JAMB Syllabus For Physics 2025/2026

By Francis
5 months Ago

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

Download JAMB Syllabus For Physics

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.

ALSO READ: Mathematics JAMB Past Questions And Answers PDF Download

Categories: Education