JAMB Physics Syllabus
This is the JAMB UTME syllabus for Physics, covering 39 topics. Each topic lists what you are expected to study and the objectives — what you should be able to do — based on the official JAMB syllabus.
General Objectives
The Physics syllabus is designed to enable candidates to:
- Sustain candidates' interest in physics.
- Develop attitudes relevant to physics that encourage accuracy, precision and objectivity.
- Interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions, concepts and other theories.
- Demonstrate the ability to solve correctly physics problems using relevant theories and concepts.
Detailed Physics Syllabus
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Measurements and Units
Contents
- Length, area and volume: metre rule, vernier calipers, micrometer screw-gauge, measuring cylinder
- Mass: unit of mass, the simple beam balance, the concept of mass
- Time: unit of time and time-measuring devices
- Fundamental physical quantities
- Derived physical quantities and their units
- Dimensions: definition and examples
- Limitations of experimental measurements: accuracy of instruments, error estimation, significant figures, standard form
- Measurement, position, distance and displacement; coordinates and frame of reference
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the units of length, area, volume, mass and time
- Use measuring instruments such as the vernier calipers and micrometer screw-gauge
- Determine the dimensions of physical quantities and test the homogeneity of equations
- Estimate errors in measurements and express results in standard form and significant figures
- Locate the position of objects and distinguish distance from displacement
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Scalars and Vectors
Contents
- Definition of scalar and vector quantities
- Examples of scalar and vector quantities
- Relative velocity
- Resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions, including graphical methods
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities and give examples of each
- Determine the resultant of two or more vectors
- Calculate relative velocity
- Resolve vectors into two perpendicular components
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Motion
Contents
- Types of motion: translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random
- Relative motion and causes of motion
- Types of force: contact force and field force
- Linear motion: speed, velocity, acceleration, equations of uniformly accelerated motion, motion under gravity, distance-time and velocity-time graphs
- Projectiles: range, maximum height, time of flight and applications
- Newton's laws of motion: inertia, mass, impulse, momentum and conservation of linear momentum
- Motion in a circle: angular velocity and acceleration, centripetal and centrifugal forces, applications
- Simple harmonic motion (SHM): period, frequency, amplitude, velocity, acceleration, energy changes, forced vibration and resonance
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify different types of motion
- Establish and use the equations of uniformly accelerated motion
- Solve problems on motion under gravity and interpret motion graphs
- Establish expressions for projectile motion and solve related problems
- Interpret Newton's laws and solve impulse and momentum problems
- Analyse circular motion and the energy changes in simple harmonic motion
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Gravitational Field
Contents
- Newton's law of universal gravitation
- Gravitational potential
- Conservative and non-conservative fields
- Acceleration due to gravity (g = GM/r²) and its variation on the Earth's surface
- Distinction between mass and weight
- Escape velocity
- Parking orbit and weightlessness
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply Newton's law of universal gravitation
- Deduce expressions for gravitational potential and field
- Identify the causes of variation of g on the Earth's surface
- Differentiate between mass and weight and determine escape velocity
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Equilibrium of Forces
Contents
- Equilibrium of particles: coplanar forces, triangle and polygon of forces, Lami's theorem
- Principle of moments: moment of a force, couple and torque, applications
- Conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under parallel and non-parallel forces
- Resolution and composition of forces; resultant and equilibrant
- Centre of gravity and stability: stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply the conditions for equilibrium of coplanar forces
- Use the triangle and polygon laws and Lami's theorem
- Analyse moments of forces and couples
- Determine the resultant and equilibrant of forces and differentiate types of equilibrium
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Work, Energy and Power
Contents
- Definitions of work, energy and power and their forms
- Conservation of energy and qualitative transformations between forms
- Interpretation of the area under a force-distance curve
- Energy and society: renewable and non-renewable sources, energy uses, diversification and development
- Environmental impact: global warming, greenhouse effect and oil spillage
- Energy crises and energy conversion devices
- Dams and hydroelectric energy production
- Nuclear energy; solar energy (solar collectors and solar panels)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between work, energy and power and solve related problems
- Apply the principle of conservation of energy
- Interpret the area under a force-distance curve
- Distinguish renewable from non-renewable energy sources and analyse environmental effects
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Friction
Contents
- Static and dynamic friction
- Coefficient of limiting friction and its determination
- Advantages and disadvantages of friction and methods of reducing it
- Qualitative treatment of viscosity and terminal velocity
- Stoke's law
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between static and dynamic friction
- Determine the coefficient of limiting friction
- Suggest methods of reducing friction
- Analyse factors affecting viscosity and terminal velocity and apply Stoke's law
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Simple Machines
Contents
- Definition of a machine and types of machines
- Mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the different types of simple machines
- Solve problems involving mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency
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Elasticity
Contents
- Elastic limit, yield point and breaking point
- Hooke's law and Young's modulus
- The spring balance as a force-measuring device
- Work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret force-extension curves
- Apply Hooke's law and Young's modulus
- Determine the work done in springs and elastic strings
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Pressure
Contents
- Atmospheric pressure: definition and S.I. unit (Pa)
- Measurement of pressure: mercury barometer, aneroid barometer, manometer
- Variation of pressure with height; barometer as an altimeter
- Pressure in liquids: relationship between pressure, depth and density (P = ρgh)
- Transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal's principle) and applications
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Recognise the S.I. unit of pressure and identify measuring instruments
- Relate pressure to height and use the barometer as an altimeter
- Determine pressure in liquids and apply Pascal's principle
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Liquids At Rest
Contents
- Determination of density of solids and liquids
- Definition of relative density
- Upthrust on bodies immersed in a liquid
- Archimedes' principle and the law of flotation and their applications (ships and hydrometers)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between density and relative density
- Determine the upthrust on an immersed body
- Apply Archimedes' principle and the law of flotation
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Temperature and Its Measurement
Contents
- Concept of temperature
- Thermometric properties
- Calibration of thermometers
- Temperature scales: Celsius and Kelvin
- Types of thermometer and conversion between scales
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify thermometric properties and calibrate thermometers
- Differentiate between temperature scales and compare types of thermometer
- Convert temperature readings between scales
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Thermal Expansion
Contents
- Solids: linear, area and volume expansivity (definition and determination)
- Effects and applications of expansion (bimetallic strips, railway lines)
- Relationship between the expansivities
- Liquids: volume expansivity, real and apparent expansivity and their determination
- Anomalous expansion of water
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine linear, area and volume expansivities of solids
- Assess the effects and applications of thermal expansion
- Determine real and apparent expansivity of liquids and explain the anomalous expansion of water
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Gas Laws
Contents
- Boyle's law (isothermal process)
- Charles' law (isobaric process)
- Pressure law (isochoric process)
- Absolute zero
- General gas equation (PV/T = constant)
- Ideal gas equation (PV = nRT)
- Van der Waals gas
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the gas laws and use them to solve numerical problems
- Explain the concept of absolute zero
- Interpret the Van der Waals equation for one mole of a real gas
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Quantity of Heat
Contents
- Heat as a form of energy
- Heat capacity and specific heat capacity of solids and liquids
- Determination by the method of mixtures and electrical method
- Newton's law of cooling
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity
- Determine heat and specific heat capacity by simple methods
- Solve numerical problems on quantity of heat
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Change of State
Contents
- Latent heat; specific latent heats of fusion and vaporisation
- Melting, evaporation and boiling
- Influence of pressure and of dissolved substances on boiling and melting points
- Applications in appliances (e.g. pressure cooker, refrigerator)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between specific latent heat of fusion and of vaporisation
- Distinguish between melting, evaporation and boiling
- Examine the effects of pressure and dissolved substances and solve numerical problems
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Vapours
Contents
- Unsaturated and saturated vapours
- Relationship between saturated vapour pressure (S.V.P.) and boiling
- Determination of S.V.P. by the barometer tube method
- Formation of dew, mist, fog and rain
- Study of dew point, humidity and relative humidity
- Hygrometry: wet-and-dry-bulb hygrometers
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between saturated and unsaturated vapours
- Relate S.V.P. to boiling and determine S.V.P.
- Differentiate between dew point, humidity and relative humidity and estimate atmospheric humidity
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Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory
Contents
- Molecular nature of matter: atoms and molecules
- Molecular theory: Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact
- Examples and applications
- Kinetic theory: assumptions and use to explain gas pressure, Boyle's law, Charles' law, melting, boiling, vaporisation, change in temperature and evaporation
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between atoms and molecules
- Use molecular theory to explain surface tension, capillarity, adhesion and cohesion
- Examine the assumptions of the kinetic theory and use it to explain the gas laws and changes of state
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Heat Transfer
Contents
- Conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer
- Temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
- Effect of the nature of a surface on energy radiated and absorbed
- Conductivities of common materials
- The thermos flask
- Land and sea breezes; engines
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between the modes of heat transfer
- Solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
- Relate the construction of the thermos flask to heat transfer and explain land and sea breezes
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Waves
Contents
- Production and propagation: wave motion, vibrating systems as sources, waves as energy transfer
- Distinction between particle motion and wave motion
- Relationship between frequency, wavelength and wave velocity (V = fλ)
- Phase difference, wave number and wave vector
- Progressive wave equation (e.g. y = A sin (2π/λ)(vt ± x))
- Classification: mechanical and electromagnetic; longitudinal and transverse; stationary and progressive
- Examples from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank
- Characteristics and properties: reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarisation
- Superposition of waves (interference), beats and Doppler effect (qualitative)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret wave motion and relate frequency, wavelength and velocity
- Use the progressive wave equation and determine phase difference
- Classify waves and differentiate their properties
- Analyse the principle of superposition and explain beats and the Doppler effect
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Propagation of Sound Waves
Contents
- Necessity for a material medium
- Speed of sound in solids, liquids and air
- Reflection of sound: echoes, reverberation and their applications
- Disadvantages of echoes and reverberation
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Establish the necessity for a material medium for sound propagation
- Compare the speed of sound in different media
- Solve problems on echoes and reverberation
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Characteristics of Sound Waves
Contents
- Noise and musical notes
- Quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and their application to musical instruments
- Simple treatment of overtones produced by vibrating strings and air columns (F₀ = (1/2L)√(T/μ), μ = m/l)
- Acoustic resonance
- Frequencies of notes from closed and open pipes in relation to length
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between noise and musical notes
- Analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound
- Identify overtones from vibrating strings and air columns and determine air-column frequencies
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Light Energy
Contents
- Sources of light: natural and artificial; luminous and non-luminous objects
- Propagation of light: speed, frequency and wavelength
- Formation of shadows and eclipses
- The pin-hole camera
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Compare sources of light and distinguish luminous from non-luminous objects
- Interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses
- Solve problems on the pin-hole camera
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Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces
Contents
- Laws of reflection and their applications
- Image formation by plane, concave and convex mirrors (ray diagrams)
- Mirror formula (1/f = 1/u + 1/v)
- Linear magnification
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the laws of reflection and illustrate image formation by mirrors
- Apply the mirror formula and determine linear magnification
- Apply reflection to the periscope, kaleidoscope and sextant
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Refraction of Light Through Plane and Curved Surfaces
Contents
- Explanation of refraction in terms of velocity of light in media
- Laws of refraction and refractive index
- Determination of refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell's law
- Real and apparent depth; lateral displacement
- Critical angle and total internal reflection
- Glass prism: minimum deviation formula n = sin[(A+D)/2] / sin(A/2)
- Lens types, lens formula (1/f = 1/u + 1/v) and Newton's formula (f² = ab); magnification
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the laws of refraction and determine refractive index using Snell's law and apparent depth
- Determine the conditions for total internal reflection and its applications
- Use the lens formula and ray diagrams and determine magnification
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Optical Instruments
Contents
- Principles of the microscope, telescope, projector, camera and the human eye
- Power of a lens; angular magnification
- Near and far points
- Sight defects and their corrections
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply the principles of optical instruments to solve problems
- Distinguish between the human eye and the camera
- Calculate the power of a lens and detect sight defects and their corrections
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Dispersion of Light and Colours
Contents
- Dispersion of white light by a triangular prism
- Production of a pure spectrum
- Colour mixing by addition and subtraction
- Colours of objects and colour filters; the rainbow
- Electromagnetic spectrum: sources, detection and uses of the various radiations
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify primary colours and obtain secondary colours by mixing
- Explain the colours of objects and the action of colour filters
- Analyse the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of wavelength, sources, detection and uses
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Electrostatics
Contents
- Existence of positive and negative charges in matter
- Charging a body by friction, contact and induction
- The electroscope
- Coulomb's inverse square law, electric field and potential
- Electric field intensity and potential difference
- Electric discharge and lightning
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify positive and negative charges and methods of charging a body
- Apply Coulomb's inverse square law
- Deduce expressions for electric field intensity and potential difference and explain the lightning conductor
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Capacitors
Contents
- Types and functions of capacitors
- The parallel plate capacitor and capacitance
- Relationship between capacitance, area, separation and medium (C = εA/d)
- Capacitors in series and in parallel
- Energy stored in a capacitor
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine the uses of capacitors and the factors affecting capacitance
- Solve problems on capacitors in series and parallel
- Determine the energy stored in a capacitor
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Electric Cells
Contents
- Simple voltaic cell and its defects
- Daniell cell and Leclanché cell (wet and dry)
- Lead-acid accumulator, Nickel-Iron (NiFe), Lithium-ion and Mercury-cadmium cells
- Maintenance of cells and batteries
- Arrangement and efficiency of cells
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the defects of the simple voltaic cell and their corrections
- Compare the different types of cell including solar cells
- Solve problems on series and parallel arrangement of cells
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Current Electricity
Contents
- Electromotive force (emf), potential difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance and lost volts
- Ohm's law and measurement of resistance
- The metre bridge
- Resistors in series and in parallel
- Potentiometer method for measuring emf, current and internal resistance
- Electrical networks and Kirchhoff's laws
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between emf, p.d., current and internal resistance
- Apply Ohm's law and determine resistivity and conductivity
- Use the metre bridge and potentiometer and apply Kirchhoff's laws to networks
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Electrical Energy and Power
Contents
- Concepts of electrical energy and power
- Commercial units of energy and power
- Electric power transmission
- Heating effect of electric current
- House wiring and the use of fuses
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply expressions for electrical energy and power
- Analyse power transmission from station to consumer
- Identify the heating effects of current and determine fuse ratings
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Magnets and Magnetic Fields
Contents
- Natural and artificial magnets; magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
- Methods of making and demagnetising magnets
- The magnetic field; fields due to a permanent magnet, current-carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid
- Earth's magnetic field: poles, magnetic meridian, angle of dip and declination
- Magnetic flux and flux density; variation of Earth's field intensity
- Applications: navigation and mineral exploration
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between the magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
- Determine the flux patterns due to magnets and current-carrying conductors
- Identify the elements of the Earth's magnetic field and its applications
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Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field
Contents
- Quantitative treatment of the force between parallel current-carrying conductors
- Force on a moving charge in a magnetic field
- The D.C. motor; electromagnets; the carbon microphone
- Moving-coil and moving-iron instruments
- Conversion of a galvanometer to ammeter and voltmeter using shunts and multipliers
- Sensitivity of a galvanometer
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine the direction of force using Fleming's left-hand rule
- Interpret the operation of the D.C. motor and electromagnets
- Convert a galvanometer to an ammeter and voltmeter and identify factors affecting sensitivity
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Electromagnetic Induction
Contents
- Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction and factors affecting induced emf
- Lenz's law as an illustration of conservation of energy
- A.C. and D.C. generators; transformers; the induction coil
- Inductance: explanation, unit and energy stored in an inductor (E = ½LI²); uses of inductors
- Eddy currents: reduction and applications
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the laws of electromagnetic induction and identify factors affecting induced emf
- Interpret the operation of generators, transformers and the induction coil
- Determine the energy stored in an inductor and describe methods of reducing eddy-current losses
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Simple A.C. Circuits
Contents
- Explanation of A.C. current and voltage; peak and r.m.s. values
- A.C. source connected to a resistor, a capacitor (capacitive reactance) and an inductor (inductive reactance)
- Series R-L-C circuits; vector diagrams, phase angle and power factor
- Resistance and impedance; effective voltage in R-L-C circuits
- Resonance and resonant frequency (f₀ = 1/(2π√(LC)))
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between peak and r.m.s. values
- Interpret series R-L-C circuits using vector diagrams
- Calculate reactance, impedance, resonant frequency and power factor
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Conduction of Electricity Through Liquids and Gases
Contents
- Liquids: electrolytes and non-electrolytes; the concept of electrolysis
- Faraday's laws of electrolysis and applications (electroplating, calibration of ammeters)
- Gases: discharge through gases and applications of conduction through gases
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes
- Apply Faraday's laws of electrolysis
- Analyse discharge through gases and its applications
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Elementary Modern Physics
Contents
- Models of the atom and their limitations; elementary structure of the atom
- Energy levels and spectra
- Thermionic and photoelectric emissions; Einstein's equation and stopping potential; applications
- Production and properties of X-rays
- Radioactivity: properties and applications of alpha, beta and gamma rays; half-life and decay constant
- Energy from fusion and fission; binding energy, mass defect and Einstein's energy equation (ΔE = Δmc²)
- Wave-particle paradox (duality of matter), electron diffraction and the uncertainty principle
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Describe the elementary structure of the atom and the limitations of atomic models
- Apply Einstein's photoelectric equation and calculate stopping potential
- Relate half-life and decay constant and determine binding energy and mass defect
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Introductory Electronics
Contents
- Distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators (elementary band-gap knowledge)
- Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; n-type and p-type semiconductors
- Uses of semiconductors and diodes (rectification) and transistors (amplification)
- Elementary knowledge of the diode and the transistor
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between conductors, semiconductors and insulators
- Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic (n-type and p-type) semiconductors
- Relate diodes to rectification and transistors to amplification
Recommended Texts
- Ike, E.E. (2014). Essential Principles of Physics. Jos: ENIC Publishers.
- Ike, E.E. (2014). Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics. Jos: ENIC Publishers.
- Nelkon, M. (1977). Fundamentals of Physics. Great Britain: Hart-Davis Educational.
- Nelkon, M. and Parker, P. (1989). Advanced Level Physics (Sixth Edition). Heinemann.
- Okeke, P.N. and Anyakoha, M.W. (2000). Senior Secondary School Physics. Lagos: Pacific Printers.
- Olumuyiwa, A. and Ogunkoya, O.O. (1992). Comprehensive Certificate Physics. Ibadan: University Press Plc.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many topics are in the JAMB Physics syllabus?
- The JAMB UTME Physics syllabus is organised into 39 topics, running from Measurements and Units through to Introductory Electronics, each with its own contents and objectives.
- Is Physics compulsory in JAMB?
- No. English Language is the only compulsory UTME subject. Physics is required for science and engineering-related courses, where candidates take it alongside English and two other relevant subjects.
- What are the recommended textbooks for JAMB Physics?
- The syllabus recommends texts including Ike's Essential Principles of Physics, Nelkon's Fundamentals of Physics and Advanced Level Physics, Okeke and Anyakoha's Senior Secondary School Physics, and Olumuyiwa and Ogunkoya's Comprehensive Certificate Physics.
- Does the JAMB Physics exam include calculations?
- Yes. A major aim of the syllabus is the ability to solve numerical problems accurately — selecting the correct formula, substituting values, handling units and arriving at the right answer quickly across mechanics, electricity, waves and modern physics.
- Which Physics topics carry the most weight in UTME?
- Questions are spread across all areas, but mechanics (motion, forces, work-energy-power), electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics consistently feature, so candidates should cover the full topic list rather than predicting hot areas.
Source: the official JAMB UTME syllabus (jamb.gov.ng / IBASS). Always confirm details against the official syllabus.