Are you searching for the updated JAMB Syllabus For Physics to prepare for your forthcoming JAMB examinations?
You’ve come to the right place.
The JAMB Syllabus for Physics is designed to help students prepare for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
It outlines the topics and concepts students need to understand to succeed in the exam.
The syllabus focuses on developing students’ interest in physics, enhancing their ability to interpret physical phenomena, and equipping them with the skills to solve problems using relevant theories and concepts.
It ensures a comprehensive understanding of key physics principles.
Grab a chilled glass of water and keep reading……
ALSO READ: Physics JAMB Past Questions And Answers PDF
JAMB Syllabus For Physics
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) 2025 syllabus in Physics is to prepare candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
- Sustain their interest in physics
- Develop attitudes relevant to physics that encourage accuracy, precision, and objectivity
- Interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions, concepts, and other theories
- Demonstrate the ability to solve physics problems correctly using relevant theories and concepts
1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS
Topics:
- (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:
- Identify the units of length, area, and volume
- Use different measuring instruments
- Determine the lengths, surface areas, and volume of regular and irregular bodies
- Identify the unit of mass
- Use simple beam balance, e.g., Buchart’s balance and chemical balance
- Identify the unit of time
- Use different time-measuring devices
- Relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units
- Deduce the units of derived physical quantities
- Determine the dimensions of physical quantities
- Use dimensions to determine the units of physical quantities
- Test the homogeneity of an equation
- Determine the accuracy of measuring instruments
- Estimate simple errors
- Express measurements in standard form
2. Scalars and Vectors
Topics:
- (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:
- Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities
- Give examples of scalar and vector quantities
- Determine the resultant of two or more vectors
- Determine relative velocity
- Resolve vectors into two perpendicular components
- Use graphical methods to solve vector problems
3. Motion
Topics:
- (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)
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify different types of motion
- Solve numerical problems on collinear motion
- Identify force as a cause of motion
- Identify push and pull as forms of force
- Identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces
- Differentiate between speed, velocity, and acceleration
- Deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion
- Solve problems of motion under gravity
- Interpret distance-time graph and velocity-time graph
- Compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration
- Establish expressions for the range, maximum height, and time of flight of projectiles
- Solve problems involving projectile motion
- Solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum
- Interpret Newton’s laws of motion
- Compare inertia, mass, and force
- Deduce the relationship between mass and acceleration
- Interpret the law of conservation of linear momentum and application
- Establish expression for angular velocity, angular acceleration, and centripetal force
- Solve numerical problems involving motion in a circle
- Establish the relationship between period and frequency
- Analyse the energy changes occurring during S.H.M
- Identify different types of forced vibration
- Enumerate applications of resonance
4. Gravitational Field
Topics:
- (i) Newton’s law of universal gravitation
- (ii) gravitational potential
- (iii) conservative and non-conservative fields
- (iv) acceleration due to gravity
- (v) variation of g on the earth’s surface
- (vi) distinction between mass and weight
- (vii) escape velocity
- (viii) parking orbit and weightlessness
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies
- Apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation
- Give examples of conservative and non-conservative fields
- Deduce the expression for gravitational field potentials
- Identify the causes of variation of g on the earth’s surface
- Differentiate between mass and weight
- Determine escape velocity
5. Equilibrium of Forces
Topics:
- (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 (torque)
(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 equilibrium
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Apply the conditions for the equilibrium of coplanar forces to solve problems
- Use triangle and polygon laws of forces to solve equilibrium problems
- Use Lami’s theorem to solve problems
- Analyse the principle of moment of a force
- Determine moment of a force and couple
- Describe some applications of moment of a force and couple
- Apply the conditions for the equilibrium of rigid bodies to solve problems
- Resolve forces into two perpendicular directions
- Determine the resultant and equilibrant of forces
- Differentiate between stable, unstable, and neutral equilibrium
6. Work, Energy, and Power
Topics:
- (i) definition of work, energy, and power
- (ii) forms of energy
- (iii) conservation of energy
- (iv) qualitative treatment between different forms of energy
- (v) interpretation of area under the force-distance curve
- (b) Energy and society:
(i) sources of energy
(ii) renewable and non-renewable energy (e.g., coal, crude oil)
(iii) uses of energy
(iv) energy and development
(v) energy diversification
(vi) environmental impact of energy (e.g., global warming, greenhouse effect)
(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:
- Differentiate between work, energy, and power
- Compare different forms of energy, giving examples
- Apply the principle of conservation of energy
- Examine the transformation between different forms of energy
- Interpret the area under the force-distance curve
- Solve numerical problems in work, energy, and power
Candidates should be able to:
- Itemize the sources of energy
- Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy
- Identify methods of energy transition
- Explain the importance of energy in the development of society
- Analyse the effect of energy use on the environment
- Identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment
- Identify energy uses in their immediate environment
- Suggest ways of safe energy use
- State different forms of energy conversion
7. Friction
Topics:
- (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:
- Differentiate between static and dynamic friction
- Determine the coefficient of limiting friction
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of friction
- Suggest ways by which friction can be reduced
- Analyse factors that affect viscosity and terminal velocity
- Apply Stoke’s law
8. Simple Machines
Topics:
- (i) definition of simple machines
- (ii) types of machines
- (iii) mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, and efficiency of machines
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify different types of simple machines
- Solve problems involving simple machines
9. Elasticity
Topics:
- (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
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Interpret force-extension curves
- Interpret Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus of a material
- Use spring balance to measure force
- Determine the work done in springs and elastic strings
10. Pressure
Topics:
- (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 = ρgh)
(ii) transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal’s Principle)
(iii) application
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Recognize the S.I units of pressure (Pa)
- Identify pressure measuring instruments
- Relate the variation of pressure to height
- Use a barometer as an altimeter
- Determine the relationship between pressure, depth, and density
- Apply the principle of transmission of pressure in liquids to solve problems
- Determine and apply the principle of pressure in liquids
11. Liquids At Rest
Topics:
- (i) determination of density of solids and liquids
- (ii) definition of relative density
- (iii) upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
- (iv) Archimedes’ principle and law of flotation and applications (e.g., ships and hydrometers)
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between density and relative density of substances
- Determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
- Apply Archimedes’ principle and law of flotation to solve problems
12. Temperature and Its Measurement
Topics:
- (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:
- Identify thermometric properties of materials used for different thermometers
- Calibrate thermometers
- Differentiate between temperature scales (e.g., Celsius and Kelvin)
- Compare the types of thermometers
- Convert from one scale of temperature to another
13. Thermal Expansion
Topics:
- (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:
- Determine linear and volume expansivities
- Assess the effects and applications of thermal expansivities
- Determine the relationship between different expansivities
- Determine volume, apparent, and real expansivities of liquids
- Analyse the anomalous expansion of water
14. Gas Laws
Topics:
- (i) Boyle’s law (isothermal process)
- (ii) Charles’ law (isobaric process)
- (iii) Pressure law (volumetric process)
- (iv) absolute zero of temperature
- (v) general gas equation (PVT = constant)
- (vi) ideal gas equation (e.g., Pv = nRT)
- (vii) Van der Waals gas
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the gas laws
- Use expressions of these laws to solve numerical problems
- Interpret the Van der Waals equation for one mole of a real gas
15. Quantity of Heat
Topics:
- (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:
- Differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity
- Determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity using simple methods
- Solve numerical problems
16. Change of State
Topics:
- (i) latent heat
- (ii) specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization
- (iii) melting, evaporation, and boiling
- (iv) the influence of pressure and dissolved substances on boiling and melting points
- (v) application in appliances
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization
- Differentiate between melting, evaporation, and boiling
- Examine the effects of pressure and dissolved substances on boiling and melting points
- Solve numerical problems
17. Vapours
Topics:
- (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:
- Distinguish between saturated and unsaturated vapours
- Relate saturated vapour pressure to boiling point
- Determine S.V.P by barometer tube method
- Differentiate between dew point, humidity, and relative humidity
- Estimate the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers
- Solve numerical problems
18. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory
Topics:
- (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:
- Differentiate between atoms and molecules
- Use molecular theory to explain Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion, and angles of contact
- Examine the assumptions of kinetic theory
- Interpret kinetic theory, the pressure exerted by gases, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, melting, boiling, vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.
19. Heat Transfer
Topics:
- (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
- (vi) land and sea breeze
- (vii) engines
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between conduction, convection, and radiation as modes of heat transfer
- Solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity, and heat flux
- Assess the effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it
- Compare the conductivities of common materials
- Relate the component parts of the working of the thermos flask
- Differentiate between land and sea breeze
- Analyze the principles of operating internal combustion jet engines and rockets
20. Waves
Topics:
- (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 = Asin2πλ(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:
- Interpret wave motion
- Identify vibrating systems as sources of waves
- Use waves as a mode of energy transfer
- Distinguish between particle motion and wave motion
- Relate frequency and wavelength to wave velocity
- Determine phase difference, wave number, and wave vector
- Use the progressive wave equation to compute basic wave parameters
- Differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves
- Differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves
- Distinguish between stationary and progressive waves
- Indicate examples of waves generated from springs, ropes, stretched strings, and the ripple tank
- Differentiate between reflection, refraction, diffraction, and plane polarization of waves
- Analyze the principle of superposition of waves
- Solve numerical problems on waves
- Explain the phenomenon of beats, beat frequency, and uses
- Explain Doppler effect of sound and application
21. Propagation of Sound Waves
Topics:
- (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:
- Determine the need for a material medium in the propagation of sound waves
- Compare the speed of sound in solids, liquids, and air
- Relate the effects of temperature and pressure to the speed of sound in air
- Solve problems on echoes, reverberation, and speed
- Compare the disadvantages and advantages of echoes
- Solve problems on echo, reverberation, and speed of sound
22. Characteristics of Sound Waves
Topics:
- (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
(e.g., F₀ = 1/2L√(T/μ))
(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:
- Differentiate between noise and musical notes
- Analyze quality, pitch, intensity, and loudness of sound notes
- Evaluate the application of the above in the construction of musical instruments
- Identify overtones produced by vibrating strings and air columns
- Itemize acoustical examples of resonance
- Determine the frequencies of notes emitted by air columns in open and closed pipes in relation to their lengths
23. Light Energy
Topics:
- (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:
- Compare the natural and artificial sources of light
- Differentiate between luminous and non-luminous objects
- Relate the speed, frequency, and wavelength of light
- Interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses
- Solve problems using the principle of operation of a pin-hole camera
24. Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces
Topics:
- (i) laws of reflection
- (ii) application of reflection of light
- (iii) formation of images by plane, concave, and convex mirrors and ray diagrams
- (iv) use of the mirror formula
(1/f = 1/u + 1/v) - (v) linear magnification
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the laws of reflection
- Illustrate the formation of images by plane, concave, and convex mirrors
- Apply the mirror formula to solve optical problems
- Determine the linear magnification
- Apply the laws of reflection of light to the working of periscopes, kaleidoscopes, and sextants
25. Refraction of Light Through Plane and Curved Surfaces
Topics:
- (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
(ii) types of lenses
(iii) use of the lens formula
(1/f = 1/u + 1/v)
(iv) magnification
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the laws of refraction
- Determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law
- Determine the refractive index using the principle of real and apparent depth
- Determine the conditions necessary for total internal reflection
- Examine the use of periscopes, prisms, binoculars, and optical fibers
- Apply the principles of total internal reflection to the formation of mirages
- Use the lens formula and ray diagrams to solve optical numerical problems
- Determine the magnification of an image
- Calculate the refractive index of a glass prism using the minimum deviation formula
26. Optical Instruments
Topics:
- (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:
- Apply the principles of operation of optical instruments to solve problems
- Distinguish between the human eye and the camera
- Calculate the power of a lens
- Evaluate the angular magnification of optical instruments
- Determine the near and far points
- Detect sight defects and their corrections
27. Dispersion of Light and Colours
Topics:
- (a) Dispersion of light
(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:
- Identify primary colours and obtain secondary colours by mixing
- Understand the formation of rainbows
- Deduce why objects have colours
- Relate the expression for gravitational force between two bodies
- Apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation
- Analyze colours using colour filters
- Analyze the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to their wavelengths, sources, detection, and uses
28. Electrostatics
Topics:
- (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:
- Identify charges
- Examine the uses of an electroscope
- Apply Coulomb’s square law of electrostatics to solve problems
- Deduce expressions for electric field intensity and potential difference
- Identify electric field flux patterns of isolated and interacting charges
- Analyze the distribution of charges on a conductor and how it is used in lightning conductors
29. Capacitors
Topics:
- (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 = εA/d)
- (v) capacitors in series and parallel
- (vi) energy stored in a capacitor
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Determine the uses of capacitors
- Analyze parallel plate capacitors
- Determine the capacitance of a capacitor
- Analyze the factors that affect the capacitance of a capacitor
- Solve problems involving the arrangement of capacitors
- Determine the energy stored in capacitors
30. Electric Cells
Topics:
- (i) simple voltaic cell and its defects
- (ii) Daniel cell, Leclanché cell (wet and dry)
- (iii) lead-acid accumulator, Nickel-Iron (NiFe), Lithium-Iron, and Mercury-Cadmium cells
- (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:
- Identify the defects of the simple voltaic cell and their correction
- Compare different types of cells, including solar cells
- Compare the advantages of lead-acid and Nickel-Iron accumulators
- Solve problems involving series and parallel combinations of cells
31. Current Electricity
Topics:
- (i) electromagnetic force (emf), potential difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance of a cell, and lost volts
- (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
- (vii) electrical networks
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between emf, p.d., current, and internal resistance of a cell
- Apply Ohm’s law to solve problems
- Use a meter bridge to calculate resistance
- Compute effective total resistance of both parallel and series arrangements of resistors
- Determine the resistivity and conductivity of a conductor
- Measure emf, current, and internal resistance of a cell using the potentiometer
- Identify the advantages of the potentiometer
- Apply Kirchhoff’s law in electrical networks
32. Electrical Energy and Power
Topics:
- (i) concepts of electrical energy and power
- (ii) commercial unit of electric energy and power
- (iii) electric power transmission
- (iv) heating effects of electric current
- (v) electrical wiring of houses
- (vi) use of fuses
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Apply the expressions of electrical energy and power to solve problems
- Analyze how power is transmitted from the power station to the consumer
- Identify the heating effects of current and its uses
- Identify the advantages of parallel arrangement over series
- Determine the fuse rating
33. Magnets and Magnetic Fields
Topics:
- (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 around 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:
- Give examples of natural and artificial magnets
- Differentiate between the magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
- Identify the various methods of making magnets and demagnetizing magnets
- Describe how to keep a magnet from losing its magnetism
- Determine the flux pattern exhibited when two magnets are placed together pole to pole
- Determine the flux of a current-carrying conductor, circular wire, and solenoid, including the polarity of the solenoid
- Determine the flux pattern of a magnet placed in the earth’s magnetic field
- Identify the magnetic elements of the earth’s flux
- Determine the variation of the earth’s magnetic field on the earth’s surface
- Examine the applications of the earth’s magnetic field
34. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field
Topics:
- (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 voltmeters using shunts and multipliers
- (viii) sensitivity of a galvanometer
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Determine the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor using Fleming’s left-hand rule
- Interpret the attractive and repulsive forces between two parallel current-carrying conductors using diagrams
- Determine the relationship between the force, magnetic field strength, velocity, and the angle through which the charge enters the field
- Interpret the working of the d.c. motor
- Analyze the principle of electromagnets and give examples of its application
- Compare moving iron and moving coil instruments
- Convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or a voltmeter
- Identify the factors affecting the sensitivity of a galvanometer
35. Electromagnetic Induction
Topics:
- (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 = ½ I²L)
(iv) application/uses of inductors - (vii) Eddy Current
(i) reduction of eddy current
(ii) applications of eddy current
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the laws of electromagnetic induction
- Identify factors affecting induced emf
- Recognize how Lenz’s law illustrates the principle of conservation of energy
- Interpret the diagrammatic setup of A.C. generators
- Identify the types of transformer
- Examine principles of operation of transformers
- Assess the functions of an induction coil
- Draw some conclusions from the principles of operation of an induction coil
- Interpret the inductance of an inductor
- Recognize units of inductance
- Calculate the effective total inductance in series and parallel arrangements
- Deduce the expression for the energy stored in an inductor
- Examine the applications of inductors
- Describe the method by which eddy current losses can be reduced
- Determine ways by which eddy currents can be used
36. Simple A.C. Circuits
Topics:
- (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 circuit
- (x) resonance and resonance frequency
(Fo = 1 / 2π√(LC))
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify A.C. current and D.C. voltage
- Differentiate between peak and r.m.s. values of A.C.
- Determine the phase difference between current and voltage
- Interpret series R-L-C circuits
- Analyze vector diagrams
- Calculate the effective voltage, reactance, and impedance
- Recognize the condition by which the circuit is at resonance
- Determine the resonant frequency of R-L-C arrangement
- Determine the instantaneous power, average power, and the power factor in A.C. circuits
37. Conduction of Electricity Through:
Topics:
- (a) Liquids
(i) electrolytes and non-electrolytes
(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:
- Distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes
- Analyze the processes of electrolysis
- Apply Faraday’s laws of electrolysis to solve problems
- Analyze discharge through gases
- Determine some applications/uses of conduction of electricity through gases
38. Elementary Modern Physics
Topics:
- (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
- (ix) half-life and decay constant
- (x) simple ideas of production of energy by fusion and fission
- (xi) binding energy, mass defect, and Einstein’s energy equation
(ΔE = ΔMc²) - (xii) wave-particle paradox (duality of matter)
- (xiii) electron diffraction
- (xiv) the uncertainty principle
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify the models of the atom and write their limitations
- Describe the elementary structure of the atom
- Differentiate between the energy levels and spectra of atoms
- Compare thermionic emission and photoelectric emission
- Apply Einstein’s equation to solve problems of the photoelectric effect
- Calculate the stopping potential
- Relate some applications of thermionic emission and photoelectric effects
- Interpret the process involved in the production of x-rays
- Identify some properties and applications of x-rays
- Analyze elementary radioactivity
- Distinguish between stable and unstable nuclei
- Identify isotopes of an element
- Compare the properties of alpha, beta, and gamma rays
- Relate half-life and decay constant of a radioactive element
- Determine the binding energy, mass defect, and Einstein’s energy equation
- Analyze wave-particle duality
- Solve some numerical problems based on the uncertainty principle and wave-particle duality
39. Introductory Electronics
Topics:
- (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:
- Differentiate between conductors, semiconductors, and insulators
- Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors
- Distinguish between electron and hole carriers
- Distinguish between n-type and p-type semiconductors
- Analyze diodes and transistors
- Relate diodes to rectification and transistors to amplification
How to Pass JAMB Physics & Score 90+?
To pass JAMB Physics and score 90+, follow these steps:
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the JAMB Physics syllabus to know the key topics and areas to focus on.
- Study Regularly: Dedicate time to study daily, using reliable textbooks and online resources.
- Practice Past Questions: Solve past JAMB Physics questions to understand the exam pattern and improve problem-solving skills.
- Master Key Concepts: Focus on core concepts like laws of physics, energy, mechanics, and electricity.
- Take Mock Exams: Simulate exam conditions to improve time management and boost confidence.
Consistent preparation, practice, and focus will help you achieve a high score in Physics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the JAMB Syllabus for Physics is a vital guide for students aiming to succeed in the UTME. By understanding the syllabus, focusing on key topics, and practicing past questions, students can effectively prepare for the exam.
Regular study, problem-solving, and mastering essential concepts will enhance their understanding of physics and improve their chances of achieving a high score.
Consistency and dedication are key to success in JAMB Physics.
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