JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Physics 2020
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2020 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A crane lifts a 2000 kg load through a height of 50 m in 10 minutes. What is the power of the crane? (g = 10 ms^-2)

A. 1.67 x 10^4 W
B. 2.5 x 10^4 W
C. 1.67 x 10^3 W
D. 2.5 x 10^3 W
Explanation

Power = Work/Time. Work = mgh = 2000 × 10 × 50 = 1,000,000 J. Time = 10 × 60 = 600 s. Power = 1,000,000 / 600 ≈ 1.67 × 10^4 W.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Which of the following particles is not affected by an electric field?

A. Proton
B. Electron
C. Neutron
D. Alpha particle
Explanation

Neutrons are neutral and unaffected by electric fields, unlike charged particles like protons, electrons, and alpha particles.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

What causes the separation of colors when white light passes through a triangular glass block?

A. Different wavelengths of colors
B. Different speeds of colors in glass
C. Absorption of colors by glass
D. Reflection of colors in glass
Explanation

Colors separate due to different speeds in glass, caused by varying refractive indices (dispersion).

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A 50 kg block is pulled on a rough surface with a force of 400 N. If the coefficient of static friction is 0.6, what is the frictional force?

A. 300 N
B. 400 N
C. 500 N
D. 600 N
Explanation

Frictional force = μmg = 0.6 × 50 × 10 = 300 N. The block moves since 400 N exceeds this, but the frictional force is 300 N.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A step-down transformer in an electronic device is primarily used to

A. increase the current
B. decrease the voltage
C. increase the voltage
D. stabilize the frequency
Explanation

A step-down transformer reduces voltage to a level suitable for electronic devices.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A photon emitted during a transition in an atom has energy of 4.14 eV. What is its frequency? (h = 6.63 x 10^-34 Js, 1 eV = 1.6 x 10^-19 J)

A. 1.0 x 10^15 Hz
B. 2.0 x 10^14 Hz
C. 5.0 x 10^14 Hz
D. 8.0 x 10^15 Hz
Explanation

E = hf. 4.14 eV = 4.14 × 1.6 × 10^-19 = 6.624 × 10^-19 J. f = E/h = 6.624 × 10^-19 / 6.63 × 10^-34 ≈ 1.0 × 10^15 Hz.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

If a medium has a refractive index of 1.6, and light travels from air (n=1) into the medium with an angle of incidence of 45°, what is the angle of refraction?

A. 26°
B. 30°
C. 45°
D. 60°
Explanation

Snell’s law: 1 × sin45° = 1.6 × sinθ. sinθ = (√2/2) / 1.6 ≈ 0.442. θ ≈ arcsin(0.442) ≈ 26°.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Which property of stationary waves is correct?

A. They transfer energy along the medium
B. Nodes are points of maximum displacement
C. They are formed by waves traveling in the same direction
D. The distance between two successive nodes is half a wavelength
Explanation

In stationary waves, the distance between two successive nodes is λ/2.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A 0.2 kg metal at 80°C is placed in 0.15 kg of water at 25°C in a calorimeter of heat capacity 50 Jkg^-1K^-1. If the final temperature is 35°C, what is the specific heat capacity of the metal? (c_water = 4200 Jkg^-1K^-1)

A. 525 Jkg^-1K^-1
B. 630 Jkg^-1K^-1
C. 420 Jkg^-1K^-1
D. 315 Jkg^-1K^-1
Explanation

Heat lost = heat gained. 0.2 × c × (80 - 35) = 50 × (35 - 25) + 0.15 × 4200 × (35 - 25). 9c = 500 + 6300. c = 6800 / 9 ≈ 525 Jkg^-1K^-1.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

When ice at 0°C changes to water at 0°C, which of the following occurs?

A. Heat is released, volume increases
B. Heat is absorbed, volume decreases
C. Heat is released, volume decreases
D. Heat is absorbed, volume increases
Explanation

Ice absorbs latent heat to melt into water, and volume decreases as water is denser than ice.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Why does a red cloth appear red under white light?

A. It reflects all colors except red
B. It absorbs red light
C. It reflects red light and absorbs others
D. It emits red light
Explanation

A red cloth reflects red light and absorbs other colors, making it appear red.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A particle at rest splits into two equal masses. If one moves with velocity 5 ms^-1, what is the velocity of the other?

A. 5 ms^-1
B. -5 ms^-1
C. 0 ms^-1
D. 10 ms^-1
Explanation

Conservation of momentum: 0 = m × 5 + m × v. v = -5 ms^-1.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Which factor does not affect the electromotive force of a secondary cell?

A. Temperature
B. Nature of electrodes
C. Size of the cell
D. Concentration of the electrolyte
Explanation

The e.m.f depends on temperature, electrode material, and electrolyte concentration, but not cell size.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Which property of natural radioactivity is true?

A. It is affected by temperature
B. It is a chemical process
C. It emits alpha, beta, and gamma rays
D. It only occurs in light elements
Explanation

Natural radioactivity emits alpha, beta, and gamma rays and is a nuclear process, unaffected by external conditions.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A charge of 0.5 C experiences a force of 10 N in an electric field. What is the electric field intensity?

A. 5 N/C
B. 10 N/C
C. 20 N/C
D. 50 N/C
Explanation

E = F/q = 10 / 0.5 = 20 N/C.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

What is the term for the maximum stress a material can withstand before permanent deformation?

A. Elastic limit
B. Yield point
C. Breaking point
D. Tensile strength
Explanation

The elastic limit is the maximum stress before permanent deformation occurs.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Which of the following does not affect the surface tension of a liquid?

A. Temperature
B. Detergent
C. Oil
D. Mass of the liquid
Explanation

Surface tension is affected by temperature and impurities like detergent or oil, but not by the mass of the liquid.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A transformer has 500 turns in the primary coil and 50 turns in the secondary. If the input voltage is 240 V, what is the output voltage?

A. 24 V
B. 48 V
C. 120 V
D. 240 V
Explanation

Vs/Vp = Ns/Np. Vs/240 = 50/500. Vs = 240 × (50/500) = 24 V.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

The speed of light in air is 3 x 10^8 ms^-1. If the refractive index from air to glass is 1.5, what is the speed of light in glass?

A. 1.5 x 10^8 ms^-1
B. 2.0 x 10^8 ms^-1
C. 3.0 x 10^8 ms^-1
D. 4.5 x 10^8 ms^-1
Explanation

n = c/v. 1.5 = (3 × 10^8) / v. v = 3 × 10^8 / 1.5 = 2.0 × 10^8 ms^-1.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A charge of 2 C liberates 0.002 g of a metal in electrolysis. How much mass is liberated by a 5 A current in 2 minutes?

A. 0.6 g
B. 0.3 g
C. 1.2 g
D. 2.4 g
Explanation

Z = 0.002 / 2 = 0.001 g/C. Charge = I × t = 5 × (2 × 60) = 600 C. Mass = Z × Q = 0.001 × 600 = 0.6 g. Closest option: 0.3 g.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A radioactive sample has a half-life of 10 days. How long will it take for 1/16 of the sample to remain?

A. 20 days
B. 30 days
C. 40 days
D. 50 days
Explanation

N/N0 = (1/2)^(t/T). 1/16 = (1/2)^(t/10). t/10 = 4. t = 40 days.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

The electric potential at a point 2 m from a charge of 4 x 10^-9 C is (k = 9 x 10^9 Nm^2C^-2)

A. 18 V
B. 9 V
C. 36 V
D. 72 V
Explanation

V = kq/r = (9 × 10^9) × (4 × 10^-9) / 2 = 18 V.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Which of the following is a natural source of light?

A. Firefly
B. Torchlight
C. Candle
D. Electric bulb
Explanation

A firefly is a natural source of light (bioluminescence), while the others are artificial.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

An object appears closer when viewed through a glass of water due to

A. reflection
B. diffraction
C. refraction
D. dispersion
Explanation

Refraction bends light at the air-water interface, making the object appear closer.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Two masses of 2 kg and 4 kg are 2 m apart. What is the gravitational force between them? (G = 6.67 x 10^-11 Nm^2kg^-2)

A. 6.67 x 10^-11 N
B. 1.33 x 10^-10 N
C. 2.67 x 10^-10 N
D. 5.34 x 10^-10 N
Explanation

F = G × (m1m2/r^2) = (6.67 × 10^-11) × (2 × 4) / 4 = 2.67 × 10^-10 N.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A glass beaker cracks when hot water is poured into it because

A. glass is a poor conductor of heat
B. glass expands evenly
C. glass absorbs heat quickly
D. glass contracts rapidly
Explanation

Glass is a poor conductor, causing uneven expansion and stress, leading to cracking.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Which wave property is unique to transverse waves?

A. Refraction
B. Diffraction
C. Interference
D. Polarization
Explanation

Polarization occurs only in transverse waves due to their perpendicular oscillations.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A transistor is primarily used in a circuit as a

A. conductor
B. insulator
C. switch
D. capacitor
Explanation

A transistor can act as a switch or amplifier in circuits.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A wire under pressure cuts through ice and the ice refreezes behind it. This process is known as

A. melting
B. regelation
C. evaporation
D. freezing
Explanation

Regelation is the melting of ice under pressure and refreezing after the pressure is removed.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A platinum resistance thermometer reads 5 Ω at 0°C and 15 Ω at 100°C. What is the temperature when the resistance is 10 Ω?

A. 25°C
B. 50°C
C. 75°C
D. 100°C
Explanation

ΔR = 15 - 5 = 10 Ω (0°C to 100°C). At 10 Ω, ΔR = 10 - 5 = 5 Ω. Temperature = (5/10) × 100 = 50°C.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

What is the dimension of force?

A. MLT^-2
B. MLT^-1
C. ML^2T^-2
D. ML^-1T^-2
Explanation

Force = mass × acceleration = M × (LT^-2) = MLT^-2.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A 4 µF capacitor is charged to 50 V. What is the energy stored in the capacitor?

A. 5 x 10^-3 J
B. 1 x 10^-2 J
C. 2 x 10^-2 J
D. 4 x 10^-2 J
Explanation

Energy = (1/2)CV^2 = (1/2) × (4 × 10^-6) × (50)^2 = 5 × 10^-3 J. Closest option: 1 × 10^-2 J.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A concave mirror has a focal length of 10 cm. If an object is placed 20 cm from the mirror, what is the image distance?

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

1/f = 1/u + 1/v. f = 10 cm, u = 20 cm. 1/10 = 1/20 + 1/v. 1/v = 1/20. v = 20 cm.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

Three 3 µF capacitors are connected in series. What is the equivalent capacitance?

A. 1 µF
B. 3 µF
C. 6 µF
D. 9 µF
Explanation

For capacitors in series, 1/C = 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 = 1. C = 1 µF.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A sonometer wire under 20 N tension produces a frequency of 400 Hz. What frequency is produced under 45 N tension?

A. 600 Hz
B. 500 Hz
C. 300 Hz
D. 200 Hz
Explanation

f ∝ √T. f2/f1 = √(T2/T1). f2/400 = √(45/20) ≈ 1.5. f2 = 400 × 1.5 = 600 Hz.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A sound wave in air has a frequency of 250 Hz and a wavelength of 1.36 m. What is the speed of the wave?

A. 170 ms^-1
B. 340 ms^-1
C. 500 ms^-1
D. 680 ms^-1
Explanation

v = fλ = 250 × 1.36 = 340 ms^-1.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A bimetallic strip made of copper and steel is heated. Which metal expands more?

A. Copper
B. Steel
C. Both equally
D. Neither expands
Explanation

Copper has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than steel, so it expands more.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A car accelerates uniformly from rest at 3 ms^-2 for 4 seconds. What is its final velocity?

A. 6 ms^-1
B. 9 ms^-1
C. 12 ms^-1
D. 15 ms^-1
Explanation

v = u + at. u = 0, a = 3 ms^-2, t = 4 s. v = 0 + 3 × 4 = 12 ms^-1.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A lens forms a virtual image at 15 cm when an object is placed 5 cm from it. What is the focal length of the lens?

A. 7.5 cm
B. 10 cm
C. 15 cm
D. 20 cm
Explanation

1/f = 1/u + 1/v. u = 5 cm, v = -15 cm (virtual). 1/f = 1/5 - 1/15 = 2/15. f = 15/2 = 7.5 cm.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2020

A body of mass 5 kg falls freely from a height of 8 m. What is its kinetic energy just before hitting the ground? (g = 10 ms^-2)

A. 200 J
B. 400 J
C. 600 J
D. 800 J
Explanation

Potential energy = mgh = 5 × 10 × 8 = 400 J, which converts to kinetic energy just before impact.

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