JAMB Physics 2010
Questions & Answers

In a vacuum, an object in free fall experiences constant acceleration due to gravity (g ≈ 9.8 m/s²), with no air resistance. This is uniform acceleration.

Solar radiation drives Earth's climate system by providing energy that influences weather patterns and temperature.

Velocity is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction, unlike speed, distance, and time, which are scalars.

Boyle's law states that at constant temperature, pressure is inversely proportional to volume (P₁V₁ = P₂V₂). Doubling volume halves pressure.

Copper is an excellent conductor due to its low electrical resistance and high conductivity, unlike insulators like rubber, glass, and plastic.

Transverse waves (e.g., light) oscillate perpendicular to their direction, while longitudinal waves (e.g., sound) oscillate parallel to it.

Sound waves are mechanical, requiring a medium (e.g., air) to propagate, unlike electromagnetic waves.

Transformers adjust voltage in AC circuits by stepping it up or down based on the turns ratio of their coils.

Diffraction, the bending of light around obstacles, clearly shows light’s wave nature.

The ampere (A) measures electric current, the rate of flow of electric charge.

Electromagnetic waves (e.g., light) travel through a vacuum and do not require a medium.

Nuclear fission, splitting heavy nuclei, releases energy in nuclear power plants.

Inertia, per Newton’s first law, is an object’s resistance to changes in its motion state.

Higher external pressure raises the boiling point, as more energy is needed for molecules to escape the liquid.

A generator uses electromagnetic induction to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Convex mirrors provide a wide field of view and upright, diminished images, ideal for rearview mirrors.

Wind energy is renewable, replenished naturally, unlike finite fossil fuels.

The Moon’s gravity causes tides by pulling on Earth’s oceans, creating high and low tides.

A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, typically using mercury or aneroid mechanisms.

Real images form where light converges and can be projected; virtual images appear where light diverges and cannot be projected.

Convex lenses form real images (object outside focal point) or virtual images (object inside focal point).

A dielectric reduces the electric field, increasing capacitance by allowing more charge storage.

Beta minus decay emits an electron; beta plus emits a positron.

The geodynamo effect, driven by molten iron in the outer core, generates Earth’s magnetic field.

Frictional force is a contact force, not fundamental. The fundamental forces are gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear.

A fuse breaks the circuit if current exceeds a safe level, preventing overload damage.

Specific heat capacity is the heat energy required to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.

A stretched spring stores elastic potential energy, released when it returns to its original shape.

The watt (W) is the unit of power, equal to 1 joule per second.

Scalars (e.g., speed) have magnitude only; vectors (e.g., velocity) have magnitude and direction.

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves with strong penetrating power, not deflected by fields.

AC’s voltage can be adjusted via transformers, reducing energy loss in long-distance transmission.

Good insulators (e.g., foam) have low thermal conductivity, resisting heat transfer.

Solar radiation causes temperature and density differences in water, driving ocean currents.

KE = (1/2)mv² = (1/2) * 2 * 5² = 50 J.

Speed v = f * λ = 200 * 1.5 = 300 m/s.

PE = mgh = 5 * 10 * 2 = 100 J.

Vs/Vp = Ns/Np → Vs/240 = 100/400 → Vs = 240 * (1/4) = 60 V.

Ohm’s law: R = V/I = 12/4 = 3 Ω.

Work = F * d * cosθ = 10 * 5 * cos(0) = 50 J (θ = 0 since force and motion are aligned).