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JAMB UTME Syllabus

Physics Syllabus

The official JAMB UTME Physics syllabus: measurements and units, mechanics, heat, waves, light, electricity, magnetism and modern physics β€” with the objectives examiners test.

← All syllabuses Practise Physics in the app β†’
Source: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) β€” Integrated Brochure & Syllabus System (IBASS). Official document at ibass.jamb.gov.ng Β· Download PDF.

Physics

Measurements and Units

  • β€’fundamental units: length, mass, time, electric charge, temperature, luminous intensity, amount of substance
  • β€’derived units: weight, area, volume, force, speed etc.
  • β€’measuring instruments: vernier caliper, metre rule, micrometer screw gauge, measuring cylinder, stop watch and beam balance
  • β€’derived physical quantities and their units
  • β€’dimensions
  • β€’limitations of experimental measurements

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“identify the units of length, area and volume
  • βœ“use different measuring instruments
  • βœ“determine the lengths, surface areas and volume of regular and irregular bodies
  • βœ“identify the unit of mass
  • βœ“use simple beam balance
  • βœ“identify the unit of time
  • βœ“use different time-measuring devices
  • βœ“relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units
  • βœ“deduce the units of derived physical quantities
  • βœ“determine the dimensions of physical quantities
  • βœ“use the dimensions to determine the units of physical quantities
  • βœ“test the homogeneity of an equation
  • βœ“determine the accuracy of measuring instruments
  • βœ“estimate simple errors
  • βœ“express measurements in standard form
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Scalars and Vectors

  • β€’definition of scalar and vector quantities
  • β€’examples of scalar and vector quantities
  • β€’relative velocity
  • β€’resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions including graphical methods of solution

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“distinguish between scalar and vector quantities
  • βœ“give examples of scalar and vector quantities
  • βœ“determine the resultant of two or more vectors
  • βœ“determine relative velocity
  • βœ“resolve vectors into two perpendicular components
  • βœ“use graphical methods to solve vector problems
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Measurement, Position, Distance and Displacement

  • β€’concept of displacement
  • β€’distinction between distance and displacement
  • β€’concept of position and coordinates
  • β€’frame of reference

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“use strings, meter rule and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge
  • βœ“note the degree of accuracy
  • βœ“identify distance travel in a specified direction
  • βœ“use compass and protractor to locate points/directions
  • βœ“use Cartesian systems to locate positions in x-y plane
  • βœ“plot graph and draw inference from the graph
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Motion

  • β€’Newton’s laws of motion
  • β€’types of motion: translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random
  • β€’relative motion
  • β€’causes of motion
  • β€’types of force: contact and force field
  • β€’linear motion: speed, velocity and acceleration; equations of uniformly accelerated motion; motion under gravity; distance-time graph and velocity-time graph
  • β€’projectiles
  • β€’motion in a circle
  • β€’simple harmonic motion (S.H.M)

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“identify different types of motion
  • βœ“solve numerical problems on collinear motion
  • βœ“identify force as cause of motion
  • βœ“identify push and pull as forms of force
  • βœ“identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces
  • βœ“differentiate between speed, velocity and acceleration
  • βœ“deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion
  • βœ“solve problems of motion under gravity
  • βœ“interpret distance-time graph and velocity-time graph
  • βœ“compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration
  • βœ“establish expressions for the range, maximum height and time of flight of projectiles, rockets, missiles
  • βœ“solve problems involving projectile motion
  • βœ“solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum
  • βœ“interpret area under force–time graph
  • βœ“interpret Newton’s laws of motion
  • βœ“compare inertia, mass and force
  • βœ“deduce the relationship between mass and acceleration
  • βœ“interpret the law of conservation of linear momentum and application
  • βœ“establish expression for angular velocity, angular acceleration and centripetal force
  • βœ“solve numerical problems involving motion in a circle
  • βœ“establish the relationship between period and frequency
  • βœ“analyse the energy changes occurring during S.H.M
  • βœ“identify different types of forced vibration
  • βœ“enumerate applications of resonance
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Gravitational field

  • β€’Newton’s law of universal gravitation
  • β€’gravitational potential
  • β€’conservative and non-conservative fields
  • β€’acceleration due to gravity
  • β€’variation of g on the earth’s surface
  • β€’distinction between mass and weight
  • β€’escape velocity
  • β€’parking orbit and weightlessness

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies
  • βœ“apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation
  • βœ“give examples of conservative and non-conservative fields
  • βœ“deduce the expression for gravitational field potentials
  • βœ“identify the causes of variation of g on the earth’s surface
  • βœ“differentiate between mass and weight
  • βœ“determine escape velocity
  • βœ“relate the expression for gravitational force between two bodies
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Equilibrium of Forces

  • β€’equilibrium of particles: equilibrium of coplanar forces; triangles and polygon of forces; Lami’s theorem
  • β€’principles of moments: moment of a force; simple treatment and moment of a couple (torque)
  • β€’conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of parallel and non-parallel forces
  • β€’centre of gravity and stability

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“apply the conditions for the equilibrium of coplanar forces to solve problems
  • βœ“use triangle and polygon laws of forces to solve equilibrium problems
  • βœ“use Lami’s theorem to solve problems
  • βœ“analyse the principle of moment of a force
  • βœ“determine moment of a force and couple
  • βœ“describe some applications of moment of a force and couple
  • βœ“apply the conditions for the equilibrium of rigid bodies to solve problems
  • βœ“resolve forces into two perpendicular directions
  • βœ“determine the resultant and equilibrant of forces
  • βœ“differentiate between stable, unstable and neutral equilibria
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Friction

  • β€’static and dynamic friction
  • β€’coefficient of limiting friction and its determination
  • β€’advantages and disadvantages of friction
  • β€’reduction of friction
  • β€’qualitative treatment of viscosity and terminal velocity
  • β€’Stoke’s law

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“differentiate between static and dynamic friction
  • βœ“determine the coefficient of limiting friction
  • βœ“compare the advantages and disadvantages of friction
  • βœ“suggest ways by which friction can be reduced
  • βœ“analyse factors that affect viscosity and terminal velocity
  • βœ“apply Stoke’s law
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Work, Energy and Power

  • β€’definition of work, energy and power
  • β€’forms of energy
  • β€’conservation of energy
  • β€’qualitative treatment between different forms of energy
  • β€’interpretation of area under the force-distance curve
  • β€’energy and society
  • β€’dams and energy production
  • β€’nuclear energy
  • β€’solar energy

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“differentiate between work, energy and power
  • βœ“compare different forms of energy, giving examples
  • βœ“apply the principle of conservation of energy
  • βœ“examine the transformation between different forms of energy
  • βœ“interpret the area under the force–distance curve
  • βœ“solve numerical problems in work, energy and power
  • βœ“itemize the sources of energy
  • βœ“distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy
  • βœ“identify methods of energy transition
  • βœ“explain the importance of energy in the development of the society
  • βœ“analyse the effect of energy use to the environment
  • βœ“identify the impact of energy on the environment
  • βœ“identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment
  • βœ“identify energy uses in their immediate environment
  • βœ“suggest ways of safe energy use
  • βœ“state different forms of energy conversion
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Elasticity: Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus

  • β€’elastic limit, yield point, breaking point
  • β€’the spring balance as a device for measuring force
  • β€’work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“interpret force-extension curves
  • βœ“interpret Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus of a material
  • βœ“use spring balance to measure force
  • βœ“determine the work done in spring and elastic strings
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Pressure

  • β€’atmospheric pressure: definition, units (Pa), measurement, simple mercury barometer, aneroid barometer and manometer
  • β€’variation of pressure with height
  • β€’the use of barometer as an altimeter
  • β€’pressure in liquids: the relationship between pressure, depth and density (P = ρgh); transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal’s Principle)

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“recognize the S.I units of pressure (Pa)
  • βœ“identify pressure measuring instruments
  • βœ“relate the variation of pressure to height
  • βœ“use a barometer as an altimeter
  • βœ“determine the relationship between pressure, depth and density
  • βœ“apply the principle of transmission of pressure in liquids to solve problems
  • βœ“determine and apply the principle of pressure in liquid
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Liquids At Rest

  • β€’determination of density of solids and liquids
  • β€’definition of relative density
  • β€’upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
  • β€’Archimedes’ principle and law of floatation and applications, e.g., ships and hydrometers

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“distinguish between density and relative density of substances
  • βœ“determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
  • βœ“apply Archimedes’ principle and law of floatation to solve problems
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Temperature and Its Measurement

  • β€’concept of temperature
  • β€’thermometric properties
  • β€’calibration of thermometers
  • β€’temperature scales – Celsius and Kelvin
  • β€’types of thermometers
  • β€’conversion from one scale of temperature to another

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“identify thermometric properties of materials that are used for different thermometers
  • βœ“calibrate thermometers
  • βœ“differentiate between temperature scales e.g. Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin
  • βœ“compare the types of thermometers
  • βœ“convert from one scale of temperature to another
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Quantity of Heat

  • β€’heat as a form of energy
  • β€’definition of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of solids and liquids
  • β€’determination of heat capacity and specific heat capacity by simple methods e.g. method of mixtures, electrical method and Newton’s law of cooling

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity
  • βœ“determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity using simple methods
  • βœ“solve numerical problems
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Change of State

  • β€’latent heat
  • β€’specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization
  • β€’melting, evaporation and boiling
  • β€’the influence of pressure and of dissolved substances on boiling and melting points
  • β€’application in appliances

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization
  • βœ“differentiate between melting, evaporation and boiling
  • βœ“examine the effects of pressure and of dissolved substance on boiling and melting points
  • βœ“solve numerical problems
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Thermal Expansion

  • β€’solids: definition and determination of linear, volume and area expansivities; effects and applications
  • β€’liquids: volume expansivity; real and apparent expansivities; anomalous expansion of water

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“determine linear and volume expansivities
  • βœ“assess the effects and applications of thermal expansivities
  • βœ“determine the relationship between different expansivities
  • βœ“determine volume, apparent, and real expansivities of liquids
  • βœ“analyse the anomalous expansion of water
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Gas Laws

  • β€’Boyle’s law (isothermal process)
  • β€’Charles’ law (isobaric process)
  • β€’pressure law (volumetric process)
  • β€’absolute zero of temperature
  • β€’general gas equation
  • β€’ideal gas equation e.g. Pv = nRT
  • β€’Van der Waal gas

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“interpret the gas laws
  • βœ“use expression of these laws to solve numerical problems
  • βœ“interpret Van der Waal equation for one mole of a real gas
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Vapours

  • β€’unsaturated and saturated vapours
  • β€’relationship between saturated vapour pressure (S.V.P) and boiling
  • β€’determination of S.V.P by barometer tube method
  • β€’formation of dew, mist, fog, cloud and rain
  • β€’study of dew point, humidity and relative humidity
  • β€’hygrometry; estimation of the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“distinguish between saturated and unsaturated vapours
  • βœ“relate saturated vapour pressure to boiling point
  • βœ“determine S.V.P by barometer tube method
  • βœ“differentiate between dew point, humidity and relative humidity
  • βœ“estimate the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers
  • βœ“solve numerical problems
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory

  • β€’molecular nature of matter: atoms and molecules; molecular theory (Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact)
  • β€’kinetic theory: assumptions; using the theory to explain the pressure exerted by gas, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, melting, boiling, vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“differentiate between atoms and molecules
  • βœ“use molecular theory to explain Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angle of contact
  • βœ“examine the assumptions of kinetic theory
  • βœ“interpret kinetic theory, the pressure exerted by gases, Boyle’s law, Charles’s law, melting, boiling, vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Heat Transfer

  • β€’conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer
  • β€’temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
  • β€’effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it
  • β€’the conductivities of common materials
  • β€’the thermos flask/vacuum flask
  • β€’land and sea breeze
  • β€’combustion engines

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“differentiate between conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer
  • βœ“solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
  • βœ“assess the effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it
  • βœ“compare the conductivities of common materials
  • βœ“relate the component part of the working of the thermos flask
  • βœ“differentiate between land and sea breeze
  • βœ“analyse the principles of operating internal combustion jet engines, rockets
  • βœ“understand the advantages and disadvantages of electric engine over combustion engine
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Waves

  • β€’production and propagation: wave motion; vibrating systems as source of waves; waves as mode of energy transfer; frequency, wavelength and wave velocity (V = fΞ»); phase difference, wave number and wave vector; progressive wave equation
  • β€’classification: types of waves (mechanical and electromagnetic; longitudinal and transverse; stationary and progressive)
  • β€’characteristics/properties: reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization; superposition of waves e.g. interference; beats; Doppler effects (qualitative treatment only)

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“interpret wave motion
  • βœ“identify vibrating systems as sources of waves
  • βœ“use waves as a mode of energy transfer
  • βœ“distinguish between particle motion and wave motion
  • βœ“relate frequency and wave length to wave velocity
  • βœ“determine phase difference, wave number and wave vector
  • βœ“use the progressive wave equation to compute basic wave parameters
  • βœ“differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves
  • βœ“differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves
  • βœ“distinguish between stationary and progressive waves
  • βœ“indicate the examples of waves generated from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank
  • βœ“differentiate between reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization of waves
  • βœ“analyse the principle of superposition of waves
  • βœ“solve numerical problems on waves; explain the phenomenon of beat, beat frequency and uses
  • βœ“explain Doppler effect of sound and application
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Propagation of Sound Waves

  • β€’the necessity for a material medium
  • β€’speed of sound in solids, liquids and air
  • β€’reflection of sound; echoes, reverberation and their applications
  • β€’advantages and disadvantages of echoes and reverberations

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“determine the need for a material medium in the propagation of sound waves
  • βœ“compare the speed of sound in solids, liquids and air
  • βœ“relate the effects of temperature and pressure to the speed of sound in air
  • βœ“solve problems on echoes, reverberation and speed of sound
  • βœ“compare the disadvantages and advantages of echoes
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Characteristics of Sound Waves

  • β€’noise and musical notes
  • β€’quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and their application to musical instruments
  • β€’simple treatment of harmonics and overtones produced by vibrating strings and their columns
  • β€’acoustic examples of resonance
  • β€’frequency of a note emitted by air columns in closed and open pipes in relation to their lengths

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“differentiate between noise and musical notes
  • βœ“analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound notes
  • βœ“evaluate the application of quality, pitch, intensity and loudness in the construction of musical instruments
  • βœ“identify overtones by vibrating strings and air columns
  • βœ“itemize acoustical examples of resonance
  • βœ“determine the frequencies of notes emitted by air columns in open and closed pipes in relation to their lengths
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Light Energy

  • β€’sources of light: natural and artificial sources of light; luminous and non-luminous objects
  • β€’propagation of light: speed, frequency and wavelength of light; formation of shadows and eclipse; the pin-hole camera

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“compare the natural and artificial sources of light
  • βœ“differentiate between luminous and non-luminous objects
  • βœ“relate the speed, frequency and wavelength of light
  • βœ“interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses
  • βœ“solve problems using the principle of operation of a pin-hole camera
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces

  • β€’laws of reflection
  • β€’application of reflection of light
  • β€’formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors and ray diagrams
  • β€’use of the mirror formula
  • β€’linear and angular magnification

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“interpret the laws of reflection
  • βœ“illustrate the formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors
  • βœ“apply the mirror formula to solve optical problems
  • βœ“determine the linear magnification
  • βœ“apply the laws of reflection of light to the working of periscope, kaleidoscope and the sextant
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Refraction of Light Through Plane and Curved Surfaces

  • β€’laws of refraction
  • β€’explanation of refraction in terms of velocity of light in the media
  • β€’definition of refractive index of a medium
  • β€’determination of refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law
  • β€’real and apparent depth and lateral displacement
  • β€’critical angle and total internal reflection
  • β€’glass prism
  • β€’type of lenses
  • β€’use of lens formula and Newton’s formula
  • β€’magnification

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“interpret the laws of refraction
  • βœ“determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law
  • βœ“determine focal length of curved surfaces
  • βœ“determine the refractive index using the principle of real and apparent depth
  • βœ“determine the conditions necessary for total internal reflection
  • βœ“examine the use of periscope, prism, binoculars, optical fibre
  • βœ“apply the principles of total internal reflection to the formation of mirage
  • βœ“use lens formula and ray diagrams to solve optical numerical problems
  • βœ“determine the magnification of an image
  • βœ“calculate the refractive index of a glass prism using minimum deviation formula
  • βœ“trace rays through an optical prism
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Optical Instruments

  • β€’general principles of microscopes, telescopes, projectors, cameras and the human eye
  • β€’power of a lens
  • β€’angular magnification
  • β€’near and far points
  • β€’sight defects and their corrections

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“apply the principles of operation of optical instruments to solve problems
  • βœ“distinguish between the human eye and the camera
  • βœ“calculate the power of a lens
  • βœ“evaluate the angular magnification of optical instruments
  • βœ“determine the near and far points
  • βœ“detect sight defects and their corrections
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Dispersion of light and colours

  • β€’dispersion of white light by a triangular prism
  • β€’production of pure spectrum
  • β€’colour mixing by addition and subtraction
  • β€’colour of objects and colour filters
  • β€’rainbow and formation
  • β€’electromagnetic spectrum

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“identify primary colours and obtain secondary colours by mixing
  • βœ“understand the formation of rainbow
  • βœ“deduce why objects have colours
  • βœ“analyse colours using colour filters
  • βœ“analyse the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to their wavelengths, sources, detection and uses
  • βœ“define monochromatic light
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Electrostatics

  • β€’existence of positive and negative charges in matter
  • β€’charging a body by friction, contact and induction
  • β€’electroscope
  • β€’Coulomb’s inverse square law, electric field and potential
  • β€’electric field intensity, potential and potential difference
  • β€’electric discharge and lightning

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“identify charges
  • βœ“examine uses of an electroscope
  • βœ“apply Coulomb’s square law of electrostatics to solve problems
  • βœ“deduce expressions for electric field intensity and potential difference
  • βœ“identify electric field flux patterns of isolated and interacting charges
  • βœ“analyse the distribution of charges on a conductor and how it is used in lightning conductors
  • βœ“charge a body by friction, induction and contact
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Capacitors

  • β€’types and functions of capacitors
  • β€’parallel plate capacitors
  • β€’capacitance of a capacitor
  • β€’the relationship between capacitance, area, separation of plates and medium between the plates
  • β€’capacitors in series and parallel
  • β€’energy stored in a capacitor

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“determine uses of capacitors
  • βœ“analyse parallel plate capacitors
  • βœ“determine the capacitance of a capacitor
  • βœ“analyse the factors that affect the capacitance of a capacitor
  • βœ“solve problems involving the arrangement of a capacitor
  • βœ“determine the energy stored in capacitors
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Electric Cells

  • β€’simple voltaic cell and its defects
  • β€’Daniel cell, Leclanche cell (wet and dry)
  • β€’lead–acid accumulator and Nickel-Iron (Nife), Lithium ion and Mercury cadmium
  • β€’maintenance of cells and batteries
  • β€’arrangement of cells
  • β€’efficiency of a cell

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“identify the defects of the simple voltaic cell and their correction
  • βœ“compare different types of cells including solar cell
  • βœ“compare the advantages of lead-acid and Nickel iron accumulator
  • βœ“solve problems involving series and parallel combination of cells
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Current Electricity

  • β€’electromotive force (emf), potential difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance of a cell and lost volt
  • β€’Ohm’s law, resistivity and conductivity
  • β€’measurement of resistance
  • β€’meter bridge
  • β€’resistance in series and in parallel and their combination
  • β€’the potentiometer method of measuring emf, current and internal resistance of a cell
  • β€’electrical networks

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“differentiate between emf, p.d., current and internal resistance of a cell
  • βœ“apply Ohm’s law to solve problems
  • βœ“use metre bridge to calculate resistance
  • βœ“compute effective total resistance of both parallel and series arrangement of resistors
  • βœ“determine the resistivity and the conductivity of a conductor
  • βœ“measure emf, current and internal resistance of a cell using the potentiometer
  • βœ“identify the advantages of the potentiometer
  • βœ“apply Kirchhoff’s law in electrical networks
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Electrical Energy and Power

  • β€’concepts of electrical energy and power
  • β€’commercial unit of electric energy and power
  • β€’electric power transmission
  • β€’heating effects of electric current
  • β€’electrical wiring of houses
  • β€’use of fuses

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“apply the expressions of electrical energy and power to solve problems
  • βœ“analyse how power is transmitted from the power station to the consumer
  • βœ“identify the heating effects of current and its uses
  • βœ“identify the advantages of parallel arrangement over series
  • βœ“determine the fuse rating
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Magnets and Magnetic Fields

  • β€’natural and artificial magnets
  • β€’magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
  • β€’methods of making magnets and demagnetization
  • β€’concept of magnetic field
  • β€’magnetic field of a permanent magnet
  • β€’magnetic field round a straight current-carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid
  • β€’properties of the earth’s magnetic field
  • β€’flux and flux density
  • β€’variation of magnetic field intensity over the earth’s surface
  • β€’applications: earth’s magnetic field in navigation and mineral exploration

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“give examples of natural and artificial magnets
  • βœ“differentiate between the magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
  • βœ“identify the various methods of making magnets and demagnetizing magnets
  • βœ“describe how to keep a magnet from losing its magnetism
  • βœ“determine the flux pattern of an isolated magnet
  • βœ“determine the flux pattern exhibited when two magnets are placed together pole to pole
  • βœ“determine the flux of a current-carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid including the polarity of the solenoid
  • βœ“determine the flux pattern of a magnet placed in the earth’s magnetic fields
  • βœ“identify the magnetic elements of the earth’s flux
  • βœ“determine the variation of earth’s magnetic field on the earth’s surface
  • βœ“examine the applications of the earth’s magnetic field
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field

  • β€’quantitative treatment of force between two parallel current-carrying conductors
  • β€’force on a charge moving in a magnetic field
  • β€’the d.c. motor
  • β€’electromagnets
  • β€’carbon microphone
  • β€’moving coil and moving iron instruments
  • β€’conversion of galvanometers to ammeters and voltmeter using shunts and multipliers
  • β€’sensitivity of a galvanometer

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“determine the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor using Fleming’s left-hand rule
  • βœ“interpret the attractive and repulsive forces between two parallel current-carrying conductors using diagrams
  • βœ“determine the relationship between the force, magnetic field strength, velocity and the angle through which the charge enters the field
  • βœ“interpret the working of the d.c. motor
  • βœ“analyse the principle of electromagnets and give examples of its application
  • βœ“compare moving iron and moving coil instruments
  • βœ“convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or a voltmeter
  • βœ“identify the factors affecting the sensitivity of a galvanometer
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Electromagnetic Induction

  • β€’Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction
  • β€’Lenz’s law as an illustration of the principle of conservation of energy
  • β€’factors affecting induced emf
  • β€’a.c. and d.c generators
  • β€’transformers
  • β€’the induction coil
  • β€’inductance
  • β€’eddy current

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“interpret the laws of electromagnetic induction
  • βœ“identify factors affecting induced emf
  • βœ“recognize how Lenz’s law illustrates the principle of conservation of energy
  • βœ“interpret the diagrammatic set up of A.C. generators
  • βœ“identify the types of transformer
  • βœ“examine principles of operation of transformers
  • βœ“assess the functions of an induction coil
  • βœ“draw some conclusions from the principles of operation of an induction coil
  • βœ“interpret the inductance of an inductor
  • βœ“recognize units of inductance
  • βœ“calculate the effective total inductance in series and parallel arrangement
  • βœ“deduce the expression for the energy stored in an inductor
  • βœ“examine the applications of inductors
  • βœ“describe the method by which eddy current losses can be reduced
  • βœ“determine ways by which eddy currents can be used
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Simple A.C. Circuits

  • β€’explanation of a.c. current and voltage
  • β€’peak and r.m.s. values
  • β€’a.c. source connected to a resistor
  • β€’a.c. source connected to a capacitor β€” capacitive reactance
  • β€’a.c. source connected to an inductor β€” inductive reactance
  • β€’R-L-C circuits
  • β€’vector diagram, phase angle and power factor
  • β€’resistance and impedance
  • β€’effective voltage in an R-L-C circuit
  • β€’resonance and resonance frequency

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“identify a.c. current and d.c. voltage
  • βœ“differentiate between the peak and r.m.s. values of a.c.
  • βœ“determine the phase difference between current and voltage
  • βœ“interpret R-L-C circuits
  • βœ“analyse vector diagrams
  • βœ“calculate the effective voltage, reactance and impedance
  • βœ“recognize the condition by which the circuit is at resonance
  • βœ“determine the resonant frequency of R-L-C arrangement
  • βœ“determine the instantaneous power, average power and the power factor in a.c. circuits
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Conduction of Electricity Through Liquids and Gases

  • β€’liquids: electrolytes and non-electrolyte; concept of electrolysis; Faraday’s laws of electrolysis; application of electrolysis e.g. electroplating, calibration of ammeter
  • β€’gases: discharge through gases (qualitative treatment only); application of conduction of electricity through gases

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes
  • βœ“analyse the processes of electrolysis
  • βœ“apply Faraday’s laws of electrolysis to solve problems
  • βœ“analyse discharge through gases
  • βœ“determine some applications/uses of conduction of electricity through gases
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Elementary Modern Physics

  • β€’Bohr’s theory, Rutherford’s theory and radioactivity
  • β€’models of the atom and their limitations
  • β€’elementary structure of the atom
  • β€’energy levels and spectra
  • β€’thermionic and photoelectric emissions
  • β€’Einstein’s equation and stopping potential
  • β€’applications of thermionic emissions and photoelectric effects
  • β€’simple method of production of x-rays
  • β€’properties and applications of alpha, beta and gamma rays
  • β€’half-life and decay constant
  • β€’simple ideas of production of energy by fusion and fission
  • β€’binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s energy equation [βˆ†E = βˆ†McΒ²]
  • β€’wave-particle (duality of matter)
  • β€’electron diffraction
  • β€’the uncertainty principle

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“identify the models of the atom and write their limitations
  • βœ“describe elementary structure of the atom
  • βœ“differentiate between the energy levels and spectra of atoms
  • βœ“compare thermionic emission and photoelectric emission
  • βœ“apply Einstein’s equation to solve problems of photoelectric effect
  • βœ“calculate the stopping potential
  • βœ“relate some application of thermionic emission and photoelectric effects
  • βœ“interpret the process involved in the production of x-rays
  • βœ“identify some properties and applications of x-rays
  • βœ“analyse elementary radioactivity
  • βœ“distinguish between stable and unstable nuclei
  • βœ“identify isotopes of an element
  • βœ“compare the properties of alpha, beta and gamma rays
  • βœ“relate half-life and decay constant of a radioactive element
  • βœ“determine the binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s energy equation
  • βœ“analyse wave particle duality
  • βœ“solve some numerical problems based on the uncertainty principle and wave–particle duality
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Introductory Electronics

  • β€’distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators (elementary knowledge of band gap is required)
  • β€’intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors (n-type and p-type semiconductors)
  • β€’uses of semiconductors and diodes in rectification and transistors in amplification
  • β€’elementary knowledge of diodes and transistors

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“differentiate between conductors, semi-conductors and insulators
  • βœ“distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors
  • βœ“distinguish between electron and hole carriers
  • βœ“analyse diodes and transistors
  • βœ“relate diodes to rectification and transistors to amplification
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

Introduction to fibre optics and lasers

  • β€’fibre optics
  • β€’lasers

Objectives β€” candidates should be able to:

  • βœ“explain the concept of fibre optics
  • βœ“understand the principle of transmission of light through an optical fibre
  • βœ“apply the principle of fibre optics in Local Area Network (LAN), medicine, laser beam etc.
  • βœ“understand the meaning of laser
  • βœ“understand the various types of lasers (solid state, gas, liquid and semiconductor lasers)
  • βœ“apply the knowledge of lasers in scientific research, communication, medicine, military technology, holograms etc.
  • βœ“identify the dangers involved in using lasers
Practise this topic β€” 100s of questions, revision notes & interactive widgets in the app β†’

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