube method
(iv) formation of dew, mist, fog, and rain
(v) study of dew point, humidity and relative humidity
(vi) hygrometry; estimation of the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between saturated and unsaturated vapours;
ii. relate saturated vapour pressure to boiling point;
iii. determine S.V.P by barometer tube method
iv. differentiate between dew point, humidity and relative humidity;
vi. estimate the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers.
vii. solve numerical problems

Topic 18: Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory

(a) Molecular nature of matter
(i) atoms and molecules
(ii) molecular theory: explanation of Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact etc
(iii) examples and applications.
(b) Kinetic Theory
(i) assumptions of the kinetic theory
(ii) using the theory to explain the pressure exerted by gas, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, melting, boiling, vapourization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between atoms and molecules;
ii. use molecular theory to explain Brownian
motion , diffusion, surface, tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angle of contact;
iii. examine the assumptions of kinetic theory;
iv. interpret kinetic theory, the pressure exerted by gases Boyle’s law, Charle’s law melting,boiling vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.

Topic 19: Heat Transfer

(i) conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer
(ii) temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
(iii) effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it.
(iv) the conductivities of common materials.
(v) the thermos flask
(vii) land and sea breeze
(viii) engines

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer;
ii. solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux;
iii. assess the effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it;
iv. compare the conductivities of common materials;
v. relate the component part of the working of the thermos flask;
vi. differentiate between land and sea breeze.
vii. to analyse the principles of operating internal combustion jet engines, rockets

Topic 20: Waves

(a) Production and Propagation
(i) wave motion,
(ii) vibrating systems as source of waves
(iii) waves as mode of energy transfer
(iv) distinction between particle motion and wave motion
(v) relationship between frequency, wavelength and wave velocity (V=fλ)
(vi) phase difference, wave number and wave vector
(vii) progressive wave equation e.g Y = A Sin 2πλ(vt±X)
(b) Classification
(i) types of waves; mechanical and electromagnetic waves
(ii) longitudinal and transverse waves
(iii) stationary and progressive waves
(iv) examples of waves from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank.
(c) Characteristics/Properties
(i) reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane Polarization
(ii) superposition of waves e.g interference
(iii) beats
(iv) doppler effects (qualitative treatment only)

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret wave motion;
ii. identify vibrating systems as sources of waves;
iii use waves as a mode of energy transfer;
iv distinguish between particle motion and wave motion;
v. relate frequency and wave length to wave velocity;
vi. determine phase difference, wave number and wave vector
vii. use the progressive wave equation to compute basic wave parameters;
viii. differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves;
ix. differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves
x. distinguish between stationary and progressive waves;
xi. indicate the example of waves generated from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank;
vii. differentiate between reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization of waves;
viii. analyse the principle of superposition of waves.
ix. solve numerical problems on waves
x. explain the phenomenon of beat, beat frequency and uses
xi. explain Doppler effect of sound and application

Topic 21: Propagation of Sound Waves

(i) the necessity for a material medium
(ii) speed of sound in solids, liquids and air;
(iii) reflection of sound; echoes, reverberation and their applications
(iv) disadvantages of echoes and reverberations

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine the need for a material medium in the propagation of sound waves;
ii. compare the speed of sound in solids, liquids and air;
iii. relate the effects of temperature and pressure to the speed of sound in air;
iv. solve problem on echoes, reverberation and speed
iv. compare the disadvantages and advantages of echoes.
vi. solve problems on echo, reverberation and speed of sound

Topic 22: Characteristics of Sound Waves

(i) noise and musical notes
(ii) quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and their application to musical instruments;
(iii) simple treatment of overtones produced by vibrating strings and their columns. F_o=12LTμ−−√(μ=m/l)
(iv) acoustic examples of resonance
(v) frequency of a note emitted by air columns in closed and open pipes in relation to their lengths.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between noise and musical notes;
ii. analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound notes;
iii. evaluate the application of (ii) above in the construction of musical instruments;
iv. identify overtones by vibrating stings and air columns;
v. itemize acoustical examples of resonance;
vi. determine the frequencies of notes emitted by air columns in open and closed pipes in relation to their lengths.

Topic 23: Light Energy

(a) Sources of Light:
(i) natural and artificial sources of light
(ii) luminous and non-luminous objects
(b) Propagation of light
(i) speed, frequency and wavelength of light
(ii) formation of shadows and eclipse
(iii) the pin-hole camera.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. compare the natural and artificial sources of light;
ii. differentiate between luminous and non-luminous objects;
iii. relate the speed, frequency and wavelength of light;
iv. interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses;
v. solve problems using the principle of operation of a pin-hole camera.

Topic 24: Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces

(i) laws of reflection.
(ii) application of reflection of light
(iii) formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors and ray diagrams
(iii) use of the mirror formula 1f = 1u + 1v
(v) linear magnification

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. compare the natural and artificial sources of light;
ii. differentiate between luminous and non-luminous objects;
iii. relate the speed, frequency and wavelength of light;
iv. interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses;
v. solve problems using the principle of operation of a pin-hole camera.

Topic 25: Refraction of Light Through at Plane and Curved Surfaces

(i) explanation of refraction in terms of velocity of light in the media.
(ii) laws of refraction
(iii) definition of refractive index of a medium
(iv) determination of refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law
(v) real and apparent depth and lateral displacement
(vi) critical angle and total internal reflection
(b) Glass Prism
(i) use of the minimum deviation formula
U=sin[A+D2]sin[A2]
(ii) type of lenses
(iii) use of lens formula
1f = 1u + 1v and Newton’s formula (F² = ab)
(iv) magnification

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret the laws of reflection;
ii. illustrate the formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors;
iii. apply the mirror formula to solve optical problems;
iv. determine the linear magnification;
v. apply the laws of reflection of light to the working of periscope, kaleidoscope and the sextant.
Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret the laws of reflection;
ii. determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law;
iii. determine the refractive index using the principle of real and apparent depth;
iv. determine the conditions necessary for total internal reflection;
v. examine the use of periscope, prism, binoculars, optical fibre;
vi. apply the principles of total internal reflection to the formation of mirage;
vii. use of lens formula and ray diagrams to solve optical numerical problems;
viii. determine the magnification of an image;
ix. calculate the refractive index of a glass prism using minimum deviation formula.

Topic 26: Optical Instruments

(i) the principles of microscopes, telescopes, projectors, cameras and the human eye (physiological details of the eye are not required)
(ii) power of a lens
(iii) angular magnification
(iv) near and far points
(v) sight defects and their corrections

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the principles of operation of optical instruments to solve problems;
ii. distinguish between the human eye and the cameras;
iii. calculate the power of a lens;
iv. evaluate the angular magnification of optical instruments;
v. determine the near and far points;
vi. detect sight defects and their corrections.

Topic 27A: Dispersion of light and colours

(i) dispersion of white light by a triangular prism
(ii) production of pure spectrum
(iii) colour mixing by addition and subtraction
(iv) colour of objects and colour filters
(v) rainbow
(b) electromagnetic spectrum
(i) description of sources and uses of various types of radiation.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify primary colours and obtain secondary colours by mixing;
ii. understand the formation of rainbow
iii. deduces why objects have colours;
iv. relate the expression for gravitational force between two bodies;
v. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation;
vi. analyse colours using colour filters
vii. analyse the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to their wavelengths, sources, detection and uses

Topic 28: Electrostatics

(i) existence of positive and negative charges in matter
(ii) charging a body by friction, contact and induction
(iii) electroscope
(iv) Coulomb’s inverse square law, electric field and potential
(v) electric field intensity and potential difference
(vi) electric discharge and lightning

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify charges;
ii. examine uses of an electroscope;
iii. apply Coulomb’s square law of electrostatics to solve problems;
iv. deduce expressions for electric field intensity and potential difference;
v. identify electric field flux patterns of isolated and interacting charges;
vi. analyse the distribution of charges on a conductor and how it is used in lightening conductors.

Topic 29: Capacitors

(i) Types and functions of capacitors
(ii) parallel plate capacitors
(iii) capacitance of a capacitor
(iv) the relationship between capacitance, area separation of plates and medium between the plates. C=EAd
(v) capacitors in series and parallel
(vi) energy stored in a capacitor

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine uses of capacitors;
ii. analyse parallel plate capacitors;
iii. determine the capacitance of a capacitor;
iv. analyse the factors that affect the capacitance of a capacitor;
v. solve problems involving the arrangement of capacitor;
vi. determine the energy stored in capacitors

Topic 30: Electric Cells

(i) simple voltaic cell and its defects;
(ii) Daniel cell, Leclanche cell (wet and dry)
(iii) lead -acid accumulator and Nickel-Iron (Nife) Lithium lron and Mercury cadmium
(iv) maintenance of cells and batteries — detail treatment of the chemistry of a cell is not required
(v) arrangement of cells
(vi) Efficiency of a cell

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the defects of the simple voltaic cell and their correction
ii. compare different types of cells including solar cell;
iii. compare the advantages of lead-acid and Nikel iron accumulator;
iv. solve problems involving series and parallel combination of cells.

Topic 31: Current Electricity

(i) electromagnetic force (emf), potential difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance of a cell and lost Volt
(ii) Ohm’s law
(iii) measurement of resistance
(iv) meter bridge
(v) resistance in series and in parallel and their combination
(vi) the potentiometer method of measuring emf, current and internal resistance of a cell.
(v) electrical networks

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between emf, p.d., current and internal resistant of a cell;
ii. apply Ohm’s law to solve problems;
iii. use metre bridge to calculate resistance;
iv. compute effective total resistance of both parallel and series arrangement of resistors;
v. determine the resistivity and the conductivity of a conductor;
vi. measure emf. current and internal resistance of a cell using the potentiometer.
vii. identify the advantages of the potentiometer
viii. apply kirchoff’s law in electrical networks

Topic 32: Electrical Energy and Power

(i) concepts of electrical energy and power
(ii) commercial unit of electric energy and power
(iii) electric power transmission
(v) heating effects of electric current.
(vi) electrical wiring of houses
(vii) use of fuses

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the expressions of electrical energy and power to solve problems;
ii. analyse how power is transmitted from the power station to the consumer;
iii. identify the heating effects of current and its uses;
iv. identify the advantages of parallel arrangement over series
v. determine the fuse rating

Topic 33: Magnets and Magnetic Fields

(i) natural and artificial magnets
(ii) magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
(iii) methods of making magnets and demagnetization
(iv) concept of magnetic field
(v) magnetic field of a permanent magnet
(vi) magnetic field round a straight current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid
(vii) properties of the earth’s magnetic field; north and south poles, magnetic meridian and angle of dip and declination
(viii) flux and flux density
(ix) variation of magnetic field intensity over the earth’s surface
(x) applications: earth’s magnetic field in navigation and mineral exploration.

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. give examples of natural and artificial magnets
ii. differentiate between the magnetic properties of soft iron and steel;
iii. identify the various methods of making magnets and demagnetizing magnets;
iv. describe how to keep a magnet from losing its magnetism;
v. determine the flux pattern exhibited when two magnets are placed together pole to pole;
vi. determine the flux of a current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid including the polarity of the solenoid;
vii. determine the flux pattern of a magnet placed in the earth’s magnetic fields;
viii. identify the magnetic elements of the earth’s flux;
ix. determine the variation of earth’s magnetic field on the earth’s surface;
x. examine the applications of the earth’s magnetic field.

Topic 34: Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field

(i) quantitative treatment of force between two parallel current-carrying conductors
(ii) force on a charge moving in a magnetic field;
(iii) the d. c. motor
(iv) electromagnets
(v) carbon microphone
(vi) moving coil and moving iron instruments
(vii) conversion of galvanometers to ammeters and voltmeter using shunts and multipliers
(viii) sensitivity of a galvanometer

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine the direction of force on a current carrying conductor using Fleming’s left-hand rule;
ii. interpret the attractive and repulsive forces between two parallel current-carrying conductors using diagrams;
iii. determine the relationship between the force, magnetic field strength, velocity and the angle through which the charge enters the field;
iv. interpret the working of the d. c. motor;
v. analyse the principle of electromagnets and give examples of its application;
vi. compare moving iron and moving coil instruments;
vii. convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or a voltmeter.
viii. identify the factors affecting the sensitivity of a galvanometer

Topic 35A: Electromagnetic Induction

(i) Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction
(ii) factors affecting induced emf
(iii) Lenz’s law as an illustration of the principle of conservation of energy
(iv) a.c. and d.c generators
(v) transformers
(vi) the induction coil
(b) Inductance
(i) explanation of inductance
(ii) unit of inductance
(iii) energy stored in an inductor
E=12I2L
(iv) application/uses of inductors
(ix) Eddy Current
(i) reduction of eddy current
(ii) applications of eddy current

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret the laws of electromagnetic induction;
ii. identify factors affecting induced emf;
iii. recognize how Lenz’s law illustrates the principle of conservation of energy;
iv. interpret the diagrammatic set up of A. C. generators;
v. identify the types of transformer;
vi. examine principles of operation of transformers;
vii. assess the functions of an induction coil;
viii. draw some conclusions from the principles of operation of an induction coil;
ix. interpret the inductance of an inductor;
x. recognize units of inductance;
xi. calculate the effective total inductance in series and parallel arrangement;
xii. deduce the expression for the energy stored in an inductor;
xiii. examine the applications of inductors;
xiv. describe the method by which eddy current losses can be reduced.
xv. determine ways by which eddy currents can be used.

Topic 36: Simple A. C. Circuits

(i) explanation of a.c. current and voltage
(ii) peak and r.m.s. values
(iii) a.c. source connected to a resistor;
(iv) a.c source connected to a capacitor- capacitive reactance
(v) a.c source connected to an inductor inductive reactance
(vi) series R-L-C circuits
(vii) vector diagram, phase angle and power factor
(viii) resistance and impedance
(ix) effective voltage in an R-L-C circuits
(x) resonance and resonance frequency
F_o = 12πLC√

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify a.c. current and d.c. voltage
ii. differentiate between the peak and r.m.s. values of a.c.;
iii. determine the phase difference between current and voltage
iv. interpret series R-L-C circuits;
v. analyse vector diagrams;
vi. calculate the effective voltage, reactance and impedance;
vii. recognize the condition by which the circuit is at resonance;
viii. determine the resonant frequency of
R-L-C arrangement;
ix. determine the instantaneous power, average power and the power factor in a. c. circuits

Topic 37: Conduction of Electricity Through

(a) liquids
(i) electrolytes and non-electrolyte
(ii) concept of electrolysis
(iii) Faraday’s laws of electrolysis
(iv) application of electrolysis, e.g electroplating, calibration of ammeter etc.
(b) gases
(i) discharge through gases (qualitative treatment only)
(ii) application of conduction of electricity through gases

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes;
ii. analyse the processes of electrolysis
iii. apply Faraday’s laws of electrolysis to solve problems;
iv. analyse discharge through gases;
v. determine some applications/uses of conduction of electricity through gases.

Topic 38: Elementary Modern Physics

(i) models of the atom and their limitations
(ii) elementary structure of the atom;
(iii) energy levels and spectra
(iv) thermionic and photoelectric emissions;
(v) Einstein’s equation and stopping potential
(vi) applications of thermionic emissions and photoelectric effects
(vii) simple method of production of x-rays
(viii) properties and applications of alpha, beta and gamma rays
(xiii) half-life and decay constant
(xiv) simple ideas of production of energy by fusion and fission
(xv) binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s Energy equation [ΔE=ΔMC2]
(xvi) wave-particle paradox (duality of matter)
(xvii) electron diffraction
(xviii) the uncertainty principle

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the models of the atom and write their limitations;
ii. describe elementary structure of the atom;
iii. differentiate between the energy levels and spectra of atoms;
iv. compare thermionic emission and photoelectric emission;
v. apply Einstein’s equation to solve problems of photoelectric effect.
vi. calculate the stopping potential;
vii. relate some application of thermionic emission and photoelectric effects;
viii. interpret the process involved in the production of x-rays.
ix identify some properties and applications of x-rays
x. analyse elementary radioactivity
xi. distinguish between stable and unstable nuclei;
xii. identify isotopes of an element;
xiii. compare the properties of alpha, beta and gamma rays;
xiv. relate half-life and decay constant of a radioactive element;
xv. determine the binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s energy equation;
xvi. analyse wave particle duality;
xvii. solve some numerical problems based on the uncertainty principle and wave – particle duality

Topic 39: Introductory Electronics

(i) distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators (elementary knowledge of band gap is required)
(ii) intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors;
(iii) uses of semiconductors and diodes in rectification and transistors in amplification
(iv) n-type and p-type semiconductors
(v) elementary knowledge of diodes and transistors

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between conductors, semi-conductors and insulators;
ii. distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors;
iii. distinguish between electron and hole carriers;
iv. distinguish between n-type and p-type semiconductor;
v. analyse diodes and transistor
vi. relate diodes to rectification and transistor to amplification.

Topics By Popularity

Given below is an average percentage of the number of questions set on different topics. This computer analysis was done from 17 years of past questions to come up with these rare statistics. This information should guide you on some of the topics you should give more attention to:

Recommended Texts

Ike E.E (2014) Essential Principles of Physics, Jos ENIC publishers

Ike E.E (2014) Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, Jos ENIC publishers

Nelson M. (1977) Fundamentals of Physics, Great Britain, Hart Davis Education

Nelson M. and Parker (1989) Advance Level Physics, (Sixth Edition) Heinemann

Okeke P.N and Anyakoha M.W. (2000) Senior Secondary School Physics, Lagos, Pacific Printers

Olumuyionwa A. and Ogunkoya O. O (1992) Comprehensive Certificate Physics, Ibadan: University Press Plc.

JAMB Syllabus for Physics | PDF Document

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