JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Physics 2001
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2001 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

Which of the following instruments is best for measuring the diameter of a thin wire?

A. Metre rule
B. Vernier calipers
C. Micrometer screw gauge
D. Tape rule
Explanation

A micrometer screw gauge is the most precise instrument for measuring small diameters, such as that of a thin wire, with accuracy up to 0.01mm.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A car moves with a velocity of 20 ms^-1 and accelerates uniformly at 2 ms^-2 for 5 seconds. What is its final velocity?

A. 10 ms^-1
B. 25 ms^-1
C. 30 ms^-1
D. 40 ms^-1
Explanation

Using v = u + at, where u = 20 ms^-1, a = 2 ms^-2, t = 5 s: v = 20 + (2 * 5) = 20 + 10 = 30 ms^-1.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A body of mass 4 kg is lifted vertically through a height of 5 m. What is the potential energy gained by the body? (g = 10 ms^-2)

A. 50 J
B. 100 J
C. 200 J
D. 400 J
Explanation

Potential energy = mgh = 4 * 10 * 5 = 200 J.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

Two forces of 12 N and 16 N act on a body at an angle of 90° to each other. What is the magnitude of their resultant force?

A. 20 N
B. 24 N
C. 28 N
D. 32 N
Explanation

For perpendicular forces, resultant R = √(F1^2 + F2^2) = √(12^2 + 16^2) = √(144 + 256) = √400 = 20 N.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A ball is thrown vertically upwards with an initial velocity of 15 ms^-1. What is the maximum height reached? (g = 10 ms^-2)

A. 7.5 m
B. 11.25 m
C. 15 m
D. 22.5 m
Explanation

At maximum height, v = 0. Using v^2 = u^2 + 2as: 0 = 15^2 + 2(-10)h → 0 = 225 - 20h → h = 225 / 20 = 11.25 m.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A machine lifts a load of 500 N through a distance of 2 m in 4 s. What is the power of the machine?

A. 250 W
B. 500 W
C. 1000 W
D. 2000 W
Explanation

Work done = F * d = 500 * 2 = 1000 J. Power = work/time = 1000 / 4 = 250 W.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A simple pendulum oscillates with a period of 2 s. If its length is quadrupled, what is the new period?

A. 1 s
B. 2 s
C. 4 s
D. 8 s
Explanation

Period T = 2π√(L/g). If length L is quadrupled, T2/T1 = √(4L/L) = √4 = 2. New period = 2 * 2 = 4 s.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A body of mass 2 kg moves with a velocity of 3 ms^-1. What is its momentum?

A. 2 kgms^-1
B. 3 kgms^-1
C. 6 kgms^-1
D. 9 kgms^-1
Explanation

Momentum = mass * velocity = 2 * 3 = 6 kgms^-1.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A block and tackle system has a velocity ratio of 5. If the efficiency of the system is 80%, what is the mechanical advantage?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Explanation

Efficiency = (MA / VR) * 100. 80 = (MA / 5) * 100 → MA = (80 * 5) / 100 = 4.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A wooden block floats in water with 2/3 of its volume submerged. What is the density of the wood? (Density of water = 1000 kgm^-3)

A. 333 kgm^-3
B. 667 kgm^-3
C. 1000 kgm^-3
D. 1500 kgm^-3
Explanation

Fraction submerged = density of wood / density of water. 2/3 = ρ / 1000 → ρ = (2/3) * 1000 = 667 kgm^-3.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A spring extends by 0.05 m when a force of 20 N is applied. What is the spring constant?

A. 100 Nm^-1
B. 200 Nm^-1
C. 300 Nm^-1
D. 400 Nm^-1
Explanation

Using Hooke’s law, F = kx. k = F/x = 20 / 0.05 = 400 Nm^-1.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

The pressure exerted by a gas is 2 x 10^5 Pa. If the gas occupies a volume of 0.5 m^3, what is the new pressure if the volume is reduced to 0.25 m^3 at constant temperature?

A. 1 x 10^5 Pa
B. 2 x 10^5 Pa
C. 4 x 10^5 Pa
D. 8 x 10^5 Pa
Explanation

At constant temperature, P1V1 = P2V2 (Boyle’s law). P2 = (P1V1) / V2 = (2 x 10^5 * 0.5) / 0.25 = 4 x 10^5 Pa.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A metal rod of length 50 cm expands by 0.02 cm when heated from 20°C to 120°C. What is the linear expansivity of the metal?

A. 4 x 10^-6 K^-1
B. 4 x 10^-5 K^-1
C. 4 x 10^-4 K^-1
D. 4 x 10^-3 K^-1
Explanation

Linear expansivity α = (ΔL / L) / ΔT. ΔL = 0.02 cm, L = 50 cm, ΔT = 120 - 20 = 100°C. α = (0.02 / 50) / 100 = 4 x 10^-5 K^-1.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A gas occupies 400 cm^3 at 27°C and 760 mmHg. What is its volume at 0°C and 760 mmHg?

A. 365 cm^3
B. 400 cm^3
C. 436 cm^3
D. 480 cm^3
Explanation

Using Charles’ law at constant pressure: V2/V1 = T2/T1. V1 = 400 cm^3, T1 = 27°C = 300 K, T2 = 0°C = 273 K. V2 = (273 / 300) * 400 = 364 cm^3, rounded to 365 cm^3 for the closest option.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

What is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 200 g of water from 25°C to 75°C? (Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 Jkg^-1K^-1)

A. 21,000 J
B. 42,000 J
C. 63,000 J
D. 84,000 J
Explanation

Q = mcΔT. m = 200 g = 0.2 kg, c = 4200 Jkg^-1K^-1, ΔT = 75 - 25 = 50°C. Q = 0.2 * 4200 * 50 = 42,000 J.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the rate of evaporation of a liquid?

A. Temperature
B. Surface area
C. Density of the liquid
D. Humidity
Explanation

Density does not directly affect evaporation rate, whereas temperature, surface area, and humidity influence the process.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

The heat required to melt 1 kg of lead at its melting point is 2.3 x 10^4 J. What is the specific latent heat of fusion of lead?

A. 2.3 x 10^3 Jkg^-1
B. 2.3 x 10^4 Jkg^-1
C. 2.3 x 10^5 Jkg^-1
D. 2.3 x 10^6 Jkg^-1
Explanation

Specific latent heat of fusion L = Q/m. Q = 2.3 x 10^4 J, m = 1 kg. L = 2.3 x 10^4 / 1 = 2.3 x 10^4 Jkg^-1.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A wave has a frequency of 500 Hz and a wavelength of 0.8 m. What is the speed of the wave?

A. 200 ms^-1
B. 400 ms^-1
C. 600 ms^-1
D. 800 ms^-1
Explanation

Speed v = f * λ = 500 * 0.8 = 400 ms^-1.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

Which of the following properties of a wave is independent of the medium through which it travels?

A. Speed
B. Wavelength
C. Frequency
D. Amplitude
Explanation

Frequency depends on the source of the wave and remains constant regardless of the medium, unlike speed and wavelength.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A sound wave travels in air at a speed of 340 ms^-1. If the wavelength is 0.68 m, what is the frequency of the wave?

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

Frequency f = v / λ = 340 / 0.68 = 500 Hz.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A vibrating string produces a note of frequency 200 Hz. If the tension in the string is doubled, what is the new frequency?

A. 141 Hz
B. 200 Hz
C. 283 Hz
D. 400 Hz
Explanation

Frequency f ∝ √T. If tension T is doubled, f2/f1 = √(2T/T) = √2. f2 = 200 * √2 ≈ 200 * 1.414 = 283 Hz.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

The phenomenon responsible for the splitting of white light into its component colors is

A. Reflection
B. Refraction
C. Dispersion
D. Diffraction
Explanation

Dispersion occurs when white light splits into its component colors due to different wavelengths refracting at different angles in a medium like a prism.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A concave mirror has a radius of curvature of 20 cm. What is its focal length?

A. 5 cm
B. 10 cm
C. 20 cm
D. 40 cm
Explanation

Focal length f = R/2. R = 20 cm, so f = 20 / 2 = 10 cm.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

The critical angle for a medium is 42°. What is the refractive index of the medium?

A. 1.33
B. 1.49
C. 1.66
D. 2.00
Explanation

Refractive index n = 1 / sin(C). For C = 42°, sin(42°) ≈ 0.669. Thus, n = 1 / 0.669 ≈ 1.494, which rounds to 1.49.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

Which of the following waves does NOT require a medium to propagate?

A. Sound wave
B. Water wave
C. Light wave
D. Seismic wave
Explanation

Light waves are electromagnetic waves and can travel through a vacuum, unlike sound, water, and seismic waves.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A charged particle of 2 x 10^-6 C experiences a force of 4 x 10^-3 N in an electric field. What is the electric field intensity?

A. 2 x 10^3 Vm^-1
B. 4 x 10^3 Vm^-1
C. 2 x 10^6 Vm^-1
D. 4 x 10^6 Vm^-1
Explanation

Electric field intensity E = F/q = (4 x 10^-3) / (2 x 10^-6) = 2 x 10^3 Vm^-1.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A capacitor of capacitance 5 μF is charged to a potential difference of 100 V. What is the energy stored in the capacitor?

A. 0.025 J
B. 0.050 J
C. 0.125 J
D. 0.250 J
Explanation

Energy stored = (1/2)CV^2. C = 5 μF = 5 x 10^-6 F, V = 100 V. Energy = (1/2) * (5 x 10^-6) * (100)^2 = 0.025 J.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A cell of emf 2 V and internal resistance 0.5 Ω is connected to a 1.5 Ω resistor. What is the current in the circuit?

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

Total resistance = R + r = 1.5 + 0.5 = 2 Ω. Current I = E / (R + r) = 2 / 2 = 1.0 A.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

Three resistors of 2 Ω, 3 Ω, and 6 Ω are connected in parallel. What is their equivalent resistance?

A. 1 Ω
B. 1.5 Ω
C. 2 Ω
D. 3 Ω
Explanation

For parallel resistors, 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 = 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/6 = (3 + 2 + 1)/6 = 1. Req = 1 Ω.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A household appliance is rated 500 W and operates at 220 V. What is the current drawn by the appliance?

A. 1.14 A
B. 2.27 A
C. 4.54 A
D. 5.00 A
Explanation

Power P = VI. I = P/V = 500 / 220 ≈ 2.27 A.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A conductor of length 2 m moves at 5 ms^-1 perpendicular to a magnetic field of 0.4 T. What is the induced emf?

A. 2 V
B. 4 V
C. 6 V
D. 8 V
Explanation

Induced emf = Blv. B = 0.4 T, l = 2 m, v = 5 ms^-1. emf = 0.4 * 2 * 5 = 4 V.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

Which of the following devices converts electrical energy to mechanical energy?

A. Transformer
B. Electric motor
C. Generator
D. Capacitor
Explanation

An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy through electromagnetic induction.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A step-up transformer has a primary voltage of 220 V and a turns ratio of 1:5. What is the secondary voltage?

A. 44 V
B. 220 V
C. 550 V
D. 1100 V
Explanation

For a transformer, Vs/Vp = Ns/Np. Vs/220 = 5/1 → Vs = 220 * 5 = 1100 V.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

The half-life of a radioactive substance is 12 hours. What fraction of the substance remains after 36 hours?

A. 1/2
B. 1/4
C. 1/8
D. 1/16
Explanation

Number of half-lives = 36 / 12 = 3. Fraction remaining = (1/2)^n = (1/2)^3 = 1/8.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

Which of the following particles is emitted during beta decay?

A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Photon
Explanation

Beta decay involves the emission of an electron (beta particle) from the nucleus as a neutron transforms into a proton.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

The work function of a metal is 2.0 eV. What is the threshold frequency for photoemission? (1 eV = 1.6 x 10^-19 J, h = 6.63 x 10^-34 Js)

A. 2.4 x 10^14 Hz
B. 4.8 x 10^14 Hz
C. 7.2 x 10^14 Hz
D. 9.6 x 10^14 Hz
Explanation

Threshold frequency f = φ/h. φ = 2.0 eV = 2.0 * 1.6 x 10^-19 = 3.2 x 10^-19 J. f = (3.2 x 10^-19) / (6.63 x 10^-34) ≈ 4.8 x 10^14 Hz.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

The energy of a photon of wavelength 500 nm is (h = 6.63 x 10^-34 Js, c = 3 x 10^8 ms^-1)

A. 2.0 x 10^-19 J
B. 3.0 x 10^-19 J
C. 4.0 x 10^-19 J
D. 5.0 x 10^-19 J
Explanation

Energy E = hc/λ. λ = 500 nm = 5 x 10^-7 m. E = (6.63 x 10^-34 * 3 x 10^8) / (5 x 10^-7) ≈ 4.0 x 10^-19 J.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

Which of the following best explains the wave-particle duality of light?

A. Reflection
B. Diffraction
C. Photoelectric effect
D. Refraction
Explanation

The photoelectric effect demonstrates the particle nature of light (photons), while phenomena like diffraction show its wave nature, illustrating wave-particle duality.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

A body of mass 5 kg is moving with a velocity of 10 ms^-1. What is its kinetic energy?

A. 125 J
B. 250 J
C. 500 J
D. 1000 J
Explanation

Kinetic energy = (1/2)mv^2. m = 5 kg, v = 10 ms^-1. KE = (1/2) * 5 * (10)^2 = 250 J.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2001

The unit of electrical resistance is

A. Ampere
B. Volt
C. Ohm
D. Watt
Explanation

The unit of electrical resistance is the ohm (Ω), defined as the resistance that allows 1 ampere of current to flow under 1 volt of potential difference.

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