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WAEC • Physics • Syllabus

WAEC Physics Syllabus for WASSCE 2027

The WAEC Physics syllabus is the list of topics WASSCE 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 West African Examinations Council. Source. Summaries marked “Our summary” are written by DeeepSolve.

WASSCE Physics exam scheme

Exam scheme

Papers
There will be three papers, Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2 will be a composite paper to be taken at one sitting.
Paper 1
Will consist of fifty multiple choice questions lasting 1¼ hours and carrying 50 marks.
Paper 2
Will consist of two sections, Sections A and B, lasting 1½ hours and carrying 60 marks.
Paper 2, Section A
Will comprise seven short-structured questions. Candidates will be required to answer any five questions for a total of 15 marks.
Paper 2, Section B
Will comprise five essay questions out of which candidates will be required to answer any three for 45 marks.
Paper 3
Will be a practical test for school candidates or an alternative to practical work paper for private candidates. Each version of the paper will comprise three questions out of which candidates will be required to answer any two in 2¾ hours for 50 marks.

Interaction of matter, space and time

Our summary: How matter is built, how we measure it, and how things move and balance under forces.

Concepts of matter

Our summary: What matter is made of, its three states, and how the particle picture explains everyday behaviour.

Contents

  • Concepts of matterWAEC note: Simple structure of matter should be discussed. Three physical states of matter, namely solid, liquid and gas should be treated. Evidence of the particle nature of matter e.g. Brownian motion experiment, kinetic theory of matter. Use of the theory to explain: states of matter (solid, liquid and gas), pressure in a gas, evaporation and boiling; cohesion, adhesion, capillarity. Crystalline and amorphous substances to be compared (arrangement of atoms in crystalline structure to be described e.g. face centred, body centred).

Fundamental and derived quantities and units

Our summary: The basic measured quantities and their units, and the quantities built from them.

Contents

  • Fundamental quantities and unitsWAEC note: Length, mass, time, electric current, luminous intensity, thermodynamic temperature, amount of substance as examples of fundamental quantities and m, kg, s, A, cd, K and mol as their respective units.
  • Derived quantities and unitsWAEC note: Volume, density and speed as derived quantities and m³, kg m⁻³ and m s⁻¹ as their respective units.

Position, distance and displacement

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

Contents

  • Concept of position as a location of point-rectangular coordinatesWAEC note: Position of objects in space using the X, Y, Z axes should be mentioned.
  • Measurement of distanceWAEC note: Use of string, metre rule, vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge. Degree of accuracy should be noted. Metre (m) as unit of distance.
  • Concept of direction as a way of locating a point - bearingWAEC note: Use of compass and a protractor.
  • Distinction between distance and displacementWAEC note: Graphical location and directions by axes to be stressed.

Mass and weight

Our summary: How mass differs from weight, and the instruments and units used for each.

Contents

  • Distinction between mass and weightWAEC note: Use of lever balance and chemical/beam balance to measure mass and spring balance to measure weight. Mention should be made of electronic/digital balance. Kilogram (kg) as unit of mass and newton (N) as unit of weight.

Time

Our summary: What time intervals are and how we measure them.

Contents

  • Concept of time as interval between physical eventsWAEC note: The use of heart-beat, sand-clock, ticker-timer, pendulum and stopwatch/clock.
  • Measurement of timeWAEC note: Second (s) as unit of time.

Fluid at rest

Our summary: Density, pressure in liquids and gases, and why objects float or sink.

Contents

  • Volume, density and relative densityWAEC note: Experimental determination for solids and liquids.
  • Pressure in fluidsWAEC note: Concept and definition of pressure. Pascal's principle, application of principle to hydraulic press and car brakes. Dependence of pressure on the depth of a point below a liquid surface. Atmospheric pressure. Simple barometer, manometer, siphon, syringe and pump. Determination of the relative density of liquids with U-tube and Hare's apparatus.
  • Equilibrium of bodiesWAEC note: Identification of the forces acting on a body partially or completely immersed in a fluid.
  • Archimedes' principleWAEC note: Use of the principle to determine the relative densities of solids and liquids.
  • Law of flotationWAEC note: Establishing the conditions for a body to float in a fluid. Applications in hydrometer, balloons, boats, ships, submarines etc.

Motion

Our summary: The different kinds of motion, the forces behind them, friction, viscosity and motion in a circle.

Contents

  • Types of motion: random, rectilinear, translational, rotational, circular, orbital, spin, oscillatoryWAEC note: Only qualitative treatment is required. Illustration should be given for the various types of motion.
  • Relative motionWAEC note: Numerical problems on co-linear motion may be set.
  • Cause of motionWAEC note: Force as cause of motion.
  • Types of force: contact forceWAEC note: Push and pull.
  • Types of force: non-contact force (field force)WAEC note: These are field forces namely: electric and magnetic attractions and repulsions; gravitational pull.
  • Solid frictionWAEC note: Frictional force between two stationary bodies (static) and between two bodies in relative motion (dynamic). Coefficients of limiting friction and their determinations. Advantages of friction e.g. in locomotion, friction belt, grindstone. Disadvantages of friction e.g. reduction of efficiency, wear and tear of machines. Methods of reducing friction e.g. use of ball bearings, rollers, streamlining and lubrication.
  • Viscosity (friction in fluids)WAEC note: Definition and effects. Simple explanation as extension of friction in fluids. Fluid friction and its application in lubrication should be treated qualitatively. Terminal velocity and its determination.
  • Simple ideas of circular motionWAEC note: Experiments with a string tied to a stone at one end and whirled around should be carried out to (i) demonstrate motion in a vertical/horizontal circle, (ii) show the difference between angular speed and velocity, (iii) draw a diagram to illustrate centripetal force. Banking of roads in reducing sideways friction should be qualitatively discussed.

Speed and velocity

Our summary: How fast something moves and in which direction, and how to read it from a distance-time graph.

Contents

  • Concept of speed as change of distance with time
  • Concept of velocity as change of displacement with timeWAEC note: Metre per second (m s⁻¹) as unit of speed/velocity.
  • Uniform/non-uniform speed/velocityWAEC note: Ticker-timer or similar devices should be used to determine speed/velocity. Definition of velocity as Δs/Δt\Delta s / \Delta t.
  • Distance/displacement-time graphWAEC note: Determination of instantaneous speed/velocity from distance/displacement-time graph and by calculation.

Rectilinear acceleration

Our summary: How velocity changes with time in a straight line, with graphs and the equations of motion.

Contents

  • Concept of acceleration/deceleration as increase/decrease in velocity with timeWAEC note: Unit of acceleration as m s⁻².
  • Uniform/non-uniform accelerationWAEC note: Ticker-timer or similar devices should be used to determine acceleration. Definition of acceleration as Δv/Δt\Delta v / \Delta t.
  • Velocity-time graphWAEC note: Determination of acceleration and displacement from velocity-time graph.
  • Equations of motion with constant acceleration; motion under gravity as a special caseWAEC note: Use of equations to solve numerical problems.

Scalars and vectors

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

Contents

  • Concept of scalars as physical quantities with magnitude and no directionWAEC note: Mass, distance, speed and time as examples of scalars.
  • Concept of vectors as physical quantities with both magnitude and directionWAEC note: Weight, displacement, velocity and acceleration as examples of vectors.
  • Vector representation
  • Addition of vectorsWAEC note: Use of force board to determine the resultant of two forces.
  • Resolution of vectorsWAEC note: Obtain the resultant of two velocities analytically and graphically.
  • Resultant velocity using vector representation

Equilibrium of forces

Our summary: When forces balance, including moments, the parallelogram and triangle of forces, and stability.

Contents

  • Principle of momentsWAEC note: Torque/moment of force. Simple treatment of a couple, e.g. turning of water tap, corkscrew and steering wheel.
  • Conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of parallel and non-parallel forcesWAEC note: Use of force board to determine resultant and equilibrant forces. Treatment should include resolution of forces into two perpendicular directions and composition of forces. Parallelogram of forces. Triangle of forces. Should be treated experimentally.
  • Centre of gravity and stabilityWAEC note: Treatment should include stable, unstable and neutral equilibria.

Simple harmonic motion

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

Contents

  • Illustration, explanation and definition of simple harmonic motion (S.H.M.)WAEC note: Use of a loaded test-tube oscillating vertically in a liquid, simple pendulum, spiral spring and bifilar suspension to demonstrate simple harmonic motion.
  • Speed and acceleration of S.H.M.WAEC note: Relate linear and angular speeds, linear and angular accelerations.
  • Period, frequency and amplitude of a body executing S.H.M.WAEC note: Experimental determination of 'g' with the simple pendulum and helical spring. The theory of the principles should be treated but derivation of the formula for 'g' is not required.
  • Energy of S.H.M.
  • Forced vibration and resonanceWAEC note: Simple problems may be set on simple harmonic motion. Mathematical proof of simple harmonic motion in respect of spiral spring, bifilar suspension and loaded test-tube is not required.

Newton's laws of motion

Our summary: Newton's three laws, momentum and impulse, and how they explain everyday motion.

Contents

  • Distinction between inertia mass and weight
  • First law: inertia of rest and inertia of motionWAEC note: Use of timing devices e.g. ticker-timer to determine the acceleration of a falling body and the relationship when the accelerating force is constant.
  • Second law: force, acceleration, momentum and impulseWAEC note: Linear momentum and its conservation. Collision of elastic bodies in a straight line.
  • Third law: action and reactionWAEC note: Applications: recoil of a gun, jet and rocket propulsions.

Energy: mechanical and heat

Our summary: Forms of energy, work and power, simple machines, and how heat behaves.

Energy

Our summary: The different forms of energy, where the world gets its energy, and why energy is conserved.

Contents

  • Forms of energyWAEC note: Examples of various forms of energy should be mentioned e.g. mechanical (potential and kinetic), heat, chemical, electrical, light, sound, nuclear.
  • World energy resourcesWAEC note: Renewable (e.g. solar, wind, tides, hydro, ocean waves) and non-renewable (e.g. petroleum, coal, nuclear, biomass) sources of energy should be discussed briefly.
  • Conservation of energyWAEC note: Statement of the principle of conservation of energy and its use in explaining energy transformations.

Work, energy and power

Our summary: Work done, kinetic and potential energy, power, and how simple machines make work easier.

Contents

  • Concept of work as a measure of energy transferWAEC note: Unit of energy as the joule (J).
  • Concept of energy as capability to do workWAEC note: Unit of energy as the joule (J) while unit of electrical consumption is kWh.
  • Work done in a gravitational fieldWAEC note: Work done in lifting a body and by falling bodies.
  • Types of mechanical energy: potential energy (P.E.) and kinetic energy (K.E.)WAEC note: Derivation of P.E. and K.E. are expected to be known. Identification of types of energy possessed by a body under given conditions.
  • Conservation of mechanical energyWAEC note: Verification of the principle.
  • Concept of power as time rate of doing workWAEC note: Unit of power as the watt (W).
  • Application of mechanical energy - machines (levers, pulleys, inclined plane, wedge, screw, wheel and axle, gears)WAEC note: The force ratio (F.R.), mechanical advantage (M.A.), velocity ratio (V.R.) and efficiency of each machine should be treated. Identification of simple machines that make up a given complicated machine e.g. bicycle. Effects of friction on machines. Reduction of friction in machines.

Heat energy

Our summary: Temperature, expansion, heat transfer, gas laws, heat capacity, latent heat, vapour and humidity.

Contents

  • Temperature and its measurementWAEC note: Concept of temperature as degree of hotness or coldness of a body. Construction and graduation of a simple thermometer. Properties of thermometric liquids. The following thermometers should be treated: constant-volume gas thermometer, resistance thermometer, thermocouple, liquid-in-glass thermometer including maximum and minimum thermometer and clinical thermometer; pyrometer should be mentioned. Celsius and absolute scales of temperature. Kelvin and degree Celsius as units of temperature.
  • Effects of heat on matter: rise in temperature, change of phase (state), expansion, change of resistanceWAEC note: Use of the kinetic theory to explain effects of heat. Mention should be made of the following effects: change of colour, thermionic emission, change in chemical properties.
  • Thermal expansion - linear, area and volume expansivitiesWAEC note: Qualitative and quantitative treatment. Consequences and application of expansions: expansion in buildings and bridges, bimetallic strips, thermostat, over-head cables causing sagging and in railway lines causing buckling. Real and apparent expansion of liquids. Anomalous expansion of water. Per kelvin (K⁻¹) as the unit of expansivity.
  • Heat transfer - conduction, convection and radiationWAEC note: Use of the kinetic theory to explain the modes of heat transfer. Simple experimental illustrations. Treatment should include the explanation of land and sea breezes, ventilation and applications in cooling devices. The vacuum flask.
  • The gas laws - Boyle's law, Charles' law, pressure law and general gas lawWAEC note: The laws should be verified using simple apparatus. Use of the kinetic theory to explain the laws. Simple problems may be set. Mention should be made of the operation of safety air bags in vehicles.
  • Measurement of heat energy: concept of heat capacity and specific heat capacityWAEC note: Use of the method of mixtures and the electrical method to determine the specific heat capacities of solids and liquids. Land and sea breezes related to the specific heat capacity of water and land. J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ as unit of specific heat capacity.
  • Latent heat: concept of latent heatWAEC note: Explanation and types of latent heat.
  • Latent heat: melting point and boiling pointWAEC note: Determination of the melting point of solid and the boiling point of a liquid. Effects of impurities and pressure on melting and boiling points. Application in pressure cooker.
  • Latent heat: specific latent heat of fusion and of vaporizationWAEC note: Use of the method of mixtures and the electrical method to determine the specific latent heats of fusion of ice and of vaporization of steam. Applications in refrigerators and air conditioners. J kg⁻¹ as unit of specific latent heat.
  • Evaporation and boilingWAEC note: Effect of temperature, humidity, surface area and draught on evaporation to be discussed.
  • Vapour and vapour pressureWAEC note: Explanation of vapour and vapour pressure. Demonstration of vapour pressure using simple experiments. Saturated vapour pressure and its relation to boiling.
  • Humidity, relative humidity and dew pointWAEC note: Measurement of dew point and relative humidity. Estimation of humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry-bulb hygrometer.
  • Humidity and the weatherWAEC note: Formation of dew, fog and rain.

Waves

Our summary: How waves carry energy, the behaviour of light and sound, and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Production and propagation of waves

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

Contents

  • Production and propagation of mechanical wavesWAEC note: Use of ropes and springs (slinky) to generate mechanical waves.
  • Pulsating system: energy transmitted with definite speed, frequency and wavelengthWAEC note: Use of ripple tank to show water waves and to demonstrate energy propagation by waves. Hertz (Hz) as unit of frequency.
  • WaveformWAEC note: Description and graphical representation. Amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period. Sound and light as wave phenomena.
  • Mathematical relationship connecting frequency (ff), wavelength (λ\lambda), period (TT) and velocity (vv)WAEC note: v=fλv = f\lambda and T=1/fT = 1/f; simple problems may be set.

Types of waves

Our summary: Transverse and longitudinal waves, and the equation that describes a travelling wave.

Contents

  • Transverse and longitudinal wavesWAEC note: Examples to be given.
  • Mathematical representation of wave motionWAEC note: Equation y=Asin⁡(ωt±ϕ)y = A \sin(\omega t \pm \phi) to be explained. Questions on phase difference will not be set.

Properties of waves

Our summary: Reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference and standing waves, shown with a ripple tank.

Contents

  • Reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, superposition of progressive waves producing standing (stationary) wavesWAEC note: Ripple tank should be extensively used to demonstrate these properties with plane and circular waves. Explanation of the properties.

Light waves

Our summary: How light travels, reflects, refracts and disperses, and how mirrors, lenses and optical instruments work.

Contents

  • Sources of lightWAEC note: Natural and artificial. Luminous and non-luminous bodies.
  • Rectilinear propagation of lightWAEC note: Formation of shadows and eclipse. Pinhole camera. Simple numerical problems may be set.
  • Reflection of light at plane surfaces: plane mirrorWAEC note: Regular and irregular reflections. Verification of laws of reflection. Formation of images. Inclined plane mirrors. Rotation of mirrors. Applications in periscope, sextant and kaleidoscope.
  • Reflection of light at curved surfaces: concave and convex mirrorsWAEC note: Laws of reflection. Formation of images. Characteristics of images. Use of mirror formulae 1u+1v=1f\frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{f} and magnification m=vum = \frac{v}{u} to solve numerical problems. (Derivation of formulae is not required.) Experimental determination of the focal length of concave mirror. Applications in searchlight, parabolic and driving mirrors, car headlamps etc.
  • Refraction of light at plane surfaces: rectangular glass prism (block) and triangular prismWAEC note: Laws of refraction. Formation of images, real and apparent depths. Critical angle and total internal reflection. Lateral displacement and angle of deviation. Use of minimum deviation equation: μ=sin⁡A+Dm2sin⁡A2\mu = \frac{\sin\frac{A + D_m}{2}}{\sin\frac{A}{2}}.
  • Refraction of light at curved surfaces: converging and diverging lensesWAEC note: (Derivation of the formula is not required.) Applications: periscope, prism binoculars, optical fibres. The mirage. Formation of images. Use of lens formulae 1u+1v=1f\frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{f} and magnification vu\frac{v}{u} to solve numerical problems (derivation of the formulae not required). Experimental determination of the focal length of converging lens. Power of lens in dioptres (D).
  • Application of lenses in optical instrumentsWAEC note: Simple camera, the human eye, film projector, simple and compound microscopes, terrestrial and astronomical telescopes. Angular magnification. Prism binoculars. The structure and function of the camera and the human eye should be compared. Defects of the human eye and their corrections.
  • Dispersion of white light by a triangular glass prismWAEC note: Production of pure spectrum of a white light. Recombination of the components of the spectrum. Colours of objects. Mixing coloured lights.

Electromagnetic waves

Our summary: The family of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays, and what each is used for.

Contents

  • Types of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrumWAEC note: Elementary description and uses of various types of radiation: radio, infrared, visible light, ultra-violet, X-rays, gamma rays.

Sound waves

Our summary: How sound is made and travels, echoes, musical notes, vibrating strings and air columns, and resonance.

Contents

  • Sources of sound
  • Transmission of sound wavesWAEC note: Experiment to show that a material medium is required.
  • Speed of sound in solid, liquid and airWAEC note: To be compared. Dependence of velocity of sound on temperature and pressure to be considered.
  • Echoes and reverberationWAEC note: Use of echoes in mineral exploration, and determination of ocean depth. Thunder and multiple reflections in a large room as examples of reverberation.
  • Noise and music
  • Characteristics of soundWAEC note: Pitch, loudness and quality.
  • Vibration in stringsWAEC note: The use of sonometer to demonstrate the dependence of frequency (ff) on length (ll), tension (TT) and mass per unit length (linear density) (mm) of string should be treated. Use of the formula f0=12lTmf_0 = \frac{1}{2l}\sqrt{\frac{T}{m}} in solving simple numerical problems. Applications in stringed instruments: e.g. guitar, piano, harp and violin.
  • Forced vibrationWAEC note: Use of resonance boxes and sonometer to illustrate forced vibration.
  • Resonance, harmonics and overtonesWAEC note: Use of overtones to explain the quality of a musical note. Applications in percussion instruments: e.g. drum, bell, cymbals, xylophone.
  • Vibration of air in pipes - open and closed pipesWAEC note: Measurement of velocity of sound in air or frequency of tuning fork using the resonance tube. Use of the relationship v=fλv = f\lambda in solving numerical problems. End correction is expected to be mentioned. Applications in wind instruments e.g. organ, flute, trumpet, horn, clarinet and saxophone.

Fields

Our summary: Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, electric circuits, induction and alternating current.

Description and properties of fields

Our summary: What a force field is and how field lines show its shape.

Contents

  • Concept of fieldsWAEC note: Gravitational, electric and magnetic.
  • Properties of a force fieldWAEC note: Use of compass needle and iron filings to show magnetic field lines.

Gravitational field

Our summary: How masses attract each other, and what gravity means for weight and for escaping Earth.

Contents

  • Acceleration due to gravity (gg)WAEC note: gg as gravitational field intensity should be mentioned, g=F/mg = F/m.
  • Gravitational force between two massesWAEC note: Newton's law of gravitation. Masses include protons, electrons and planets. Universal gravitational constant (GG). Relationship between GG and gg.
  • Gravitational potential and escape velocityWAEC note: Calculation of the escape velocity of a rocket from the earth's gravitational field.

Electric field

Our summary: Static charges, capacitors, and current electricity including cells, circuits, resistance and electrical power.

Contents

  • Electrostatics: production of electric chargesWAEC note: Production by friction, induction and contact.
  • Electrostatics: types of distribution of chargesWAEC note: A simple electroscope should be used to detect and compare charges on differently-shaped bodies.
  • Electrostatics: storage of chargesWAEC note: Application in lightning conductors.
  • Electrostatics: electric lines of forceWAEC note: Determination, properties and field patterns of charges.
  • Electrostatics: electric force between point chargesWAEC note: Coulomb's law. Permittivity of a medium.
  • Electrostatics: concepts of electric field, electric field intensity (potential gradient) and electric potentialWAEC note: Calculation of electric field intensity and electric potential of simple systems.
  • Electrostatics: capacitance - definition, arrangement and applicationWAEC note: Factors affecting the capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor. The farad (F) as unit of capacitance. Capacitors in series and in parallel. Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Uses of capacitors: e.g. in radio and television. (Derivation of formulae for capacitance is not required.)
  • Current electricity: production of electric current from primary and secondary cellsWAEC note: Simple cell and its defects. Daniel cell, Leclanché cell (wet and dry). Lead-acid accumulator. Alkaline-cadmium cell. E.m.f. of a cell, the volt (V) as unit of e.m.f.
  • Current electricity: potential difference and electric currentWAEC note: Ohm's law and resistance. Verification of Ohm's law. The volt (V), ampere (A) and ohm (Ω) as units of p.d., current and resistance respectively.
  • Current electricity: electric circuitWAEC note: Series and parallel arrangement of cells and resistors. Lost volt and internal resistance of batteries.
  • Current electricity: electric conduction through materialsWAEC note: Ohmic and non-ohmic conductors. Examples of ohmic conductors are metals, non-ohmic conductors are semiconductors.
  • Current electricity: electric energy and powerWAEC note: Quantitative definition of electrical energy and power. Heating effect of an electric current and its application. Conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy e.g. electric motors. Conversion of solar energy to electrical and heat energies: e.g. solar cells, solar heaters.
  • Current electricity: shunt and multiplierWAEC note: Use in conversion of a galvanometer into an ammeter and a voltmeter.
  • Current electricity: resistivity and conductivityWAEC note: Factors affecting the electrical resistance of a material should be treated. Simple problems may be set.
  • Current electricity: measurement of electric current, potential difference, resistance, e.m.f. and internal resistance of a cellWAEC note: Principle of operation and use of ammeter, voltmeter, potentiometer. The Wheatstone bridge and metre bridge.

Magnetic field

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

Contents

  • Properties of magnets and magnetic materialsWAEC note: Practical examples such as soft iron, steel and alloys.
  • Magnetization and demagnetizationWAEC note: Temporary and permanent magnets. Comparison of iron and steel as magnetic materials.
  • Concept of magnetic fieldWAEC note: Magnetic flux and magnetic flux density. Magnetic field around a permanent magnet, a current-carrying conductor and a solenoid. Plotting of line of force to locate neutral points. Units of magnetic flux and magnetic flux density as weber (Wb) and tesla (T) respectively.
  • Magnetic force on (i) a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field; (ii) between two parallel current-carrying conductorsWAEC note: Qualitative treatment only. Applications: electric motor and moving-coil galvanometer.
  • Use of electromagnetsWAEC note: Examples in electric bell, telephone earpiece etc.
  • The earth's magnetic fieldWAEC note: Mariner's compass. Angles of dip and declination.
  • Magnetic force on a moving charged particleWAEC note: Solving simple problems involving the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field, using F=qvBsin⁡θF = qvB\sin\theta.

Electromagnetic field

Our summary: How moving magnets and currents interact, induction, generators and transformers, and power transmission.

Contents

  • Concept of electromagnetic fieldWAEC note: Identifying the directions of current, magnetic field and force in an electromagnetic field (Fleming's left-hand rule).
  • Electromagnetic induction - Faraday's law, Lenz's law and motor-generator effectWAEC note: Applications: generator (d.c. and a.c.), induction coil and transformer. The principles underlying the production of direct and alternating currents should be treated. Equation E=E0sin⁡ωtE = E_0 \sin\omega t should be explained.
  • InductanceWAEC note: Qualitative explanation of self and mutual inductance. The unit of inductance is henry (H). Application in radio, T.V., transformer. (Derivation of formula is not required.)
  • Eddy currentsWAEC note: A method of reducing eddy current losses should be treated. Applications in induction furnace, speedometer, etc.
  • Power transmission and distributionWAEC note: Reduction of power losses in high-tension transmission lines. Household wiring system should be discussed.

Simple a.c. circuits

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

Contents

  • Graphical representation of e.m.f. and current in an a.c. circuitWAEC note: Graphs of the equations I=I0sin⁡ωtI = I_0 \sin\omega t and E=E0sin⁡ωtE = E_0 \sin\omega t should be treated.
  • Peak and r.m.s. valuesWAEC note: Phase relationship between voltage and current in the circuit elements: resistor, inductor and capacitor.
  • Series circuit containing resistor, inductor and capacitorWAEC note: Simple calculations involving a.c. circuit. (Derivation of formulae is not required.)
  • Reactance and impedanceWAEC note: XLX_L and XCX_C should be treated. Simple numerical problems may be set.
  • Vector diagrams
  • Resonance in an a.c. circuitWAEC note: Applications in tuning of radio and T.V. should be discussed.
  • Power in an a.c. circuit

Atomic and nuclear physics

Our summary: The structure of the atom and nucleus, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and the particle side of light and matter.

Structure of the atom

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

Contents

  • Models of the atomWAEC note: Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr and electron-cloud (wave-mechanical) models should be discussed qualitatively. Limitations of each model. Quantization of angular momentum (Bohr).
  • Energy quantizationWAEC note: Energy levels in the atom. Colour and light frequency. Treatment should include the following: Franck-Hertz experiment, line spectra from hot bodies, absorption spectra and spectra of discharge lamps.
  • Photoelectric effectWAEC note: Explanation of photoelectric effect. Dual nature of light. Work function and threshold frequency. Einstein's photoelectric equation and its explanation. Application in T.V., camera, etc. Simple problems may be set.
  • Thermionic emissionWAEC note: Explanation and applications.
  • X-raysWAEC note: Production of X-rays and structure of X-ray tube. Types, characteristics, properties, uses and hazards of X-rays. Safety precautions.

Structure of the nucleus

Our summary: What the nucleus is made of, radioactive decay and half-life, and fission and fusion.

Contents

  • Composition of the nucleusWAEC note: Protons and neutrons. Nucleon number (AA), proton number (ZZ), neutron number (NN) and the equation A=Z+NA = Z + N to be treated. Nuclides and their notation. Isotopes.
  • Radioactivity - natural and artificialWAEC note: Radioactive elements, radioactive emissions (α\alpha, β\beta, γ\gamma) and their properties and uses. Detection of radiations by G-M counter, photographic plates, etc. should be mentioned. Radioactive decay, half-life and decay constant. Transformation of elements. Applications of radioactivity in agriculture, medicine, industry, archaeology, etc.
  • Nuclear reactions - fusion and fissionWAEC note: Distinction between fusion and fission. Binding energy, mass defect and energy equation: E=Δmc2E = \Delta m c^2. Nuclear reactors. Atomic bomb. Radiation hazards and safety precautions. Peaceful uses of nuclear reactions.

Wave-particle paradox

Our summary: Why light and matter can each behave like both waves and particles.

Contents

  • Electron diffractionWAEC note: Simple illustration of the dual nature of light.
  • Duality of matter

Harmonised topics for short structured questions

Our summary: Extra topics common to all member countries that can be asked as short structured questions.

Derived quantities and dimensional analysis

Our summary: Using dimensions of quantities to check equations and work out units.

Contents

  • Fundamental quantities and unitsWAEC note: e.g. length, mass, time, electric current, luminous intensity etc.; m, kg, s, A, cd etc. as their respective units.
  • Derived quantities and unitsWAEC note: e.g. volume, density, speed etc.; m³, kg m⁻³, m s⁻¹ etc. as their respective units.
  • Explanation of dimensions in terms of fundamental and derived quantities
  • Uses of dimensionsWAEC note: To verify dimensional correctness of a given equation; to derive the relationship between quantities; to obtain derived units.

Projectile motion

Our summary: How an object thrown into the air moves, including its range, greatest height and time of flight.

Contents

  • Concept of projectiles as an object thrown/released into spaceWAEC note: Applications of projectiles in warfare, sports etc. Simple problems involving range, maximum height and time of flight may be set.

Satellites and rockets

Our summary: How satellites orbit the earth and what satellites and rockets are used for.

Contents

  • Meaning of a satellite
  • Comparison of natural and artificial satellites
  • Parking orbits, geostationary satellites and period of revolution and speed of a satellite
  • Uses of satellites and rockets

Elastic properties of solids, thermal conductivity and black body radiation

Our summary: How solids stretch under load, how heat conducts through materials, and how hot bodies radiate.

Contents

  • Elastic properties of solids: Hooke's law, Young's modulus and work done in springs and stringsWAEC note: Behaviour of elastic materials under stress - features of load-extension graph. Simple calculations on Hooke's law and Young's modulus.
  • Thermal conductivity: solar energy collector and black body radiationWAEC note: Solar energy; solar panel for heat energy supply. Explanation of a blackbody. Variation of intensity of black body radiation with wavelength at different temperatures.

Fibre optics

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

Contents

  • Explanation of concept of fibre optics
  • Principle of transmission of light through an optical fibre
  • Applications of fibre opticsWAEC note: e.g. local area networks (LAN), medicine, sensing devices, carrying laser beams etc.

Introduction to LASER

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

Contents

  • Meaning of LASER
  • Types of LASERSWAEC note: Solid state, gas, liquid and semi-conductor LASERS.
  • Application of LASERSWAEC note: In scientific research, communication, medicine, military technology, holograms etc.
  • Dangers involved in using LASERS

Magnetic materials

Our summary: Where magnets and ferromagnetic materials are used.

Contents

  • Uses of magnets and ferromagnetic materials

Electrical conduction through materials (electronic)

Our summary: Why conductors, semiconductors and insulators differ, and how diodes and doped semiconductors work.

Contents

  • Distinction between conductors, semiconductors and insulators in terms of band theory
  • Semiconductor materials (silicon and germanium)
  • Meaning of intrinsic semiconductorsWAEC note: Example of materials: silicon and germanium.
  • Charge carriers
  • DopingWAEC note: Production of p-type and n-type extrinsic semiconductors.
  • Junction diodeWAEC note: Forward and reverse biasing, voltage characteristics.
  • Uses of diodesWAEC note: Half and full wave rectification.

Structure of matter

Our summary: Using the kinetic theory to explain diffusion.

Contents

  • Use of kinetic theory to explain diffusion

Wave-particle paradox

Our summary: The wave and particle sides of light and matter, as a short structured question topic.

Contents

  • Electron diffraction
  • Duality of matter
  • Simple illustrations of dual nature of light

More from the WAEC Physics syllabus

Aims

  • To acquire proper understanding of the basic principles and applications of Physics.
  • To develop scientific skills and attitudes as pre-requisites for further scientific activities.
  • To recognize the usefulness and limitations of scientific method, and to appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life.
  • To develop abilities, attitudes and skills that encourage efficient and safe practice.
  • To develop scientific attitudes such as accuracy, precision, objectivity, integrity, initiative and inventiveness.

Assessment objectives

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of (a) scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories; (b) scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units); (c) the use of scientific apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety; (d) scientific quantities and their determinations; (e) scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.
Information handling and problem-solving
Candidates should be able, using visual, oral, aural and written (including symbolic, diagrammatic, graphical and numerical) information, to (a) locate, select, organize and present information from a variety of sources including everyday experience; (b) analyse and evaluate information and other data; (c) use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw inferences; (d) present reasonable explanations for natural occurrences, patterns and relationships; (e) make predictions from data.
Experimental and problem-solving techniques
Candidates should be able to (a) follow instructions; (b) carry out experimental procedures using apparatus; (c) make and record observations, measurements and estimates with due regard to precision, accuracy and units; (d) interpret, evaluate and report on observations and experimental data; (e) identify problems, plan and carry out investigations, including the selection of techniques, apparatus, measuring devices and materials; (f) evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements; (g) state and explain the necessary precautions taken in experiments to obtain accurate results.

Other information

Practical work
It is important that candidates are involved in practical activities in covering this syllabus.
Topics and notes
Candidates will be expected to answer questions on the topics set in the column headed 'TOPIC'. The 'NOTES' are intended to indicate the scope of the questions which will be set but they are not to be considered as an exhaustive list of limitations and illustrations.
S.I. units
Questions will be set in S.I. units. However, multiples or sub-multiples of the units may be used.

Syllabus content © The West African Examinations Council. Taken from https://waecsyllabus.com/files/ssce/PHYSICS.pdf (WASSCE (harmonised West African syllabus)).

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