JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Physics 2006
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2006 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A man measures a rod’s length as 1.50 m using a metre rule. If the actual length is 1.52 m, what is the percentage error?

A. 1.32%
B. 1.97%
C. 2.63%
D. 3.29%
Explanation

Absolute error = |1.50 - 1.52| = 0.02 m. Percentage error = (error / actual length) × 100 = (0.02 / 1.52) × 100 ≈ 1.32%.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A machine lifts a 400 N load through 5 m in 10 s with 80% efficiency. What is the power input to the machine?

A. 200 W
B. 250 W
C. 300 W
D. 400 W
Explanation

Work output = force × distance = 400 × 5 = 2000 J. Power output = work / time = 2000 / 10 = 200 W. Efficiency = (power output / power input) × 100 → 80 = (200 / P_in) × 100 → P_in = 200 / 0.8 = 250 W.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A simple pendulum has a period of 1.5 s on Earth. What is its period on the Moon, where gravitational acceleration is 1/6 that of Earth?

A. 0.61 s
B. 1.5 s
C. 3.67 s
D. 6.0 s
Explanation

Period T = 2π√(L/g). On the Moon, g_moon = g_earth / 6. T_moon / T_earth = √(g_earth / g_moon) = √6 ≈ 2.45. T_moon = 1.5 × 2.45 ≈ 3.67 s.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A 2 kg body moving at 5 ms^-1 collides inelastically with a 3 kg body at rest. What is their common velocity after collision?

A. 1 ms^-1
B. 2 ms^-1
C. 3 ms^-1
D. 4 ms^-1
Explanation

Conservation of momentum: m1u1 + m2u2 = (m1 + m2)v. 2 × 5 + 3 × 0 = (2 + 3)v → 10 = 5v → v = 2 ms^-1.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A wheel of radius 0.2 m rotates at 10 revolutions per second. What is the linear speed of a point on its rim?

A. 6.28 ms^-1
B. 12.56 ms^-1
C. 18.84 ms^-1
D. 25.12 ms^-1
Explanation

Angular speed ω = 2πf = 2π × 10 = 20π rad/s. Linear speed v = ωr = 20π × 0.2 ≈ 12.56 ms^-1.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A 5 kg body is immersed in a liquid of density 800 kgm^-3 with a volume of 0.002 m^3. What is its apparent weight? (g = 10 ms^-2)

A. 16 N
B. 20 N
C. 34 N
D. 40 N
Explanation

Actual weight = mg = 5 × 10 = 50 N. Upthrust = ρVg = 800 × 0.002 × 10 = 16 N. Apparent weight = actual weight - upthrust = 50 - 16 = 34 N.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A gas at 0°C and 1 atm occupies 500 cm^3. What is its volume at 100°C and 2 atm?

A. 286 cm^3
B. 341 cm^3
C. 455 cm^3
D. 682 cm^3
Explanation

Using (P1V1)/T1 = (P2V2)/T2: T1 = 273 K, T2 = 373 K. (1 × 500) / 273 = (2 × V2) / 373 → V2 = (500 × 373) / (273 × 2) ≈ 341 cm^3.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

The specific latent heat of vaporization of a liquid is 2.26 × 10^6 Jkg^-1. How much heat is required to vaporize 0.2 kg at its boiling point?

A. 2.26 × 10^5 J
B. 4.52 × 10^5 J
C. 2.26 × 10^6 J
D. 4.52 × 10^6 J
Explanation

Heat Q = mL = 0.2 × 2.26 × 10^6 = 4.52 × 10^5 J.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

The second harmonic frequency of a string fixed at both ends is 300 Hz. What is the fundamental frequency?

A. 100 Hz
B. 150 Hz
C. 200 Hz
D. 300 Hz
Explanation

Second harmonic f_2 = 2f_1. 300 = 2f_1 → f_1 = 300 / 2 = 150 Hz.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

An object is placed 30 cm in front of a concave mirror with a focal length of 20 cm. What is the magnification of the image?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Explanation

Using 1/f = 1/u + 1/v: 1/20 = 1/30 + 1/v → 1/v = 1/20 - 1/30 = 1/60 → v = 60 cm. Magnification m = -v/u = -60/30 = -2 (magnitude = 2).

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A convex lens of focal length 25 cm forms a real image at 50 cm. What is the object distance?

A. 10 cm
B. 15 cm
C. 25 cm
D. 50 cm
Explanation

Using 1/f = 1/u + 1/v: 1/25 = 1/u + 1/50 → 1/u = 1/25 - 1/50 = 1/50 → u = 50 cm.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

The refractive index of a medium is 1.6, and the speed of light in air is 3 × 10^8 ms^-1. What is the speed in the medium?

A. 1.5 × 10^8 ms^-1
B. 1.875 × 10^8 ms^-1
C. 2.0 × 10^8 ms^-1
D. 2.4 × 10^8 ms^-1
Explanation

Refractive index n = c/v. 1.6 = (3 × 10^8) / v → v = (3 × 10^8) / 1.6 = 1.875 × 10^8 ms^-1.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A prism has a minimum deviation angle of 40° and an apex angle of 60°. What is the refractive index of the prism material?

A. 1.33
B. 1.41
C. 1.50
D. 1.66
Explanation

At minimum deviation, δ_m = (n - 1)A. 40 = (n - 1) × 60 → n - 1 = 40/60 = 2/3 → n = 1 + 2/3 = 1.5.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A 5 × 10^-6 C charged particle moves at 2 ms^-1 perpendicular to a 0.3 T magnetic field. What is the force on the particle?

A. 1.5 × 10^-6 N
B. 3.0 × 10^-6 N
C. 1.5 × 10^-5 N
D. 3.0 × 10^-5 N
Explanation

Force F = qvB sinθ. θ = 90°, sinθ = 1. F = (5 × 10^-6) × 2 × 0.3 = 3.0 × 10^-5 N.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

Three resistors of 4 Ω, 6 Ω, and 12 Ω are connected in parallel. What is the equivalent resistance?

A. 1.5 Ω
B. 2 Ω
C. 3 Ω
D. 4 Ω
Explanation

1/Req = 1/4 + 1/6 + 1/12 = (3 + 2 + 1)/12 = 6/12 = 0.5. Req = 1 / 0.5 = 2 Ω.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A 1000 W electric heater operates at 220 V. What is the resistance of the heater?

A. 44 Ω
B. 48.4 Ω
C. 52.8 Ω
D. 60 Ω
Explanation

Power P = V^2 / R. R = V^2 / P = (220)^2 / 1000 = 48,400 / 1000 = 48.4 Ω.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A 0.5 m wire carrying 3 A is placed at 30° to a 0.8 T magnetic field. What is the force on the wire?

A. 0.3 N
B. 0.6 N
C. 0.9 N
D. 1.2 N
Explanation

Force F = BIL sinθ. B = 0.8 T, I = 3 A, L = 0.5 m, θ = 30°, sin30° = 0.5. F = 0.8 × 3 × 0.5 × 0.5 = 0.6 N.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

In a nuclear reaction, two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process is an example of

A. Fission
B. Fusion
C. Alpha decay
D. Beta decay
Explanation

Fusion involves the combination of light nuclei (e.g., hydrogen) to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy, as in stars.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A metal’s work function is 2.5 eV. What is the maximum kinetic energy of an emitted electron if the incident light’s frequency is 7.6 × 10^14 Hz? (h = 6.63 × 10^-34 Js, 1 eV = 1.6 × 10^-19 J)

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

Photon energy E = hf = (6.63 × 10^-34) × (7.6 × 10^14) ≈ 5.04 × 10^-19 J = (5.04 × 10^-19) / (1.6 × 10^-19) ≈ 3.15 eV. Max KE = E - φ = 3.15 - 2.5 = 0.65 eV ≈ 0.5 eV.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A particle moving at 2 × 10^6 ms^-1 has a de Broglie wavelength of 3.315 × 10^-11 m. What is its mass? (h = 6.63 × 10^-34 Js)

A. 1.0 × 10^-29 kg
B. 1.0 × 10^-30 kg
C. 1.0 × 10^-31 kg
D. 1.0 × 10^-32 kg
Explanation

λ = h / (mv). m = h / (λv) = (6.63 × 10^-34) / (3.315 × 10^-11 × 2 × 10^6) = 1.0 × 10^-30 kg.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

Which of the following is a characteristic of gamma rays?

A. They are charged particles
B. They are deflected by magnetic fields
C. They have high penetrating power
D. They have low energy
Explanation

Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves with high energy and penetrating power, unaffected by magnetic fields.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A 0.5 kg ball is thrown vertically upwards at 12 ms^-1. What is its potential energy at maximum height? (g = 10 ms^-2)

A. 30 J
B. 36 J
C. 42 J
D. 48 J
Explanation

At max height, PE = initial KE. KE = (1/2)mv^2 = (1/2) × 0.5 × (12)^2 = 36 J. PE = 36 J.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

The fundamental frequency of a closed pipe is 200 Hz. If the speed of sound is 340 ms^-1, what is the pipe’s length?

A. 0.21 m
B. 0.43 m
C. 0.85 m
D. 1.70 m
Explanation

For a closed pipe, f = v / (4L). 200 = 340 / (4L) → 4L = 340 / 200 → L = 0.425 m ≈ 0.43 m.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

An object is placed 10 cm in front of a convex lens of focal length 15 cm. What is the nature of the image?

A. Real and inverted
B. Virtual and upright
C. Real and upright
D. Virtual and inverted
Explanation

1/f = 1/u + 1/v. 1/15 = 1/10 + 1/v → 1/v = 1/15 - 1/10 = -1/30 → v = -30 cm (virtual). Image is virtual and upright.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A microscope has an objective lens of focal length 2 cm and an eyepiece of focal length 5 cm. If the lens distance is 18 cm, what is the magnification?

A. 15
B. 20
C. 25
D. 30
Explanation

Magnification M = (v_o / u_o) × (D / f_e). Objective: 1/2 = 1/u_o + 1/(18-5) → u_o ≈ 2.6 cm, v_o ≈ 13 cm, m_o = 13 / 2.6 = 5. Eyepiece: m_e = D / f_e = 25 / 5 = 5 (D = 25 cm). M = 5 × 5 = 25.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A charged particle moves at 60° to a magnetic field. If the force is 3 × 10^-3 N, charge is 2 × 10^-6 C, and speed is 5 ms^-1, what is the field strength?

A. 0.2 T
B. 0.3 T
C. 0.4 T
D. 0.5 T
Explanation

F = qvB sinθ. F = 3 × 10^-3 N, q = 2 × 10^-6 C, v = 5 ms^-1, θ = 60°, sin60° ≈ 0.866. B = F / (qv sinθ) = (3 × 10^-3) / (2 × 10^-6 × 5 × 0.866) ≈ 0.4 T.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A 12 V battery is connected to 4 Ω and 8 Ω resistors in series. What is the potential difference across the 8 Ω resistor?

A. 4 V
B. 6 V
C. 8 V
D. 12 V
Explanation

Total resistance = 4 + 8 = 12 Ω. Current I = V/R = 12 / 12 = 1 A. Voltage across 8 Ω = I × R = 1 × 8 = 8 V.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A household consumes 10 kWh of energy in 5 hours. What is the average power consumption?

A. 1 kW
B. 2 kW
C. 3 kW
D. 4 kW
Explanation

Power = energy / time = 10 kWh / 5 h = 2 kW.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

Which of the following is NOT a property of electromagnetic waves?

A. Travel at the speed of light
B. Require a medium to propagate
C. Are transverse waves
D. Can be polarized
Explanation

Electromagnetic waves propagate through a vacuum and do not require a medium, unlike mechanical waves.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A radioactive substance has a half-life of 8 days. How long will it take for 75% to decay?

A. 8 days
B. 16 days
C. 24 days
D. 32 days
Explanation

75% decay means 25% remains. 25% = (1/2)^n → (1/2)^2 = 1/4. n = 2 half-lives. Time = 2 × 8 = 16 days.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

Which particle has the highest penetrating power?

A. Alpha particle
B. Beta particle
C. Gamma ray
D. Neutron
Explanation

Gamma rays, being electromagnetic waves, have high penetrating power, passing through most materials.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A metal’s threshold wavelength is 600 nm. What is its work function? (h = 6.63 × 10^-34 Js, c = 3 × 10^8 ms^-1)

A. 2.0 × 10^-19 J
B. 3.3 × 10^-19 J
C. 4.0 × 10^-19 J
D. 5.0 × 10^-19 J
Explanation

Work function φ = hc/λ. λ = 6 × 10^-7 m. φ = (6.63 × 10^-34 × 3 × 10^8) / (6 × 10^-7) ≈ 3.3 × 10^-19 J.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A p-n junction diode allows current to flow easily when

A. Reverse-biased
B. Forward-biased
C. At low temperature
D. Voltage is zero
Explanation

Forward bias reduces the potential barrier in a p-n junction, allowing current to flow easily.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 Jkg^-1K^-1. How much heat is needed to raise 2 kg of water from 20°C to 50°C?

A. 126,000 J
B. 252,000 J
C. 378,000 J
D. 504,000 J
Explanation

Heat Q = mcΔθ = 2 × 4200 × (50 - 20) = 2 × 4200 × 30 = 252,000 J.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A 10 kg object accelerates from rest to 5 ms^-1 in 4 s. What is the average power delivered?

A. 62.5 W
B. 125 W
C. 187.5 W
D. 250 W
Explanation

Work = ΔKE = (1/2)mv^2 = (1/2) × 10 × (5)^2 = 125 J. Power = work / time = 125 / 4 = 125 W.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

Which of the following is a characteristic of beta particles?

A. They are electromagnetic waves
B. They have high penetrating power
C. They are negatively charged
D. They have no mass
Explanation

Beta particles are high-energy electrons, negatively charged, with moderate penetrating power.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

A wave has a frequency of 500 Hz and a wavelength of 0.68 m. What is its speed?

A. 170 ms^-1
B. 340 ms^-1
C. 680 ms^-1
D. 1360 ms^-1
Explanation

Speed v = fλ = 500 × 0.68 = 340 ms^-1.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

An AC circuit has a frequency of 50 Hz. What is its time period?

A. 0.01 s
B. 0.02 s
C. 0.05 s
D. 0.1 s
Explanation

Time period T = 1/f = 1/50 = 0.02 s.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

The wave-particle duality of light explains

A. Refraction only
B. Photoelectric effect and diffraction
C. Polarization only
D. Reflection only
Explanation

Wave-particle duality explains light’s particle nature (photoelectric effect) and wave nature (diffraction).

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2006

The resistance of a semiconductor typically

A. Increases with temperature
B. Decreases with temperature
C. Remains constant with temperature
D. Is independent of material
Explanation

In semiconductors, increased temperature excites more charge carriers, reducing resistance.

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