Jamb Physics Syllabus

JAMB SYLLABUS
PHYSICS
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination

(UTME) syllabus in Physics is to prepare the candidates for the
Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of
the course objectives, which are to:
(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.
Physics
DETAILED SYLLABUS
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES
1. MEASUREMENTS AND Candidates should be able to:

UNITS
i. identify the units of length,
(a) Length, area and volume: area and volume;
Metre rule, Venier calipers ii. use different measuring
Micrometer Screw-guage, instruments;
measuring cylinder. iii. determine the lengths,
surface areas and volume of
(b) Mass regular and irregular bodies;
(i) unit of mass; iv. identify the unit of mass;

(ii) use of simple beam v. use simple beam balance,
balance; e.g Buchart’s balance and
(iii) concept of beam balance. chemical balance;
(c) Time vi. identify the unit of time;
(i) unit of time; vii. use different time-

(ii) time-measuring devices. measuring devices;
(d) Fundamental physical viii. relate the fundamental

quantities physical quantities to their
units;
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Physics
(e) Derived physical

quantities and their units ix. deduce the units of derived
physical quantities;
(i) Combinations of
fundamental quantities and
determination of their units;
x. determine the dimensions of
(f) Dimensions physical quantities;
xi. use the dimensions to
(i) definition of dimensions determine the units of physical
(ii) simple examples quantities;
(g) Limitations of xii. test the homogeneity of an

experimental equation;
measurements
xiii. determine the accuracy of
(i) accuracy of measuring measuring instruments;
instruments; xiv. estimate simple errors;
(ii) simple estimation of xv. express measurements in
errors; standard form.
(iii) significant figures;
(iv) standard form.
(h) Measurement, position, Candidates should be able to:

distance and displacement
i. use strings, meter ruler and
(i) concept of displacement; engineering calipers, vernier
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(ii) distinction between calipers and micrometer,

distance and displacement; screw guage;
(iii) concept of position and ii. note the degree of
coordinates; accuracy;
(iv) frame of reference. 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 Candidates should be able to:
(i) definition of scalar and i. distinguish between scalar

vector quantities; and vector quantities;
(ii) examples of scalar and ii. give examples of scalar and
vector quantities; vector quantities;
(iii) relative velocity; iii. determine the resultant of
(iv) resolution of vectors into two or more vectors;
two perpendicular directions iv. determine relative velocity;
including graphical methods of v. resolve vectors into two
solution. perpendicular components;
vi. use graphical methods to
solve vector problems.
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Candidates should be able to;

3. MOTION
i. identify different types of
(a) Types of motion: motion;
translational, oscillatory,
rotational, spin and random ii. solve numerical problem on
collinear motion;
(b) Relative motion
iii. identify force as cause of
(c) Causes of motion motion;
iv. identify push and pull as

(d) Types of force forms of force;
v. identify electric and
(i) contact magnetic attractions,
(ii) force field gravitational pull as forms of
field forces;
(e) linear motion vi. differentiate between

speed, velocity and
(i) speed, velocity and acceleration;
acceleration; vii. deduce equations of
(ii) equations of uniformly uniformly accelerated motion;
accelerated motion; viii. solve problems of motion
(iii) motion under gravity; under gravity;
(iv) distance-time graph and ix. interpret distance-time
velocity time graph; graph and velocity-time graph;
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(v) instantaneous velocity and x. compute instantaneous

acceleration. velocity and acceleration;
xi. establish expressions for

(f) Projectiles: the range, maximum height
and time of flight of
(i) calculation of range, projectiles;
maximum height and time of xii. solve problems involving
flight from the ground and a projectile motion;
height; xiii. solve numerical problems
(ii) applications of projectile involving impulse and
motion. momentum;
xiv. interpretation of area
(g) Newton’s laws of under force –time graph;
motion:
xv. interpret Newton’s laws of
(i) inertia, mass and force; motion;
(ii) relationship between mass xvi. compare inertia, mass and
and acceleration; force;
(iii) impulse and momentum; xvii. deduce the relationship
(iv) force – time graph; between mass and
(v) conservation of linear acceleration;
momentum (Coefficient of xviii. interpret the law of
restitution not necessary). conservation of linear
momentum and application;
(h) Motion in a circle: xix. establish expression for
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angular velocity, angular

(i) angular velocity and acceleration and centripetal
angular acceleration; force;
(ii) centripetal and centrifugal xx. solve numerical problems
forces; involving motion in a circle;
(iii) applications. xxi. establish the relationship
between period and
frequency;
(i) Simple Harmonic Motion xxii. analyse the energy

(S.H.M): changes occurring during
S.H.M;
(i) definition and explanation xxiii. identify different types of
of simple harmonic motion; forced vibration;
(ii) examples of systems that xxiv. enumerate applications
execute S.H.M; of resonance.
(iii) period, frequency and
amplitude of S.H.M;
(iv) velocity and acceleration
of S.H.M;
(iii) simple treatment of
energy change in S.H.M;
(iv) force vibration and
resonance (simple treatment).
Candidates should be able to:
4. GRAVITATIONAL FIELD
i. identify the expression for
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(i) Newton’s law of universal gravitational force between

gravitation; two bodies;
(ii) gravitational potential; ii. apply Newton’s law of
(iii) conservative and non- universal gravitation;
conservative fields; iii. give examples of
(iv) acceleration due to conservative and non-
gravity; conservative fields;
(v) variation of g on the iv. deduce the expression for
earth’s surface; gravitational field potentials;
(vi) distinction between mass v. identify the causes of
and weight variation of g on the earth’s
escape velocity; surface;
(vii) parking orbit and vi. differentiate between mass
weightlessness. and weight;
vii. determine escape velocity.
5. EQUILIBRIUM OF Candidates should be able to:

FORCES
i. apply the conditions for the
(a) equilibrium of particles: equilibrium of coplanar forces
to solve problems;
(i) equilibrium of coplanar ii. use triangle and polygon
forces; laws of forces to solve
(ii) triangles and polygon of equilibrium problems;
forces; iii. use Lami’s theorem to solve
(iii) Lami’s theorem. problems;
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(b) principles of moments iv. analyse the principle of

moment of a force;
(i) moment of a force; v. determine moment of a
(ii) simple treatment and force and couple;
moment of a couple (torgue); vi. describe some applications
(iii) applications. of moment of a force and
couple;
(c) conditions for vii. apply the conditions for the

equilibrium of rigid bodies equilibrium of rigid bodies to
under the action of parallel solve problems;
and nonparallel forces viii. resolve forces into two
perpendicular directions;
(i) resolution and composition ix. determine the resultant and
of forces in two perpendicular equilibrant of forces;
directions;
(ii) resultant and equilibrant.
(d) centre of gravity and

stability x. differentiate between
stable, unstable and neutral
(i) stable, unstable and neutral equilibra.
equilibra.
6. (a) WORK, ENERGY AND Candidates should be able to:

POWER
i. differentiate between work,
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(i) definition of work, energy energy and power;

and power; ii. compare different forms of
(ii) forms of energy; energy, giving examples;
(iii) conservation of energy; iii. apply the principle of
(iv) qualitative treatment conservation of energy;
between different forms of iv. examine the transformation
energy; between different forms of
(v) interpretation of area energy;
under the force-distance v. interpret the area under the
curve. force –distance curve.
vi. solve numerical problems in
work, energy and power.
(b) Energy and society Candidates should be able to:
(i) sources of energy; i. itemize the sources of

(ii) renewable and non- energy;
renewable energy e.g. coal, ii. distinguish between
crude oil etc.; renewable and non-renewable
(iii) uses of energy; energy, examples should be
(iv) energy and development; given;
(v) energy diversification; iii. identify methods of energy
(vi) environmental impact of transition;
energy e.g. global warming, iv. explain the importance of
greenhouse effect and energy in the development of
spillage; the society;
(vii) energy crises; v. analyze the effect of energy
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(viii) conversion of energy; use to the

(ix) devices used in energy environment;
production. vi. identify the impact of
energy on the environment;
(c) Dams and energy vii. identify energy sources
production that are friendly or hazardous
to the environment;
(i) location of dams viii. identify energy uses in
(ii) energy production their immediate environment;
ix. suggests ways of safe
(d) nuclear energy energy use
x. state different forms of
(e) solar energy energy conversion.
(i) solar collector;

(ii) solar panel for energy
supply.
7. FRICTION Candidates should be able to:
(i) static and dynamic friction; i. differentiate between static

(ii) coefficient of limiting and dynamic friction;
friction and its determination; ii. determine the coefficient of
(iii) advantages and limiting friction;
disadvantages of friction iii. compare the advantages
(iv) reduction of friction; and disadvantages of friction;
(v) qualitative treatment of iv. suggest ways by which
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viscosity and terminal velocity; friction can be reduced;

(vi) Stoke’s law. v. analyse factors that affect
viscosity and terminal velocity;
vi. apply Stoke’s law.
8. SIMPLE MACHINES Candidates should be able to:
(i) definition of simple i. identify different types of

machines; simple machines;
(ii) types of machines; ii. solve problems involving
(iii) mechanical advantage, simple machines.
velocity ratio and efficiency of
machines.
9. ELASTICITY Candidates should be able to:
(i) elastic limit, yield point, i. interpret force-extension

breaking point, Hooke’s law curves;
and Young’s modulus; ii. interpret Hooke’s law and
(ii) the spring balance as a Young’s modulus of a material;
device for measuring force; iii use spring balance to
(iii.) work done per unit measure force;
volume in springs and elastic iv. determine the work done in
strings; spring and elastic strings.
10. PRESSURE Candidates should be able to:
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(a) Atmospheric Pressure i. recognize the S.I units of

pressure (Pa);
(i) definition of atmospheric ii. identify pressure measuring
pressure; instruments;
(ii) units of pressure (S.I) iii. relate the variation of
units (Pa); pressure to height;
(iii) measurement of pressure; iv. use a barometer as an
(iv) simple mercury altimeter;
barometer; aneroid barometer v. determine the relationship
and manometer; between pressure depth and
(v) variation of pressure with density;
height;
(vi) the use of barometer as
an altimeter.
(b) Pressure in liquids vi apply the principle of

transmission of pressure in
(i) the relationship between liquids to solve problems;
pressure, depth and density (P vii. determine and apply the
= pgh) principle of pressure in liquid.
(ii) transmission of pressure in
liquids (Pascal’s Principle)
(iii) application
11. LIQUIDS AT REST Candidates should be able to:
(i) determination of density of i. distinguish between density
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solids and liquids and relative density of

(ii) definition of relative substances;
density ii. determine the upthrust on a
(iii) upthrust on a body body immersed in a liquid;
immersed in a liquid iii. apply Archimedes’ principle
(iv) Archimedes’ principle and and law of floatation to solve
law of floatation and problems.
applications, e.g. ships and
hydrometers.
12. TEMPERATURE AND ITS Candidates should be able to:

MEASUREMENT
i. identify thermometric
(i) concept of temperature properties of materials that
(ii) thermometric properties are used for different
(iii) calibration of thermometers;
thermometers ii. calibrate thermometers;
(iv) temperature scales – iii. differentiate between
Celsius and Kelvin. temperature scales e.g.
(v) types of thermometers Celsius and Kelvin;
(vi) conversion from one scale iv. compare the types of
of temperature to another thermometers;
vi. convert from one scale of
temperature to another.
13. THERMAL EXPANSION Candidates should be able to:
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(a) Solids i. determine linear and volume

expansivities;
(i) definition and ii. assess the effects and
determination of linear, applications of thermal
volume and area expansivities;
expansivities; iii. determine the relationship
(ii) effects and applications, between different
e.g. expansion in building expansivities;
strips and railway lines;
(iii) relationship between
different expansivities.
(b) Liquids iv. determine volume,

apparent, and real
(i) volume expansivity; expansivities of liquids;
(ii) real and apparent v. analyse the anomalous
expansivities; expansion of water.
(iii) determination of volume
expansivity;
(iv) anomalous expansion of
water.
14. GAS LAWS Candidates should be able to:
(i) Boyle’s law (isothermal i. interpret the gas laws;

process) ii. use expression of these laws
(ii) Charle’s law (isobaric to solve numerical problems;
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process) iii. interpret Van der waal

(iii) Pressure law (volumetric equation for one mole of a real
process) gas.
(iv) absolute zero of
temperature
(v) general gas equation:
( )
(vi) ideal gas equation e.g. PV

= nRT
(iv) Van der waal gas

15. QUANTITY OF HEAT
i. differentiate between heat

(i) heat as a form of energy;
capacity and specific heat
(ii) definition of heat capacity
capacity;
and specific heat capacity of
ii. determine heat capacity and
solids and liquids;
specific heat capacity using
(iii) determination of heat
simple methods;
capacity and specific heat
iii. solve numerical problems.
capacity of substances by
simple methods e.g. method
of mixtures and electrical
method and Newton’s law of
cooling

16. CHANGE OF STATE
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i. differentiate between latent

(i) latent heat; heat and specific latent heats
(ii) specific latent heats of of fusion and vaporization;
fusion and vaporization; ii. differentiate between
(iii) melting, evaporation and melting, evaporation and
boiling; boiling;
(iv) the influence of pressure iii. examine the effects of
and of dissolved substances on pressure and of dissolved
boiling and melting points; substance on boiling and
(v) application in appliances. melting points.
iv. solve numerical problems.
17. VAPOURS Candidates should be able to:
(i) unsaturated and saturated i. distinguish between

vapours; saturated and unsaturated
(ii) relationship between vapours;
saturated vapour pressure ii. relate saturated vapour
(S.V.P) and boiling; pressure to boiling point;
(iii) determination of S.V.P by iii. determine S.V.P by
barometer tube method; barometer tube method;
(iv) formation of dew, mist, iv. differentiate between dew
fog, and rain; point, humidity and relative
(v) study of dew point, humidity;
humidity and relative vi. estimate the humidity of
humidity; the atmosphere using wet and
(vi) hygrometry; estimation of dry bulb hygrometers;
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the humidity of the vii. solve numerical problems.

atmosphere using wet and dry
bulb hygrometers.
18. STRUCTURE OF MATTER Candidates should be able to:

AND KINETIC THEORY
(a) Molecular nature of i. differentiate between atoms

matter and molecules;
ii. use molecular theory to
(i) atoms and molecules; explain Brownian motion ,
(ii) molecular theory: diffusion, surface, tension,
explanation of Brownian capillarity, adhesion, cohesion
motion, diffusion, surface and angle of contact;
tension, capillarity, adhesion,
cohesion and angles of contact
e.tc;
(iii) examples and applications.
(b) Kinetic Theory iii. examine the assumptions

of kinetic theory;
(i) assumptions of the kinetic iv. interpret kinetic theory, the
theory pressure exerted by gases,
(ii) using the theory to explain Boyle’s law, Charles’s law,
the pressure exerted by gas, melting, boiling, vaporization,
Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, change in temperature,
melting, boiling, vapourization, evaporation, etc.
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change in temperature,
evaporation, etc.
19. HEAT TRANSFER Candidates should be able to:
(i) conduction, convection and i. differentiate between

radiation as modes of heat conduction, convection and
transfer; radiation as modes of heat
(ii) temperature gradient, transfer;
thermal conductivity and heat ii. solve problems on
flux; temperature gradient, thermal
(iii) effect of the nature of the conductivity and heat flux;
surface on the energy radiated iii. assess the effect of the
and absorbed by it; nature of the surface on the
(iv) the conductivities of energy radiated and absorbed
common materials; by it;
(v) the thermos flask; iv. compare the conductivities
(vi) land and sea breeze; of common materials;
(vii) engines. v. relate the component part
of the working of the thermos
flask;
vi. differentiate between land
and sea breeze;
vii. analyse the principles of
operating internal combustion
jet engines, rockets.
Physics
20. WAVES Candidates should be able to:
(a) Production and i. interpret wave motion;

Propagation ii. identify vibrating systems
as sources of waves;
(i) wave motion; iii use waves as a mode of
(ii) vibrating systems as energy transfer;
source of waves; iv distinguish between particle
(iii) waves as mode of energy motion and wave motion;
transfer; v. relate frequency and wave
(iv) distinction between length to wave velocity;
particle motion and wave vi. determine phase difference,
motion; wave number and wave
(v) relationship between vector;
frequency, wavelength and vii. use the progressive wave
wave velocity (V=fλ); equation to compute basic
(vi) phase difference, wave wave parameters;
number and wave vector;
(vii) progressive wave
equation e.g. Y =A sin
(b) Classification viii. differentiate between

mechanical and
(i) types of waves; mechanical electromagnetic waves;

and electromagnetic waves; ix. differentiate between
(ii) longitudinal and transverse longitudinal and transverse
waves; waves;
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(iii) stationary and progressive x. distinguish between

waves; stationary and progressive
(iv) examples of waves from waves;
springs, ropes, stretched xi. indicate the example of
strings and the ripple tank. waves generated from springs,
ropes, stretched strings and
(c) Characteristics/ the ripple tank;
Properties
xii. differentiate between
(i) reflection, refraction, reflection, refraction,
diffraction and plane diffraction and plane
polarization; polarization of waves;
(ii) superposition of waves e.g. xiii. analyse the principle of
interference superposition of waves;
(iii) Beats; xiv. solve numerical problems
(iv) Doppler effects on waves
(qualitative treatment only). explain the phenomenon of
beat, beat frequency and
uses;
xv. explain Doppler effect of
sound and application
21. PROPAGATION OF Candidates should be able to:

SOUND WAVES
i. determine the need for a
(i) the necessity for a material material medium in the
medium; propagation of sound waves;
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(ii) speed of sound in solids, ii. compare the speed of sound

liquids and air; in solids, liquids and air;
(iii) reflection of sound; iii. relate the effects of
echoes, reverberation and temperature and pressure to
their applications; the speed of sound in air;
(iv) disadvantages of echoes iv. solve problem on echoes,
and reverberations. reverberation and speed;
v. compare the disadvantages
and advantages of echoes.
vi. solve problems on echo,
reverberation and speed of
sound.
22. CHARACTERISTICS OF Candidates should be able to:

SOUND WAVES
i. differentiate between noise
(i) noise and musical notes; and musical notes;
(ii) quality, pitch, intensity and ii. analyse quality, pitch,
loudness and their application intensity and loudness of
to musical instruments; sound notes;
(iii) simple treatment of iii. evaluate the application of
overtones produced by (ii) above in the construction
vibrating strings and their of musical instruments;
iv. identify overtones by
columns Fo = √ ( )
vibrating stings and air
(iv) acoustic examples of
columns;
resonance;
iv. itemize acoustical examples
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(v) frequency of a note of resonance;

emitted by air columns in vi. determine the frequencies
closed and open pipes in of notes
relation to their lengths.
23. LIGHT ENERGY Candidates should be able to:
(a) Sources of Light i. compare the natural and

artificial sources of light;
(i) natural and artificial ii. differentiate between
sources of light; luminous and non luminous
(ii) luminous and non- objects;
luminous objects.
(b) Propagation of light

iii. relate the speed, frequency
(i) speed, frequency and and wavelength of light;
wavelength of light; iv. interpret the formation of
(ii) formation of shadows and shadows and eclipses;
eclipse; v. solve problems using the
(iii) the pin-hole camera. principle of operation of a pin-
hole camera.
24. REFLECTION OF LIGHT Candidates should be able to:

AT PLANE AND CURVED
SURFACES i. interpret the laws of
reflection;
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(i) laws of reflection; ii. illustrate the formation of

(ii) application of reflection of images by plane, concave and
light; convex mirrors;
(iii) formation of images by iii. apply the mirror formula to
plane, concave and convex solve optical problems;
mirrors and ray diagrams; iv. determine the linear
(iv) use of the mirror formula: magnification;
v. apply the laws of reflection
of light to the working of
(v) linear magnification.
periscope, kaleidoscope and
the sextant.
25. REFRACTION OF LIGHT

THROUGH AT PLANE AND
CURVED SURFACES
i. interpret the laws of
reflection;
(i) explanation of refraction in
ii. determine the refractive
terms of velocity of light in the
index of glass and liquid using
media;
Snell’s law;
(ii) laws of refraction;
iii. determine the refractive
(iii) definition of refractive
index using the principle of
index of a medium;
real and apparent depth;
(iv) determination of refractive
iv. determine the conditions
index of glass and liquid using
necessary for total internal
Snell’s law;
reflection;
(v) real and apparent depth
v. examine the use of
and lateral displacement;
periscope, prism,
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(vi) critical angle and total binoculars, optical fibre;

internal reflection. vi. apply the principles of total
internal reflection to the
(b) Glass Prism formation of mirage;
vii. use of lens formula and ray
(i) use of the minimum diagrams to solve optical
deviation formula: numerical problems;
[ ] viii. determine the

magnification of an image;
[ ]
ix. calculate the refractive
(ii) type of lenses;
index of a glass prism using
(iii) use of lens formula:
minimum deviation formula.
and Newton’s formular
(F2 = ab)
(iv) magnification.
26. OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS Candidates should be able to:
(i) the principles of i. apply the principles of

microscopes, telescopes, operation of optical
projectors, cameras and the instruments to solve
human eye (physiological problems;
details of the eye are not ii. distinguish between the
required); human eye and the cameras;
(ii) power of a lens; iii. calculate the power of a
(iii) angular magnification; lens;
(iv) near and far points; iv. evaluate the angular
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(v) sight defects and their magnification of optical

corrections. instruments;
v. determine the near and far
points;
vi. detect sight defects and
their corrections.
27. (A) DISPERSION OF Candidates should be able to:

LIGHT AND COLOURS
i. identify primary colours and
(i) dispersion of white light by obtain secondary colours by
a triangular Prism; mixing;
(ii) production of pure ii. understand the formation of
spectrum; rainbow;
(iii) colour mixing by addition iii. deduce why objects have
and subtraction; colours;
(iv) colour of objects and iv. relate the expression for
colour filters; gravitational force between
(v) rainbow. two bodies;
v. apply Newton’s law of
(b)Electromagnetic universal gravitation;
spectrum vi. analyse colours using
colour filters;
(i) description of sources and vii. analyse the
uses of various types of electromagnetic spectrum in
radiation. relation to their wavelengths,
sources, detection and uses.
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28. ELECTROSTATICS Candidates should be able to:
(i) existence of positive and i. identify charges;

negative charges in matter; ii. examine uses of an
(ii) charging a body by friction, electroscope;
contact and induction; iii. apply Coulomb’s square law
(iii) electroscope; of electrostatics to solve
(iv) Coulomb’s inverse square problems;
law, electric field and iv. deduce expressions for
potential; electric field intensity and
(v) electric field intensity and potential difference;
potential difference; v. identify electric field flux
(vi) electric discharge and patterns of isolated and
lightning. interacting charges;
vi. analyse the distribution of
charges on a conductor and
how it is used in lightening
conductors.
29. CAPACITORS Candidates should be able to:
(i) types and functions of i. determine uses of

capacitors; capacitors;
(ii) parallel plate capacitors; ii. analyse parallel plate
(iii) capacitance of a capacitor; capacitors;
(iv) the relationship between iii. determine the capacitance
capacitance, area separation of a capacitor;
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of plates and medium between iv. analyse the factors that
the plates C = affect the capacitance of a
(v) capacitors in series and capacitor;

v. solve problems involving the
parallel;
(vi) energy stored in a arrangement of a capacitor;
capacitor. vi. determine the energy
stored in capacitors.
30. ELECTRIC CELLS Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the defects of the

(i) simple voltaic cell and its
defects; simple voltaic cell and their
correction;
(ii) Daniel cell, Leclanche cell
ii. compare different types of
(wet and dry);
(iii) lead accumulator cells including solar cell;
–acid
iii. compare the advantages of
and Nickel-Iron (Nife) Lithium
lead-acid and Nikel iron
lron and Mercury cadmium;
(iv) maintenance of cells and accumulator;
iv. solve problems involving
batteries (detail treatment of
series and parallel combination
the chemistry of a cell is not
required); of cells.
(v) arrangement of cells;

(vi) efficiency of a cell.
31. CURRENT ELECTRICITY Candidates should be able to:
(i) electromagnetic force i. differentiate between emf,
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(emf), potential difference p.d., current and internal

(p.d.), current, internal resistant of a cell;
resistance of a cell and lost ii. apply Ohm’s law to solve
Volt; problems;
(ii) Ohm’s law; iii. use metre bridge to
(iii) measurement of calculate resistance;
resistance; iv. compute effective total
(iv) meter bridge; resistance of both parallel and
(v) resistance in series and in series arrangement of
parallel and their combination; resistors;
(vi) the potentiometer method v. determine the resistivity
of measuring emf, current and and the conductivity of a
internal resistance of a cell. conductor;
(vii) electrical networks. 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 Candidates should be able to:

AND POWER
i. apply the expressions of
(i) concepts of electrical electrical energy and power to
energy and power; solve problems;
(ii) commercial unit of electric ii. analyse how power is
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energy and power; transmitted from the power

(iii) electric power station to the consumer;
transmission iii. identify the heating effects
(v) heating effects of electric of current and its uses;
current; iv. identify the advantages of
(vi) electrical wiring of houses; parallel arrangement over
(vii) use of fuses. series;
v. determine the fuse rating.
33. MAGNETS AND Candidates should be able to:

MAGNETIC FIELDS
i. give examples of natural and
(i) natural and artificial artificial magnets;
magnets; ii. differentiate between the
(ii) magnetic properties of soft magnetic properties of soft
iron and steel; iron and steel;
(iii) methods of making iii. identify the various
magnets and demagnetization; methods of making magnets
(iv) concept of magnetic field; and demagnetizing magnets;
(v) magnetic field of a iv. describe how to keep a
permanent magnet; magnet from losing its
(vi) magnetic field round a magnetism;
straight current carrying v. determine the flux pattern
conductor, circular wire and exhibited when two magnets
solenoid; are placed together pole to
(vii) properties of the earth’s pole
magnetic field; north and vi. determine the flux of a
Physics
south poles, magnetic current carrying conductor,

meridian and angle of dip and circular wire and solenoid
declination; including the polarity of the
(viii) flux and flux density; solenoid;
(ix) variation of magnetic field vii. determine the flux pattern
intensity over the earth’s of a magnet placed in the
surface earth’s magnetic fields;
(x) applications: earth’s viii. identify the magnetic
magnetic field in navigation elements of the earth’s flux;
and mineral exploration. 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- Candidates should be able to:

CARRYING CONDUCTOR IN
A MAGNETIC FIELD i. determine the direction of
force on a current carrying
(i) quantitative treatment of conductor using Fleming’s left-
force between two parallel hand rule;
current-carrying conductors; ii. interpret the attractive and
(ii) force on a charge moving repulsive forces between two
in a magnetic field; parallel current-carrying
(iii) the d. c. motor; conductors using diagrams;
(iv) electromagnets; iii. determine the relationship
(v) carbon microphone; between the force, magnetic
Physics
(vi) moving coil and moving field strength, velocity and the
iron instruments; angle through which the
(vii) conversion of charge enters the field;
galvanometers to ammeters iv. interpret the working of the
and voltmeter using shunts d. c. motor;
and multipliers; v. analyse the principle of
(viii) sensitivity of a electromagnets and give
galvanometer. 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 Candidates should be able to:

INDUCTION
i. interpret the laws of
(i) Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction;
electromagnetic induction; ii. identify factors affecting
(ii) factors affecting induced induced emf;
emf; iii. recognize how Lenz’s law
(iii) Lenz’s law as an illustrates the principle of
illustration of the principle of conservation of energy;
conservation of energy; pole; iv. interpret the diagrammatic
Physics
(iv) a.c. and d.c generators; set up of A.C. generators;

(v) transformers; v. identify the types of
(vi) the induction coil. transformer;
vi. examine principles of
(b) Inductance operation of transformers;
vii. assess the functions of an
(i) explanation of inductance; induction coil;
(ii) unit of inductance; viii. draw some conclusions
(iii) energy stored in an from the principles of
inductor: E = I2L operation of an induction coil;
(iv) application/uses of ix. interpret the inductance of

inductors. an inductor;
x. recognize units of
(c) Eddy Current inductance;

xi. calculate the effective total
(i) reduction of eddy current inductance in series and
(ii) applications of eddy parallel arrangement;

current 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.
Physics
36. SIMPLE A. C. CIRCUITS Candidates should be able to:
(i) explanation of a.c. current i. identify a.c. current and d.c.

and voltage; voltage;
(ii) peak and r.m.s. values; ii. differentiate between the
(iii) a.c. source connected to a peak and r.m.s. values of a.c.;
resistor; iii. determine the phase
(iv) a.c source connected to a difference between current
capacitor capacitive reactance; and voltage;
(v) a.c source connected to an iv. interpret series R-L-C
inductor inductive reactance; circuits;
(vi) series R-L-C circuits; v. analyse vector diagrams;
(vii) vector diagram, phase vi. calculate the effective
angle and power factor; voltage, reactance and
(viii) resistance and impedance;
impedance; vii. recognize the condition by
(ix) effective voltage in an R- which the circuit is at
L-C circuits; resonance;
(x) resonance and resonance viii. determine the resonant
frequency: F0 = frequency of R-L-C

√
arrangement;
ix. determine the
instantaneous power, average
power and the power factor in
a.c. circuits.
Physics
37. CONDUCTION OF Candidates should be able to:

ELECTRICITY THROUGH
i. distinguish between
(a) liquids electrolytes and non-
electrolytes;
(i) electrolytes and non- ii. analyse the processes of
electrolyte; electrolysis;
(ii) concept of electrolysis; iii. apply Faraday’s laws of
(iii) Faraday’s laws of electrolysis to solve problems;
electrolysis; iv. analyse discharge through
(iv) application of electrolysis, gases;
e.g. electroplating, calibration v. determine some
of ammeter etc. applications/uses of
conduction of electricity
(b) gases through gases.
(i) discharge through gases

(qualitative treatment only);
(ii) application of conduction of
electricity through gases;
38. ELEMENTARY MODERN Candidates should be able to:

PHYSICS
i. identify the models of the
(i) models of the atom and atom and write their
their limitations; limitations;
Physics
(ii) elementary structure of the ii. describe elementary

atom; structure of the atom;
(iii) energy levels and spectra; iii. differentiate between the
(iv) thermionic and energy levels and spectra of
photoelectric emissions; atoms;
(v) Einstein’s equation and iv. compare thermionic
stopping potential emission and photoelectric
(vi) applications of thermionic emission;
emissions and photoelectric v. apply Einstein’s equation to
effects; solve problems of photoelectric
(vii) simple method of effect;
production of x-rays; vi. calculate the stopping
(viii) properties and potential;
applications of alpha, beta and vii. relate some application of
gamma rays; thermionic emission and
(ix) half-life and decay photoelectric effects;
constant; viii. interpret the process
(x) simple ideas of production involved in the production of
of energy by fusion and x-rays;
fission; ix identify some properties and
(xi) binding energy, mass applications of x-rays;
defect and Einstein’s Energy x. analyse elementary
equation [ΔE = ΔMc2] radioactivity;
(xii) wave-particle paradox xi. distinguish between stable
(duality of matter); and unstable nuclei;
(xiii) electron diffraction; xii. identify isotopes of an
(xiv) the uncertainty principle. element;
Physics
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 Candidates should be able to:

ELECTRONICS
i. differentiate between
(i) distinction between metals, conductors, semiconductors
semiconductors and insulators and insulators;
(elementary knowledge of ii. distinguish between intrinsic
band gap is required); and extrinsic semiconductors;
(ii) intrinsic and extrinsic iii. distinguish between
semiconductors; electron and hole carriers;
(iii) uses of semiconductors iv. distinguish between n-type
and diodes in rectification and and p-type semiconductor;
transistors in amplification; v. analyse diodes and
Physics
(iv) n-type and p-type transistor

semiconductors; vi. relate diodes to rectification
(v) elementary knowledge of and transistor to amplification.
diodes and transistors.
DISCLAIMER
The above topics are where all your JAMB Physics
questions for this year will come from but it does
NOT say which ‘topic in particular’ and how
many questions per topic.
You are advised to read according to this syllabus
and also study past questions on Physics to be
well-prepared for the exam.
Speaking of which,
Would you like to download JAMB Physics past
questions FREE OF CHARGE right now?
Click on the link below...

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JAMB SYLLABUS

The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination

(1) sustain their interest in physics;

(2) develop attitude relevant to physics that encourage

(3) interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions,

(4) demonstrate the ability to solve correctly physics

1. MEASUREMENTS AND Candidates should be able to:

(i) unit of mass; iv. identify the unit of mass;

(c) Time vi. identify the unit of time;

(i) unit of time; vii. use different time-

(d) Fundamental physical viii. relate the fundamental

(e) Derived physical

(g) Limitations of xii. test the homogeneity of an

(h) Measurement, position, Candidates should be able to:

(ii) distinction between calipers and micrometer,

2. SCALARS AND VECTORS Candidates should be able to:

(i) definition of scalar and i. distinguish between scalar

Candidates should be able to;

iv. identify push and pull as

(e) linear motion vi. differentiate between

(v) instantaneous velocity and x. compute instantaneous

xi. establish expressions for

(h) Motion in a circle: xix. establish expression for

angular velocity, angular

(i) Simple Harmonic Motion xxii. analyse the energy

(i) Newton’s law of universal gravitational force between

5. EQUILIBRIUM OF Candidates should be able to:

(b) principles of moments iv. analyse the principle of

(c) conditions for vii. apply the conditions for the

(d) centre of gravity and

6. (a) WORK, ENERGY AND Candidates should be able to:

(i) definition of work, energy energy and power;

(b) Energy and society Candidates should be able to:

(i) sources of energy; i. itemize the sources of

(viii) conversion of energy; use to the

(i) solar collector;

7. FRICTION Candidates should be able to:

(i) static and dynamic friction; i. differentiate between static

viscosity and terminal velocity; friction can be reduced;

8. SIMPLE MACHINES Candidates should be able to:

(i) definition of simple i. identify different types of

9. ELASTICITY Candidates should be able to:

(i) elastic limit, yield point, i. interpret force-extension

10. PRESSURE Candidates should be able to:

(a) Atmospheric Pressure i. recognize the S.I units of

(b) Pressure in liquids vi apply the principle of

11. LIQUIDS AT REST Candidates should be able to:

(i) determination of density of i. distinguish between density

solids and liquids and relative density of

12. TEMPERATURE AND ITS Candidates should be able to:

13. THERMAL EXPANSION Candidates should be able to:

(a) Solids i. determine linear and volume

(b) Liquids iv. determine volume,

14. GAS LAWS Candidates should be able to:

(i) Boyle’s law (isothermal i. interpret the gas laws;

process) iii. interpret Van der waal

(vi) ideal gas equation e.g. PV

Candidates should be able to:

i. differentiate between heat