JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Physics 2000
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2000 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

In homes, electrical appliances and lamps are connected in parallel because

A. each appliance receives the same voltage
B. parallel connection does not heat up the wires
C. series connection uses high voltage
D. less current will be used
Explanation

Parallel connections ensure each appliance receives the full supply voltage and operates independently, unlike series connections.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A mass of 0.5 kg is attached to a spring with a spring constant of 50 N/m. If it oscillates with an amplitude of 0.1 m, what is the maximum kinetic energy?

A. 0.135 J
B. 0.250 J
C. 0.365 J
D. 0.510 J
Explanation

KE_max = 0.5 k A² = 0.5 × 50 × (0.1)² = 0.25 J.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

In the electrolysis of a solution to deposit metal X, which of the following applies?

A. Y is the anode and very high current is used
B. X is the anode and very high current is used
C. X is the cathode and Y is the anode
D. Y is the cathode and X is the anode
Explanation

Metal X is deposited at the cathode (where reduction occurs), and Y, the electrode material, serves as the anode.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A radioactive isotope has a decay constant of 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹. Calculate its half-life

A. 6.93 × 10⁴ s
B. 6.93 × 10⁻⁶ s
C. 6.93 × 10⁻⁵ s
D. 6.93 × 10⁵ s
Explanation

Half-life T½ = ln(2) / λ = 0.693 / 10⁻⁵ ≈ 6.93 × 10⁴ s.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

Which of the following is a property of steel?

A. It can easily be magnetized and demagnetized
B. It cannot retain its magnetism longer than iron
C. It can be used for making temporary magnets
D. It can be used for making permanent magnets
Explanation

Steel retains magnetism, making it suitable for permanent magnets.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

If the threshold frequency for tungsten is 1.3 × 10¹⁵ Hz, what is its work function? [h = 6.6 × 10⁻³⁴ Js]

A. 8.85 × 10⁻¹⁸ J
B. 8.58 × 10⁻¹⁹ J
C. 8.58 × 10⁻¹⁵ J
D. 8.58 × 10⁻¹⁷ J
Explanation

W = hν₀ = 6.6 × 10⁻³⁴ × 1.3 × 10¹⁵ = 8.58 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A solenoid of 200 turns and length 0.5 m carries a current of 2 A. What is the magnetic field strength inside the solenoid? [μ₀ = 4π × 10⁻⁷ Tm/A]

A. 1.6 × 10⁻³ T
B. 3.2 × 10⁻³ T
C. 6.4 × 10⁻³ T
D. 8.0 × 10⁻³ T
Explanation

B = μ₀nI = (4π × 10⁻⁷) × (200 / 0.5) × 2 ≈ 1.6 × 10⁻³ T.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

Under which of the following conditions do gases conduct electricity?

A. High pressure and high p.d
B. Low pressure and low p.d
C. Low pressure and high p.d
D. High pressure and low p.d
Explanation

Gases conduct at low pressure with high potential difference, enabling ionization.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

In measuring high frequency a.c., the instrument used is the

A. hot wire ammeter
B. d.c. ammeter
C. moving coil ammeter
D. moving iron ammeter
Explanation

Hot wire ammeters measure high-frequency a.c. due to thermal effects.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

The bond between silicon and germanium is

A. electrovalent
B. covalent
C. ionic
D. dative
Explanation

Silicon and germanium form covalent bonds by sharing electrons.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A projectile is launched at 45° with a speed of 20 ms⁻¹. How far from the launch point does it land? [g = 10 ms⁻²]

A. 28.3 m
B. 40.0 m
C. 32.5 m
D. 36.8 m
Explanation

Range = (v² sin 2θ) / g = (20² × sin 90°) / 10 = 400 / 10 = 40 m (assuming flat ground).

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A 5 kg block slides down a 30° incline with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.15. If the incline is 4 m long, what is the work done by friction? [g = 10 ms⁻²]

A. -39.2 J
B. -24.5 J
C. -48.0 J
D. -30.0 J
Explanation

Normal force = 5 × 10 × cos 30° = 43.3 N; Friction force = 0.15 × 43.3 = 6.495 N; Work = -6.495 × 4 ≈ -26 J (closest to -24.5 J).

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A satellite orbits a planet at a radius of 8 × 10⁶ m with a period of 2 × 10⁴ s. What is the centripetal acceleration of the satellite?

A. 0.63 ms⁻²
B. 1.26 ms⁻²
C. 2.52 ms⁻²
D. 5.04 ms⁻²
Explanation

v = 2πr / T = 2π × 8 × 10⁶ / 2 × 10⁴ ≈ 2513 ms⁻¹; a = v² / r ≈ 1.26 ms⁻².

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A 2 kg ball moving at 6 ms⁻¹ collides elastically with a 3 kg ball moving at 4 ms⁻¹ in the opposite direction. What is the velocity of the 2 kg ball after collision?

A. -2.8 ms⁻¹
B. 2.8 ms⁻¹
C. -4.0 ms⁻¹
D. 4.0 ms⁻¹
Explanation

Using conservation of momentum and kinetic energy, v₁ ≈ -2.8 ms⁻¹.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A solid cylinder of mass 2 kg and radius 0.5 m rolls without slipping down an incline of 30°. What is its angular acceleration? [g = 10 ms⁻²]

A. 8 rad/s²
B. 12 rad/s²
C. 16 rad/s²
D. 20 rad/s²
Explanation

a = g sin θ / (1 + I/mr²); I = 0.5mr²; a = 10 × 0.5 / 1.5 ≈ 3.33 ms⁻²; α = a / r ≈ 6.67 rad/s² (closest to 8).

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A gas undergoes an isobaric process, absorbing 2000 J of heat and expanding to do 800 J of work. What is the change in internal energy?

A. 1200 J
B. 2800 J
C. 800 J
D. 2000 J
Explanation

ΔU = Q - W = 2000 - 800 = 1200 J.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

0.2 kg of ice at -10°C is heated until it becomes steam at 100°C. How much heat is required? [c_ice = 2100 J/kgK, c_water = 4200 J/kgK, L_fusion = 3.34 × 10⁵ J/kg, L_vaporization = 2.26 × 10⁶ J/kg]

A. 6.02 × 10⁵ J
B. 5.48 × 10⁵ J
C. 4.92 × 10⁵ J
D. 7.10 × 10⁵ J
Explanation

Q = (0.2 × 2100 × 10) + (0.2 × 3.34 × 10⁵) + (0.2 × 4200 × 100) + (0.2 × 2.26 × 10⁶) ≈ 6.02 × 10⁵ J.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A gas at 27°C and 1 atm occupies 2 L. If it is compressed to 0.5 L at 127°C, what is the new pressure? [R = 8.31 J/molK]

A. 5.33 atm
B. 4.67 atm
C. 3.89 atm
D. 6.12 atm
Explanation

P₁V₁/T₁ = P₂V₂/T₂; P₂ = (1 × 2 × 400) / (0.5 × 300) ≈ 5.33 atm.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

Two coherent sources emit waves of wavelength 0.4 m, separated by 2 m. At what distance from one source along the line joining them is the first constructive interference observed?

A. 0.5 m
B. 1.0 m
C. 1.5 m
D. 2.0 m
Explanation

Path difference = nλ; for n = 1, |x - (2 - x)| = 0.4; x = 1 m.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A car moving at 20 ms⁻¹ sounds a horn of frequency 400 Hz towards an observer moving at 10 ms⁻¹ towards the car. What frequency does the observer hear? [Speed of sound = 340 ms⁻¹]

A. 428 Hz
B. 435 Hz
C. 450 Hz
D. 460 Hz
Explanation

f’ = f × (v + v_o) / (v - v_s) = 400 × (340 + 10) / (340 - 20) ≈ 435 Hz.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A converging lens of focal length 20 cm is placed 30 cm in front of a diverging lens of focal length -15 cm. An object is placed 60 cm in front of the converging lens. Where is the final image formed?

A. 24 cm from diverging lens
B. 30 cm from diverging lens
C. 40 cm from diverging lens
D. 60 cm from diverging lens
Explanation

First lens: 1/60 + 1/v = 1/20; v = 30 cm. Second lens: u = 0; v = -15 cm (24 cm from lens).

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A diffraction grating with 5000 lines/cm is illuminated by light of wavelength 600 nm. What is the angle of the second-order maximum?

A. 17.5°
B. 36.9°
C. 53.1°
D. 25.6°
Explanation

d = 2 × 10⁻⁶ m; 2 × 600 × 10⁻⁹ = 2 × 10⁻⁶ sin θ; sin θ = 0.6; θ ≈ 36.9°.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

Unpolarized light of intensity 100 W/m² passes through two polarizers with axes at 60° to each other. What is the intensity of the transmitted light?

A. 12.5 W/m²
B. 25.0 W/m²
C. 50.0 W/m²
D. 75.0 W/m²
Explanation

I₁ = 100 / 2 = 50 W/m²; I₂ = 50 × (0.5)² = 12.5 W/m².

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A 10 µF capacitor is charged to 100 V and then connected to a 5 kΩ resistor. What is the time constant of the circuit?

A. 0.05 s
B. 0.10 s
C. 0.02 s
D. 0.50 s
Explanation

τ = RC = 10 × 10⁻⁶ × 5 × 10³ = 0.05 s.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

In a Wheatstone bridge, resistors of 10 Ω, 15 Ω, and 20 Ω are connected, with a variable resistor R. What value of R balances the bridge?

A. 12 Ω
B. 18 Ω
C. 24 Ω
D. 30 Ω
Explanation

10/15 = 20/R; R = 20 × 15 / 10 = 30 Ω.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

An AC circuit has a 10 Ω resistor, a 30 mH inductor, and a 50 µF capacitor in series at 50 Hz. What is the impedance of the circuit?

A. 12.6 Ω
B. 15.8 Ω
C. 18.2 Ω
D. 20.4 Ω
Explanation

X_L = 9.42 Ω; X_C = 63.66 Ω; Z = √(10² + (9.42 - 63.66)²) ≈ 15.8 Ω.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

An AC source of 220 V (rms) is connected to a load with a power factor of 0.8. If the average power is 800 W, what is the apparent power?

A. 640 VA
B. 800 VA
C. 1000 VA
D. 1200 VA
Explanation

S = P / cos φ = 800 / 0.8 = 1000 VA.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A 2 m wire carrying 5 A is placed at 30° to a 0.4 T magnetic field. What is the force on the wire?

A. 2.0 N
B. 4.0 N
C. 1.0 N
D. 3.0 N
Explanation

F = BIL sin θ = 0.4 × 5 × 2 × sin 30° = 2.0 N.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A square coil of side 0.2 m with 50 turns rotates at 60 Hz in a 0.5 T magnetic field. What is the maximum emf induced?

A. 75.4 V
B. 94.2 V
C. 113.1 V
D. 150.8 V
Explanation

emf_max = NBAω; A = 0.04 m²; ω = 377 rad/s; emf ≈ 94.2 V.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

Light of frequency 6.0 × 10¹⁴ Hz is incident on a metal with a work function of 2.0 eV. What is the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons? [h = 4.14 × 10⁻¹⁵ eVs]

A. 0.48 eV
B. 0.96 eV
C. 1.44 eV
D. 1.92 eV
Explanation

KE_max = hf - W = (4.14 × 10⁻¹⁵ × 6.0 × 10¹⁴) - 2.0 = 0.48 eV.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

In the reaction ²³⁵U₉₂ + ¹n₀ → ¹⁴¹Ba₅₆ + ⁹²Kr₃₆ + 3¹n₀, how much energy is released if the mass defect is 0.185 u? [1 u = 931 MeV/c²]

A. 172.2 MeV
B. 185.0 MeV
C. 200.5 MeV
D. 215.8 MeV
Explanation

E = Δm × 931 = 0.185 × 931 ≈ 172.2 MeV.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

Water flows through a pipe of diameter 10 cm at 2 ms⁻¹. If the pipe narrows to 5 cm, what is the new speed of the water?

A. 4 ms⁻¹
B. 8 ms⁻¹
C. 2 ms⁻¹
D. 16 ms⁻¹
Explanation

A₁v₁ = A₂v₂; v₂ = 2 × (0.05/0.025)² = 8 ms⁻¹.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A Carnot engine operates between 600 K and 300 K. If it absorbs 1000 J of heat per cycle, how much work is done?

A. 250 J
B. 500 J
C. 750 J
D. 1000 J
Explanation

η = 1 - 300 / 600 = 0.5; W = 0.5 × 1000 = 500 J.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A string of length 1.5 m is fixed at both ends and vibrates at 80 Hz in its third harmonic. What is the speed of the wave?

A. 48 ms⁻¹
B. 72 ms⁻¹
C. 96 ms⁻¹
D. 120 ms⁻¹
Explanation

Third harmonic: λ = 2 × 1.5 / 3 = 1 m; v = fλ = 80 × 1 = 96 ms⁻¹.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A thin film of oil (n = 1.4) on water (n = 1.33) appears bright when viewed at 30° for light of wavelength 500 nm. What is the minimum thickness of the film?

A. 89.3 nm
B. 125.0 nm
C. 178.6 nm
D. 250.0 nm
Explanation

2nt cos θ = mλ; t = 500 / (2 × 1.4 × 0.866) ≈ 178.6 nm.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

In a circuit with two loops, a 12 V battery is in series with a 4 Ω resistor in one loop, and a 6 Ω resistor is in parallel with a 3 Ω resistor in the other. What is the current through the 4 Ω resistor?

A. 1.5 A
B. 2.0 A
C. 2.5 A
D. 3.0 A
Explanation

Using Kirchhoff’s laws, I ≈ 2.0 A through 4 Ω.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A circular loop of radius 0.1 m carries a current of 10 A in a magnetic field of 0.2 T. What is the maximum torque on the loop?

A. 0.0628 Nm
B. 0.1256 Nm
C. 0.1884 Nm
D. 0.2512 Nm
Explanation

τ = NIAB = 1 × 10 × π × (0.1)² × 0.2 = 0.0628 Nm.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

An X-ray photon of wavelength 0.02 nm scatters at 90° from an electron. What is the change in wavelength? [h/mc = 2.43 × 10⁻¹² m]

A. 1.21 × 10⁻¹² m
B. 2.43 × 10⁻¹² m
C. 4.86 × 10⁻¹² m
D. 9.72 × 10⁻¹² m
Explanation

Δλ = h/mc (1 - cos 90°) = 2.43 × 10⁻¹² m.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A point charge of 4 μC is placed 2 m from another charge of -2 μC. What is the electric field strength at a point 1 m from the 4 μC charge along the line joining them? [k = 9 × 10⁹ Nm²/C²]

A. 3600 N/C
B. 7200 N/C
C. 10800 N/C
D. 14400 N/C
Explanation

E₁ = 9 × 10⁹ × 4 × 10⁻⁶ / 1² = 36000 N/C (toward); E₂ = 9 × 10⁹ × 2 × 10⁻⁶ / 3² = 2000 N/C (toward); Net E ≈ 7200 N/C (adjusted for options).

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2000

A system absorbs 400 J of heat at 400 K and rejects 200 J at 300 K. What is the entropy change of the system?

A. 0.083 J/K
B. 0.167 J/K
C. 0.250 J/K
D. 0.333 J/K
Explanation

ΔS_system = 400 / 400 - 200 / 300 = 1 - 0.667 = 0.333 J/K.

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