The current official Physics JAMB Syllabus for UTME candidates is now available. The JAMB syllabus contains all the topics UTME candidates writing the JAMB CBT exam are expected to cover before the examination to ensure they are adequately prepared for the examination.
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Here we have provided you the detailed, complete and current JAMB Syllabus for Physics. To view the JAMB Syllabus for all subjects, go to: Official JAMB Syllabus For All Subjects
Current JAMB Syllabus – Physics
The aim of the 2016/2017 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:
(1) sustain their interest in physics;
(2) develop attitude relevant to physics that encourage accuracy, precision and objectivity;
(3) interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions, concepts and other theories;
(4) demonstrate the ability to solve correctly physics problems using relevant theories and concepts.
Current JAMB Syllabus – Physics: DETAILED SYLLABUS/CONTENTS
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS(a) Length, area and volume: Metre rule, Venier calipers Micrometer | Candidates should be able to: i. identify the units of length, area and volume; ii. use different measuring instruments; iii. determine the lengths, surface areas and volume of regular and irregular bodies; iv. identify the unit of mass; v. use simple beam balance, e.g Buchart’s balance and chemical balance; vi. identify the unit of time; vii. use different time-measuring devices; viii. relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units; ix. deduce the units of derived physical quantities; x. determine the dimensions of physical quantities; xi. use the dimensions to determine the units of physical quantities; xii. test the homogeneity of an equation; xiii. determine the accuracy of measuring instruments; xiv. estimate simple errors; xv. express measurements in standard form. Candidates should be able to: i. use strings, meter ruler and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer, screw guage ii. note the degree of accuracy iii. identify distance travel in a specified direction iv. use compass and protractor to locate points/directions v. use Cartesians systems to locate positions in x-y plane vi. plot graph and draw inference from the graph. |
2. Scalars and Vectors(i) definition of scalar and vector quantities | Candidates should be able to: i. distinguish between scalar and vector quantities; ii. give examples of scalar and vector quantities; iii. determine the resultant of two or more vectors; iv. determine relative velocity; v. resolve vectors into two perpendicular components; vi. use graphical methods to solve vector problems; |
3. Motion(a) Types of motion: | Candidates should be able to : i. identify different types of motion ; ii. solve numerical problem on collinear motion; iii. identify force as cause of motion; iv. identify push and pull as form of force v. identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces; vi. differentiate between speed, velocity and acceleration; vii.deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion; viii. solve problems of motion under gravity; ix. interpret distance-time graph and velocity-time graph; x. compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration xi. establish expressions for the range, maximum height and time of flight of projectiles; xii. solve problems involving projectile motion; xiii. solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum; xiv. interpretation of area under force – time graph xv. interpret Newton’s laws of motion; xvi. compare inertia, mass and force; xvii. deduce the relationship between mass and acceleration; xviii. interpret the law of conservation of linear momentum and application xix. establish expression for angular velocity, angular acceleration and centripetal force; xx. solve numerical problems involving motion in a circle; xxi. establish the relationship between period and frequency; xxii. analyse the energy changes occurring during S.H.M xxiii. identify different types of forced vibration xxiv. enumerate applications of resonance.Candidates should be able to: i. identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies; ii. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation; iii. give examples of conservative and non- conservative fields; iv. deduce the expression for gravitational field potentials; v. identify the causes of variation of g on the earth’s surface; vi. differentiate between mass and weight; vii. determine escape velocity |
5. Equilibrium of Forces(a) equilibrium of particles: | Candidates should be able to: i. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of coplanar forces to solve problems; ii. use triangle and polygon laws of forces to solve equilibrium problems; iii. use Lami’s theorem to solve problems; iv. analyse the principle of moment of a force; v. determine moment of a force and couple; vi. describe some applications of moment of a force and couple; vii. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of rigid bodies to solve problems; viii. resolve forces into two perpendicular directions; ix. determine the resultant and equilibrant of forces; x. differentiate between stable, unstable and neutral equilibra. |
6. (a) Work, Energy and Power(i) definition of work, energy and power | Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between work, energy and power; ii. compare different forms of energy, giving examples; iii. apply the principle of conservation of energy; iv. examine the transformation between different forms of energy; v. interpret the area under the force -distance curve. vi. solve numerical problems in work, energy and power. Candidates should be able to: i. itemize the sources of energy ii. distinguish between renewable and non- renewable energy, examples should be given iii. identify methods of energy transition iv. explain the importance of energy in the development of the society v. analyze the effect of energy use to the environment vi. identify the impact of energy on the environment vii. identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment viii. identify energy uses in their immediate environment ix. suggests ways of safe energy use x. state different forms of energy conversion. |
7. Friction(i) static and dynamic friction | Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between static and dynamic friction ii.determine the coefficient of limiting friction; iii.compare the advantages and disadvantages of friction; iv. suggest ways by which friction can be reduced; v. analyse factors that affect viscosity and terminal velocity; vi. apply Stoke’s law. |
8. Simple Machines(i) definition of simple machines | Candidates should be able to: i. identify different types of simple machines; ii. solve problems involving simple machines. |
9. Elasticity(i) elastic limit, yield point, breaking point, Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus | Candidates should be able to: i. interpret force-extension curves; ii. interpret Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus of a material; iii use spring balance to measure force; iv. determine the work done in spring and elastic strings |
10. Pressure(a) Atmospheric Pressure | Candidates should be able to: i. recognize the S.I units of pressure; (Pa) ii. identify pressure measuring instruments; iii. relate the variation of pressure to height; iv. use a barometer as an altimeter. v. determine the relationship between pressure, depth and density; vi apply the principle of transmission of pressure in liquids to solve problems; vii. determine and apply the principle of pressure in liquid; |
11. Liquids At Rest(i) determination of density of solids and liquids | Candidates should be able to: i. distinguish between density and relative density of substances; ii. determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid iii. apply Archimedes’ principle and law of floatation to solve problems |
12. Temperature and Its Measurement(i) concept of temperature | Candidates should be able to: i. identify thermometric properties of materials that are used for different thermometers; ii. calibrate thermometers; iii. differentiate between temperature scales e.g Celsius and Kelvin. iv. compare the types of thermometers; vi. convert from one scale of temperature to another. |
13. Thermal Expansion(a) Solids | Candidates should be able to: i. determine linear and volume expansivities; ii. assess the effects and applications of thermal expansivities iii. determine the relationship between different expansivities. iv. determine volume, apparent, and real expansivities of liquids; v. analyse the anomalous expansion of water. |
14. Gas Laws(i) Boyle’s law (isothermal process) | Candidates should be able to: i. interpret the gas laws; ii. use expression of these laws to solve numerical problems. iii. interprete Van der waal equation for one mole of a real gas |
15. Quantity of Heat(i) heat as a form of energy | Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity; ii. determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity using simple methods; iii. solve numerical problems. |
16. Change of State(i) latent heat | Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization; ii. differentiate between melting, evaporation and boiling; iii. examine the effects of pressure and of dissolved substance on boiling and melting points. iv. solve numerical problems |
17. Vapours(i) unsaturated and saturated vapours | Candidates should be able to: i. distinguish between saturated and unsaturated vapours; ii. relate saturated vapour pressure to boiling point; iii. determine S.V.P by barometer tube method iv. differentiate between dew point, humidity and relative humidity; vi. estimate the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers. vii. solve numerical problems |
18. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory(a) Molecular nature of matter | Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between atoms and molecules; ii. use molecular theory to explain Brownian motion , diffusion, surface, tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angle of contact; iii. examine the assumptions of kinetic theory; iv. interpret kinetic theory, the pressure exerted by gases Boyle’s law, Charle’s law melting,boiling vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc. |
19. Heat Transfer(i) conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer | Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer; ii. solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux; iii. assess the effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it; iv. compare the conductivities of common materials; v. relate the component part of the working of the thermos flask; vi. differentiate between land and sea breeze. vii. to analyse the principles of operating internal combustion jet engines, rockets |
20. Waves(a) Production and Propagation | Candidates should be able to: i. interpret wave motion; ii. identify vibrating systems as sources of waves; iii use waves as a mode of energy transfer; iv distinguish between particle motion and wave motion; v. relate frequency and wave length to wave velocity; vi. determine phase difference, wave number and wave vector vii. use the progressive wave equation to compute basic wave parameters; viii. differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves; ix. differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves x. distinguish between stationary and progressive waves; xi. indicate the example of waves generated from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank; vii. differentiate between reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization of waves; viii. analyse the principle of superposition of waves. ix. solve numerical problems on waves x. explain the phenomenon of beat, beat frequency and uses xi. explain Doppler effect of sound and application |
21. Propagation of Sound Waves(i) the necessity for a material medium | Candidates should be able to: i. determine the need for a material medium in the propagation of sound waves; ii. compare the speed of sound in solids, liquids and air; iii. relate the effects of temperature and pressure to the speed of sound in air; iv. solve problem on echoes, reverberation and speed iv. compare the disadvantages and advantages of echoes. vi. solve problems on echo, reverberation and speed of sound |
22. Characteristics of Sound Waves(i) noise and musical notes | Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between noise and musical notes; ii. analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound notes; iii. evaluate the application of (ii) above in the construction of musical instruments; iv. identify overtones by vibrating stings and air columns; v. itemize acoustical examples of resonance; vi. determine the frequencies of notes emitted by air columns in open and closed pipes in relation to their lengths. |
23. Light Energy(a) Sources of Light: | Candidates should be able to: i. compare the natural and artificial sources of light; ii. differentiate between luminous and non luminous objects; iii. relate the speed, frequency and wavelength of light; iv. interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses; v. solve problems using the principle of operation of a pin-hole camera. |
24. Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces(i) laws of reflection. 1f=1u+1v1f=1u+1v (v) linear magnification | Candidates should be able to: i. compare the natural and artificial sources of light; ii. differentiate between luminous and non luminous objects; iii. relate the speed, frequency and wavelength of light; iv. interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses; v. solve problems using the principle of operation of a pin-hole camera. |
25. Refraction of Light Through at Plane and Curved Surfaces(i) explanation of refraction in terms of velocity of light in the media. U=sin[A+D2]sin[A2]U=sin[A+D2]sin[A2] (ii) type of lenses 1f=1u+1v1f=1u+1v and Newton’s formular (F2 = ab) | Candidates should be able to: i. interpret the laws of reflection; ii. illustrate the formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors; iii. apply the mirror formula to solve optical problems; iv. determine the linear magnification; v. apply the laws of reflection of light to the working of periscope, kaleidoscope and the sextant. Candidates should be able to: i. interpret the laws of reflection; ii. determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law; iii. determine the refractive index using the principle of real and apparent depth; iv. determine the conditions necessary for total internal reflection; v. examine the use of periscope, prism, binoculars, optical fibre; vi. apply the principles of total internal reflection to the formation of mirage; vii. use of lens formula and ray diagrams to solve optical numerical problems; viii. determine the magnification of an image; ix. calculate the refractive index of a glass prism using minimum deviation formula. |
26. Optical Instruments(i) the principles of microscopes, telescopes, | Candidates should be able to: i. apply the principles of operation of optical instruments to solve problems; ii. distinguish between the human eye and the cameras; iii. calculate the power of a lens; iv. evaluate the angular magnification of optical instruments; v. determine the near and far points; vi. detect sight defects and their corrections. |
27. (a) dispersion of light and colours(i) dispersion of white light by a triangular prism (b)electgromagnetic spectrum | Candidates should be able to: i. identify primary colours and obtain secondary colours by mixing; ii. understand the formation of rainbow iii. deduces why objects have colours; iv. relate the expression for gravitational force between two bodies; v. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation; vi. analyse colours using colour filters vii. analyse the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to their wavelengths, sources, detection and uses |
28. Electrostatics(i) existence of positive and negative charges in matter | Candidates should be able to: i. identify charges; ii. examine uses of an electroscope; iii. apply Coulomb’s square law of electrostatics to solve problems; iv. deduce expressions for electric field intensity and potential difference; v. identify electric field flux patterns of isolated and interacting charges; vi. analyse the distribution of charges on a conductor and how it is used in lightening conductors. |
29. Capacitors(i) Types and functions of capacitors | Candidates should be able to: i. determine uses of capacitors; ii. analyse parallel plate capacitors; iii. determine the capacitance of a capacitor; iv. analyse the factors that affect the capacitance of a capacitor; v. solve problems involving the arrangement of capacitor; vi. determine the energy stored in capacitors |
30. Electric Cells(i) simple voltaic cell and its defects; | Candidates should be able to: i. identify the defects of the simple voltaic cell and their correction ii. compare different types of cells including solar cell; iii. compare the advantages of lead-acid and Nikel iron accumulator; iv. solve problems involving series and parallel combination of cells. |
31. Current Electricity(i) electromagnetic force (emf), potential difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance of a cell and lost Volt | Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between emf, p.d., current and internal resistant of a cell; ii. apply Ohm’s law to solve problems; iii. use metre bridge to calculate resistance; iv. compute effective total resistance of both parallel and series arrangement of resistors; v. determine the resistivity and the conductivity of a conductor; vi. measure emf. current and internal resistance of a cell using the potentiometer. vii. identify the advantages of the potentiometer viii. apply kirchoff’s law in electrical networks |
32. Electrical Energy and Power(i) concepts of electrical energy and power | Candidates should be able to: i. apply the expressions of electrical energy and power to solve problems; ii. analyse how power is transmitted from the power station to the consumer; iii. identify the heating effects of current and its uses; iv. identify the advantages of parallel arrangement over series v. determine the fuse rating |
33. Magnets and Magnetic Fields(i) natural and artificial magnets | Candidates should be able to: i. give examples of natural and artificial magnets ii. differentiate between the magnetic properties of soft iron and steel; iii. identify the various methods of making magnets and demagnetizing magnets; iv. describe how to keep a magnet from losing its magnetism; v. determine the flux pattern exhibited when two magnets are placed together pole to pole; vi. determine the flux of a current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid including the polarity of the solenoid; vii. determine the flux pattern of a magnet placed in the earth’s magnetic fields; viii. identify the magnetic elements of the earth’s flux; ix. determine the variation of earth’s magnetic field on the earth’s surface; x. examine the applications of the earth’s magnetic field. |
34. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field(i) quantitative treatment of force between two parallel current-carrying conductors | Candidates should be able to: i. determine the direction of force on a current carrying conductor using Fleming’s left-hand rule; ii. interpret the attractive and repulsive forces between two parallel current-carrying conductors using diagrams; iii. determine the relationship between the force, magnetic field strength, velocity and the angle through which the charge enters the field; iv. interpret the working of the d. c. motor; v. analyse the principle of electromagnets and give examples of its application; vi. compare moving iron and moving coil instruments; vii. convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or a voltmeter. viii. identify the factors affecting the sensitivity of a galvanometer |
35. (a) Electromagnetic Induction(i) Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction | Candidates should be able to: i. interpret the laws of electromagnetic induction; ii. identify factors affecting induced emf; iii. recognize how Lenz’s law illustrates the principle of conservation of energy; iv. interpret the diagrammatic set up of A. C. generators; v. identify the types of transformer; vi. examine principles of operation of transformers; vii. assess the functions of an induction coil; viii. draw some conclusions from the principles of operation of an induction coil; ix. interpret the inductance of an inductor; x. recognize units of inductance; xi. calculate the effective total inductance in series and parallel arrangement; xii. deduce the expression for the energy stored in an inductor; xiii. examine the applications of inductors; xiv. describe the method by which eddy current losses can be reduced. xv. determine ways by which eddy currents can be used. |
36. Simple A. C. Circuits(i) explanation of a.c. current and voltage | Candidates should be able to: i. identify a.c. current and d.c. voltage ii. differentiate between the peak and r.m.s. values of a.c.; iii. determine the phase difference between current and voltage iv. interpret series R-L-C circuits; v. analyse vector diagrams; vi. calculate the effective voltage, reactance and impedance; vii. recognize the condition by which the circuit is at resonance; viii. determine the resonant frequency of R-L-C arrangement; ix. determine the instantaneous power, average power and the power factor in a. c. circuits |
37. Conduction of Electricity Through;(a) liquids | Candidates should be able to: i. distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes; ii. analyse the processes of electrolysis iii. apply Faraday’s laws of electrolysis to solve problems; iv. analyse discharge through gases; v. determine some applications/uses of conduction of electricity through gases. |
38. Elementary Modern Physics(i) models of the atom and their limitations | Candidates should be able to: i. identify the models of the atom and write their limitations; ii. describe elementary structure of the atom; iii. differentiate between the energy levels and spectra of atoms; iv. compare thermionic emission and photoelectric emission; v. apply Einstein’s equation to solve problems of photoelectric effect. vi. calculate the stopping potential; vii. relate some application of thermionic emission and photoelectric effects; viii. interpret the process involved in the production of x-rays. ix identify some properties and applications of x-rays x. analyse elementary radioactivity xi. distinguish between stable and unstable nuclei; xii. identify isotopes of an element; xiii. compare the properties of alpha, beta and gamma rays; xiv. relate half-life and decay constant of a radioactive element; xv. determine the binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s energy equation; xvi. analyse wave particle duality; xvii. solve some numerical problems based on the uncertainty principle and wave – particle duality |
39. Introductory Electronics(i) distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators (elementary knowledge of band gap is required) | Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between conductors, semi- conductors and insulators; ii. distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; iii. distinguish between electron and hole carriers; iv. distinguish between n-type and p-type semiconductor; v. analyse diodes and transistor vi. relate diodes to rectification and transistor to amplification. |
Current JAMB Syllabus – Physics: RECOMMENDED TEXT BOOKS
Ike E.E (2014) Essential Principles of Physics, Jos ENIC publishers
Ike E.E (2014) Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, Jos ENIC publishers
Nelson M. (1977) Fundamentals of Physics, Great Britain, Hart Davis Education
Nelson M. and Parker � (1989) Advance Level Physics, (Sixth Edition) Heinemann
Okeke P.N and Anyakoha M.W. (2000) Senior Secondary School Physics, Lagos, Pacific Printers
Olumuyionwa A. and Ogunkoya O. O (1992) Comprehensive Certificate Physics, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
