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JAMB • Physics • Syllabus

JAMB Physics Syllabus for UTME 2027

The JAMB Physics syllabus is the list of topics UTME Physics questions are set from, with the exam body's notes on how far each topic goes. Use it as a revision checklist: pick a topic, read what it covers, then practise past questions on it until you can answer them in exam time.

Syllabus content © The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Source. Summaries marked “Our summary” are written by DeeepSolve.

Interaction of matter, space and time

Our summary: How we measure things, describe motion and forces, and understand gravity, balance and friction.

Measurements and units

Our summary: The basic and derived units, measuring instruments, dimensions and how accurate a measurement can be.

Contents

  • Fundamental unitsJAMB note: Length, mass, time, electric charge, temperature, luminous intensity, amount of substance.
  • Derived unitsJAMB note: Weight, area, volume, force, speed etc.
  • Measuring instrumentsJAMB note: Vernier caliper, metre rule, micrometer screw gauge, measuring cylinder, stop watch and beam balance.
  • Fundamental physical quantities
  • Derived physical quantities and their unitsJAMB note: Combinations of fundamental quantities and determination of their units.
  • DimensionsJAMB note: (i) definition of dimensions; (ii) simple examples.
  • Limitations of experimental measurementsJAMB note: (i) accuracy of measuring instruments; (ii) simple estimation of errors; (iii) significant figures; (iv) standard form.

Objectives

  • 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 the 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.

Scalars and vectors

Our summary: Quantities with size only versus size and direction, and how to add, split and compare vectors.

Contents

  • Definition of scalar and vector quantities
  • Examples of scalar and vector quantities
  • Relative velocity
  • Resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions including graphical methods of solution

Objectives

  • 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.

Position, distance and displacement

Our summary: Locating a point in space and telling distance travelled apart from displacement.

Contents

  • Concept of displacement
  • Distinction between distance and displacement
  • Concept of position and coordinates
  • Frame of reference

Objectives

  • use strings, meter rule and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge;
  • note the degree of accuracy;
  • identify distance travel in a specified direction;
  • use compass and protractor to locate points/directions;
  • use Cartesian systems to locate positions in x-y plane;
  • plot graph and draw inference from the graph.

Newton's laws of motion

Our summary: Newton's laws, momentum and impulse, and how they explain what forces do to moving objects.

Contents

  • Inertia, mass and force
  • Relationship between mass and acceleration
  • Impulse and momentum
  • Force-time graph
  • Conservation of linear momentumJAMB note: Coefficient of restitution not necessary.

Objectives

  • solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum;
  • interpretation of area under force-time graph;
  • 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;

Motion

Our summary: Types of motion, forces as the cause of motion, and straight-line motion with its equations and graphs.

Contents

  • Types of motionJAMB note: Translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random.
  • Relative motion
  • Causes of motion
  • Types of forceJAMB note: (i) contact; (ii) force field.
  • Linear motionJAMB note: (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.

Objectives

  • identify different types of motion;
  • solve numerical problem on collinear motion;
  • identify force as 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;

Projectile motion

Our summary: How a thrown or launched object moves, including range, greatest height and time of flight.

Contents

  • ProjectilesJAMB note: (i) calculation of range, maximum height and time of flight from the ground and a height; (ii) applications of projectile motion.

Objectives

  • establish expressions for the range, maximum height and time of flight of projectiles, rockets, missiles;
  • solve problems involving projectile motion;

Motion in a circle

Our summary: Angular velocity and acceleration, and the forces that keep an object moving in a circle.

Contents

  • Motion in a circleJAMB note: (i) angular velocity and angular acceleration; (ii) centripetal and centrifugal forces; (iii) applications.

Objectives

  • establish expression for angular velocity, angular acceleration and centripetal force;
  • solve numerical problems involving motion in a circle;

Simple harmonic motion

Our summary: To-and-fro motion such as a pendulum or spring, its period, energy and resonance.

Contents

  • Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M)JAMB note: (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

  • 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.

Gravitational field

Our summary: How masses attract each other, how gravity varies, and what escape velocity and weightlessness mean.

Contents

  • Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Gravitational potential
  • Conservative and non-conservative fields
  • Acceleration due to gravity
  • Variation of g on the earth's surface
  • Distinction between mass and weight; escape velocity
  • Parking orbit and weightlessness

Objectives

  • 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;
  • relate the expression for gravitational force between two bodies;
  • apply Newton's law of universal gravitation.

Equilibrium of forces

Our summary: When forces balance, including moments, Lami's theorem, and stability.

Contents

  • Equilibrium of particlesJAMB note: (i) equilibrium of coplanar forces; (ii) triangles and polygon of forces; (iii) Lami's theorem.
  • Principles of momentsJAMB note: (i) moment of a force; (ii) simple treatment and moment of a couple (torque); (iii) applications.
  • Conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of parallel and non-parallel forcesJAMB note: (i) resolution and composition of forces in two perpendicular directions; (ii) resultant and equilibrant.
  • Centre of gravity and stabilityJAMB note: (i) stable, unstable and neutral equilibria.

Objectives

  • 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 equilibria.

Friction

Our summary: Static and dynamic friction, how to reduce it, and viscosity and terminal velocity.

Contents

  • Static and dynamic friction
  • Coefficient of limiting friction and its determination
  • Advantages and disadvantages of friction
  • Reduction of friction
  • Qualitative treatment of viscosity and terminal velocity
  • Stoke's law

Objectives

  • 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.

Energy, pressure and heat

Our summary: Work and energy, machines, elasticity, pressure in fluids, and how heat and temperature behave.

Work, energy and power

Our summary: Work, energy and power, the world's energy sources and their effects, and solar and nuclear energy.

Contents

  • Work, energy and powerJAMB note: (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.
  • Energy and societyJAMB note: (i) sources of energy; (ii) renewable and non-renewable energy e.g., coal, crude oil, sun, wind etc.; (iii) uses of energy; (iv) energy and development; (v) energy diversification; (vi) environmental impact of energy e.g., global warming, greenhouse effect and spillage; (vii) energy crises; (viii) conversion of energy; (ix) devices used in energy production.
  • Dams and energy productionJAMB note: (i) location of dams; (ii) energy production.
  • Nuclear energy
  • Solar energyJAMB note: (i) photoelectric effect; (ii) solar collector; (iii) solar panel for energy supply.

Objectives

  • 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;
  • itemize the sources of energy;
  • distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy, examples should be given;
  • identify methods of energy transition;
  • explain the importance of energy in the development of the society;
  • analyse the effect of energy use to the environment;
  • identify the impact of energy 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;
  • photovoltaic cells;
  • work function (=hf= hf);
  • Planck's constant.

Simple machines

Our summary: Levers, pulleys and other machines, and how to work out their mechanical advantage and efficiency.

Contents

  • Definition of simple machines
  • Types of machines
  • Mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of machines

Objectives

  • identify different types of simple machines;
  • solve problems involving simple machines.

Elasticity

Our summary: How springs and wires stretch under load, Hooke's law and Young's modulus.

Contents

  • Hooke's law and Young's modulus
  • Elastic limit, yield point, breaking point
  • The spring balance as a device for measuring force
  • Work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings

Objectives

  • 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 spring and elastic strings.

Pressure

Our summary: Atmospheric pressure and barometers, and pressure in liquids including Pascal's principle.

Contents

  • Atmospheric pressureJAMB note: (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.
  • Pressure in liquidsJAMB note: (i) the relationship between pressure, depth and density (P=ρghP = \rho g h); (ii) transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal's Principle); (iii) application.

Objectives

  • 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 liquid.

Liquids at rest

Our summary: Density, relative density, upthrust and why things float or sink.

Contents

  • Determination of density of solids and liquids
  • Definition of relative density
  • Upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
  • Archimedes' principle and law of floatation and applications, e.g., ships and hydrometers

Objectives

  • distinguish between density and relative density of substances;
  • determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid;
  • apply Archimedes' principle and law of floatation to solve problems.

Temperature and its measurement

Our summary: What temperature is, how thermometers work and how to convert between temperature scales.

Contents

  • Concept of temperature
  • Thermometric properties
  • Calibration of thermometers
  • Temperature scales: Celsius and Kelvin
  • Types of thermometers
  • Conversion from one scale of temperature to another

Objectives

  • identify thermometric properties of materials that are used for different thermometers;
  • calibrate thermometers;
  • differentiate between temperature scales e.g. Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin;
  • compare the types of thermometers;
  • convert from one scale of temperature to another.

Quantity of heat

Our summary: Heat as energy, heat capacity and specific heat capacity, and how to measure them.

Contents

  • Heat as a form of energy
  • Definition of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of solids and liquids
  • 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

  • differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity;
  • determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity using simple methods;
  • solve numerical problems.

Change of state

Our summary: Latent heat, melting, evaporation and boiling, and what changes boiling and melting points.

Contents

  • Latent heat
  • Specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization
  • Melting, evaporation and boiling
  • The influence of pressure and of dissolved substances on boiling and melting points
  • Application in appliances

Objectives

  • differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization;
  • differentiate between melting, evaporation and boiling;
  • examine the effects of pressure and of dissolved substance on boiling and melting points;
  • solve numerical problems.

Thermal expansion

Our summary: How solids and liquids expand when heated, expansivities and the odd behaviour of water.

Contents

  • SolidsJAMB note: (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.
  • LiquidsJAMB note: (i) volume expansivity; (ii) real and apparent expansivities; (iii) determination of volume expansivity; (iv) anomalous expansion of water.

Objectives

  • 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.

Gas laws

Our summary: How the pressure, volume and temperature of a gas are linked, from Boyle's law to the ideal gas equation.

Contents

  • Boyle's law (isothermal process)
  • Charles' law (isobaric process)
  • Pressure law (volumetric process)
  • Absolute zero of temperature
  • General gas equationJAMB note: PVT=constant\frac{PV}{T} = \text{constant}
  • Ideal gas equationJAMB note: e.g., PV=nRTPV = nRT
  • Van der Waals gas

Objectives

  • interpret the gas laws;
  • use expression of these laws to solve numerical problems;
  • interpret Van der Waals equation for one mole of a real gas.

Vapours

Our summary: Saturated and unsaturated vapours, dew point, humidity and how the weather forms dew, fog and rain.

Contents

  • Unsaturated and saturated vapours
  • Relationship between saturated vapour pressure (S.V.P) and boiling
  • Determination of S.V.P by barometer tube method
  • Formation of dew, mist, fog, cloud and rain
  • Study of dew point, humidity and relative humidity
  • Hygrometry; estimation of the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers

Objectives

  • 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.

Structure of matter and kinetic theory

Our summary: Atoms and molecules, and how the kinetic theory explains gas pressure, diffusion and changes of state.

Contents

  • Molecular nature of matterJAMB note: (i) atoms and molecules; (ii) molecular theory: explanation of Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact etc; law of definite proportion; (iii) examples and applications.
  • Kinetic theoryJAMB note: (i) assumptions of the kinetic theory; (ii) using the theory to explain the pressure exerted by gas, Boyle's law, Charles' law, melting, boiling, vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.

Objectives

  • differentiate between atoms and molecules;
  • use molecular theory to explain Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angle 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.

Heat transfer

Our summary: Conduction, convection and radiation, and everyday examples such as the vacuum flask and sea breezes.

Contents

  • Conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer
  • Temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
  • Effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it
  • The conductivities of common materials
  • The thermos flask/vacuum flask
  • Land and sea breeze
  • Combustion engines

Objectives

  • 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 part of the working of the thermos flask;
  • differentiate between land and sea breeze;
  • analyse the principles of operating internal combustion jet engines, rockets;
  • understand the advantages and disadvantages of electric engine over combustion engine.

Waves and optics

Our summary: How waves carry energy, how sound behaves, and how light reflects, refracts, disperses and forms images.

Production and propagation of waves

Our summary: How waves start and travel, and how frequency, wavelength and speed are linked.

Contents

  • Wave motion
  • Vibrating systems as source of waves
  • Waves as mode of energy transfer
  • Distinction between particle motion and wave motion
  • Relationship between frequency, wavelength and wave velocityJAMB note: v=fλv = f\lambda
  • Phase difference, wave number and wave vector
  • Progressive wave equationJAMB note: e.g. y=Asin⁡(2πλ(vt−x))y = A \sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}(vt - x)\right)

Objectives

  • 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;
  • examples in wave equations;

Types of waves

Our summary: Mechanical and electromagnetic, longitudinal and transverse, and stationary and progressive waves.

Contents

  • Types of waves: mechanical and electromagnetic waves
  • Longitudinal and transverse waves
  • Stationary and progressive waves
  • Examples of waves from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank

Objectives

  • differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves;
  • differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves;
  • distinguish between stationary and progressive waves;
  • indicate the example of waves generated from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank;

Properties of waves

Our summary: Reflection, refraction, diffraction, polarization, interference, beats and the Doppler effect.

Contents

  • Reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization
  • Superposition of waves, e.g. interference
  • Beats
  • Doppler effectsJAMB note: Qualitative treatment only.

Objectives

  • differentiate between reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization of waves;
  • analyse the principle of superposition of waves;
  • solve numerical problems on waves;
  • explain the phenomenon of beat, beat frequency and uses;
  • explain Doppler effect of sound and application.

Sound waves

Our summary: How sound travels through a medium, its speed, and echoes and reverberation.

Contents

  • The necessity for a material medium
  • Speed of sound in solids, liquids and air
  • Reflection of sound; echoes, reverberation and their applications
  • Advantages and disadvantages of echoes and reverberations

Objectives

  • 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 problem on echoes, reverberation and speed;
  • compare the disadvantages and advantages of echoes;
  • solve problems on echo, reverberation and speed of sound.

Characteristics of sound waves

Our summary: Noise and musical notes, pitch and loudness, vibrating strings, and air columns in pipes.

Contents

  • Noise and musical notes
  • Quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and their application to musical instruments
  • Simple treatment of harmonics and overtones produced by vibrating strings and their columnsJAMB note: F0=12LTmF_0 = \frac{1}{2L}\sqrt{\frac{T}{m}}
  • Acoustic examples of resonance
  • Frequency of a note emitted by air columns in closed and open pipes in relation to their lengths

Objectives

  • differentiate between noise and musical notes;
  • analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound notes;
  • evaluate the application of (ii) above in the construction of musical instruments;
  • identify overtones 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.

Light energy

Our summary: Sources of light and how it travels, makes shadows and eclipses, and forms a pin-hole image.

Contents

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

Objectives

  • 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.

Reflection of light at plane and curved surfaces

Our summary: The laws of reflection and how plane and curved mirrors form images.

Contents

  • Laws of reflection
  • Application of reflection of light
  • Formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors and ray diagrams
  • Use of the mirror formulaJAMB note: 1f=1u+1v\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}
  • Linear and angular magnification

Objectives

  • 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 periscope, kaleidoscope and the sextant.

Refraction of light through plane and curved surfaces

Our summary: How light bends between materials, total internal reflection, prisms and lenses.

Contents

  • Laws of refraction
  • Explanation of refraction in terms of velocity of light in the media
  • Definition of refractive index of a medium
  • Determination of refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell's law
  • Real and apparent depth and lateral displacement
  • Critical angle and total internal reflection
  • Glass prismJAMB note: (i) use of the minimum deviation formula: μ=sin⁡A+D2sin⁡A2\mu = \frac{\sin\frac{A + D}{2}}{\sin\frac{A}{2}}; (ii) type of lenses; triangular, rectangular etc.; (iii) use of lens formula: 1f=1u+1v\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v} and Newton's formula (f2=abf^2 = ab); (iv) magnification.

Objectives

  • interpret the laws of reflection;
  • determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell's law;
  • determination of focal length of curved surfaces;
  • determine the refractive index using the principle of real and apparent depth;
  • determine the conditions necessary for total internal reflection;
  • examine the use of periscope, prism, binoculars, optical fibre;
  • apply the principles of total internal reflection to the formation of mirage;
  • use of 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 minimum deviation formula;
  • ray tracing through optical prism.

Optical instruments

Our summary: How microscopes, telescopes, cameras and the eye work, and how lens power and sight defects are handled.

Contents

  • General principles of microscopes, telescopes, projectors, cameras and the human eyeJAMB note: Physiological details of the eye are not required.
  • Power of a lens
  • Angular magnification
  • Near and far points
  • Sight defects and their corrections

Objectives

  • apply the principles of operation of optical instruments to solve problems;
  • distinguish between the human eye and the cameras;
  • 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.

Dispersion of light and colours

Our summary: How a prism splits white light, how colours mix, and why objects have the colours they do.

Contents

  • Dispersion of white light by a triangular prism
  • Production of pure spectrum
  • Colour mixing by addition and subtraction
  • Colour of objects and colour filters
  • Rainbow and formation

Objectives

  • identify primary colours and obtain secondary colours by mixing;
  • understand the formation of rainbow;
  • deduce why objects have colours;
  • analyse colours using colour filters;
  • define monochromatic light.

Electromagnetic waves

Our summary: The family of electromagnetic radiation, with its sources and uses.

Contents

  • Electromagnetic spectrumJAMB note: Description of sources and uses of various types of radiation.

Objectives

  • analyse the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to their wavelengths, sources, detection and uses;

Electricity, magnetism and fields

Our summary: Static charge, capacitors, circuits, magnets, induction and alternating current.

Electrostatics

Our summary: Positive and negative charges, charging bodies, Coulomb's law and electric fields.

Contents

  • Existence of positive and negative charges in matter
  • Charging a body by friction, contact and induction
  • Electroscope
  • Coulomb's inverse square law, electric field and potential
  • Electric field intensity, potential and potential difference
  • Electric discharge and lightning

Objectives

  • identify charges;
  • examine 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;
  • analyse the distribution of charges on a conductor and how it is used in lightning conductors;
  • charge a body by friction, induction and contact.

Capacitors

Our summary: How capacitors store charge and energy and what sets their capacitance.

Contents

  • Types and functions of capacitors
  • Parallel plate capacitors
  • Capacitance of a capacitor
  • The relationship between capacitance, area, separation of plates and medium between the platesJAMB note: C=εAdC = \frac{\varepsilon A}{d}
  • Capacitors in series and parallel
  • Energy stored in a capacitor

Objectives

  • determine uses of capacitors;
  • analyse parallel plate capacitors;
  • determine the capacitance of a capacitor;
  • analyse the factors that affect the capacitance of a capacitor;
  • solve problems involving the arrangement of a capacitor;
  • determine the energy stored in capacitors.

Electric cells

Our summary: Simple and common types of cells and batteries, their upkeep and how to combine them.

Contents

  • Simple voltaic cell and its defects
  • Daniel cell, Leclanche cell (wet and dry)
  • Lead-acid accumulator and Nickel-Iron (Nife), Lithium ion and Mercury cadmium
  • Maintenance of cells and batteriesJAMB note: Detail treatment of the chemistry of a cell is not required.
  • Arrangement of cells
  • Efficiency of a cell

Objectives

  • identify the defects of the simple voltaic cell and their correction;
  • compare different types of cells including solar cell;
  • compare the advantages of lead-acid and Nickel-iron accumulator;
  • solve problems involving series and parallel combination of cells.

Current electricity

Our summary: Current, voltage, resistance and internal resistance, resistors in circuits and ways of measuring them.

Contents

  • Electromotive force (e.m.f.), potential difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance of a cell and lost volt
  • Ohm's law, resistivity and conductivity
  • Measurement of resistance
  • Meter bridge
  • Resistance in series and in parallel and their combination
  • The potentiometer method of measuring e.m.f., current and internal resistance of a cell
  • Electrical networks

Objectives

  • differentiate between e.m.f., p.d., current and internal resistance of a cell;
  • apply Ohm's law to solve problems;
  • use metre bridge to calculate resistance;
  • compute effective total resistance of both parallel and series arrangement of resistors;
  • determine the resistivity and the conductivity of a conductor;
  • measure e.m.f., current and internal resistance of a cell using the potentiometer;
  • identify the advantages of the potentiometer;
  • apply Kirchhoff's law in electrical networks.

Electrical energy and power

Our summary: Electrical energy and power, the heating effect of current, power lines, house wiring and fuses.

Contents

  • Concepts of electrical energy and power
  • Commercial unit of electric energy and power
  • Electric power transmission
  • Heating effects of electric current
  • Electrical wiring of houses
  • Use of fuses

Objectives

  • apply the expressions of electrical energy and power to solve problems;
  • analyse 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.

Magnets and magnetic fields

Our summary: Magnets, the fields around magnets and currents, and the earth's magnetic field.

Contents

  • Natural and artificial magnets
  • Magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
  • Methods of making magnets and demagnetization
  • Concept of magnetic field
  • Magnetic field of a permanent magnet
  • Magnetic field round a straight current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid
  • Properties of the earth's magnetic fieldJAMB note: North and south poles, magnetic meridian and angle of dip and declination.
  • Flux and flux density
  • Variation of magnetic field intensity over the earth's surface
  • ApplicationsJAMB note: Earth's magnetic field in navigation and mineral exploration.

Objectives

  • 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 of an isolated magnet;
  • 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 fields;
  • identify the magnetic elements of the earth's flux;
  • determine the variation of earth's magnetic field on the earth's surface;
  • examine the applications of the earth's magnetic field.

Force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field

Our summary: The force on wires and moving charges in a magnetic field, motors and meters.

Contents

  • Quantitative treatment of force between two parallel current-carrying conductors
  • Force on a charge moving in a magnetic field
  • The d.c. motor
  • Electromagnets
  • Carbon microphone
  • Moving coil and moving iron instruments
  • Conversion of galvanometers to ammeters and voltmeters using shunts and multipliers
  • Sensitivity of a galvanometer

Objectives

  • 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;
  • analyse 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.

Electromagnetic induction

Our summary: How changing magnetic fields produce voltage, generators and transformers, inductance and eddy currents.

Contents

  • Electromagnetic inductionJAMB note: (i) Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction; (ii) Lenz's law as an illustration of the principle of conservation of energy; (iii) factors affecting induced e.m.f.; (iv) a.c. and d.c. generators; (v) transformers; (vi) the induction coil.
  • InductanceJAMB note: (i) explanation of inductance; (ii) unit of inductance; (iii) energy stored in an inductor: E=12LI2E = \frac{1}{2}LI^2; (iv) application/uses of inductors.
  • Eddy currentJAMB note: (i) reduction of eddy current; (ii) applications of eddy current; (iii) effects of eddy current.

Objectives

  • interpret the laws of electromagnetic induction;
  • identify factors affecting induced e.m.f.;
  • recognize how Lenz's law illustrates the principle of conservation of energy;
  • interpret the diagrammatic set up 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 arrangement;
  • 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.

Simple a.c. circuits

Our summary: Alternating voltage and current, and how resistors, inductors and capacitors behave in a.c. circuits.

Contents

  • Explanation of a.c. current and voltage
  • Peak and r.m.s. values
  • A.c. source connected to a resistor
  • A.c. source connected to a capacitor: capacitive reactance
  • A.c. source connected to an inductor: inductive reactance
  • R-L-C circuits
  • Vector diagram, phase angle and power factor
  • Resistance and impedance
  • Effective voltage in an R-L-C circuit
  • Resonance and resonance frequencyJAMB note: F0=12πLCF_0 = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{LC}}

Objectives

  • identify a.c. current and d.c. voltage;
  • differentiate between the peak and r.m.s. values of a.c.;
  • determine the phase difference between current and voltage;
  • interpret R-L-C circuits;
  • analyse 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.

Conduction of electricity through liquids and gases

Our summary: Electrolysis and its uses, and how electricity passes through gases.

Contents

  • LiquidsJAMB note: (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.
  • GasesJAMB note: (i) discharge through gases (qualitative treatment only); (ii) application of conduction of electricity through gases.

Objectives

  • distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes;
  • analyse the processes of electrolysis;
  • apply Faraday's laws of electrolysis to solve problems;
  • analyse discharge through gases;
  • determine some applications/uses of conduction of electricity through gases.

Modern physics and electronics

Our summary: The atom and nucleus, wave-particle ideas, semiconductors, fibre optics and lasers.

Structure of the atom

Our summary: Models of the atom, energy levels, thermionic and photoelectric emission, and X-rays.

Contents

  • Bohr's theory, Rutherford's theory and radioactivity
  • Models of the atom and their limitations
  • Elementary structure of the atom
  • Energy levels and spectra
  • Thermionic and photoelectric emissions
  • Einstein's equation and stopping potential
  • Applications of thermionic emissions and photoelectric effects
  • Simple method of production of x-rays

Objectives

  • identify the models of the atom and write their limitations;
  • describe 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 photoelectric effect;
  • calculate the stopping potential;
  • relate some application of thermionic emission and photoelectric effects;
  • interpret the process involved in the production of x-rays;
  • identify some properties and applications of x-rays;

Structure of the nucleus

Our summary: Radioactive decay and half-life, the alpha, beta and gamma rays, and fusion, fission and binding energy.

Contents

  • Properties and applications of alpha, beta and gamma rays
  • Half-life and decay constant
  • Simple ideas of production of energy by fusion and fission
  • Binding energy, mass defect and Einstein's energy equationJAMB note: ΔE=ΔMc2\Delta E = \Delta M c^2

Objectives

  • analyse 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;

Wave-particle paradox

Our summary: Why light and matter can each behave like both waves and particles, and the uncertainty principle.

Contents

  • Wave-particle (duality of matter)
  • Electron diffraction
  • The uncertainty principle

Objectives

  • analyse wave particle duality;
  • solve some numerical problems based on the uncertainty principle and wave-particle duality.

Introductory electronics

Our summary: Why metals, semiconductors and insulators differ, and how diodes and transistors are used.

Contents

  • Distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulatorsJAMB note: Elementary knowledge of band gap is required.
  • Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors (n-type and p-type semiconductors)
  • Uses of semiconductors and diodes in rectification and transistors in amplification
  • Elementary knowledge of diodes and transistors

Objectives

  • differentiate between conductors, semiconductors and insulators;
  • distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors;
  • distinguish between electron and hole carriers;
  • analyse diodes and transistors;
  • relate diodes to rectification and transistors to amplification.

Fibre optics

Our summary: How light is carried along thin glass fibres and where this is used.

Contents

  • Fibre optics

Objectives

  • explain the concept of fibre optics;
  • understand the principle of transmission of light through an optical fibre;
  • apply the principle of fibre optics in Local Area Network (LAN), medicine, laser beam etc;

Lasers

Our summary: What a laser is, its main types, its uses and its dangers.

Contents

  • Lasers

Objectives

  • understand the meaning of laser;
  • understand the various types of lasers (solid state, gas, liquid and semiconductor lasers);
  • apply the knowledge of lasers in scientific research, communication, medicine, military technology, holograms etc;
  • identify the dangers involved in using lasers.

More from the JAMB Physics syllabus

General objectives

  • The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Physics is to prepare the 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 attitude relevant to physics that encourage accuracy, precision and objectivity;
  • interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions, concepts and other theories;
  • demonstrate the ability to solve correctly physics problems using relevant theories and concepts.

Recommended texts

Essential Principles of Physics
Ike, E.E. (2014), Jos: ENIC Publishers.
Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics
Ike, E.E. (2014), Jos: ENIC Publishers.
Fundamentals of Physics
Nelkon, M. (1977), Great Britain: Hart Davis Education.
Advanced Level Physics (Sixth Edition)
Nelkon, M. and Parker (1989), Heinemann.
Senior Secondary School Physics
Okeke, P.N. and Anyakoha, M.W. (2000), Lagos: Pacific Printers.
Comprehensive Certificate Physics
Olumuyiwa, A. and Ogunkoya, O. O. (1992), Ibadan: University Press Plc.
Ultimate UTME Preparatory Series Physics
Orokpo, J.A. (2025), Peridot Publishers and Printing Services Limited, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Syllabus content © The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Taken from https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng/static/media/Physics.16527a294cb7e7a87a35.pdf (UTME).

DeeepSolve is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. The topic lists, notes and exam scheme are the exam body's wording; “Our summary” lines are ours. If anything here differs from what JAMB publishes for your sitting, follow JAMB.