JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Physics 2022
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2022 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Newton’s second law of motion state about the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration?

A. Force is inversely proportional to acceleration
B. Force is directly proportional to mass and inversely proportional to acceleration
C. Force is directly proportional to the product of mass and acceleration
D. Force is independent of mass and acceleration
Explanation

Newton’s second law states that the force acting on an object is directly proportional to the product of its mass and acceleration, expressed as F = ma.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of inertia state about the motion of an object?

A. An object in motion will accelerate unless acted upon by a force
B. An object will continue in its state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force
C. An object at rest will always remain at rest
D. An object in motion will always slow down
Explanation

The law of inertia, part of Newton’s first law, states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of conservation of energy state for a closed system?

A. Energy can be created but not destroyed
B. Energy can be destroyed but not created
C. The total energy remains constant, only changing forms
D. Energy is always lost as heat
Explanation

The law of conservation of energy states that in a closed system, the total energy remains constant, only transforming from one form to another (e.g., kinetic to potential).

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the kinetic theory of gases state about the motion of gas molecules?

A. Gas molecules are stationary at all temperatures
B. Gas molecules move randomly and their average kinetic energy is proportional to temperature
C. Gas molecules move in straight lines only
D. Gas molecules do not collide with each other
Explanation

The kinetic theory of gases states that gas molecules are in constant random motion, and their average kinetic energy is directly proportional to the absolute temperature of the gas.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Archimedes’ principle state about an object in a fluid?

A. The object sinks if its density is less than the fluid’s
B. The object experiences an upthrust equal to the weight of the fluid displaced
C. The object floats if its weight is greater than the fluid’s
D. The object experiences a downward force equal to its weight
Explanation

Archimedes’ principle states that an object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of universal gravitation state about the force between two masses?

A. The force is directly proportional to the distance between the masses
B. The force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the masses
C. The force is independent of the masses
D. The force is inversely proportional to the masses
Explanation

Newton’s law of universal gravitation states that the gravitational force between two masses is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them and directly proportional to the product of their masses.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the second law of thermodynamics state about the direction of natural processes?

A. Natural processes always decrease entropy
B. Natural processes tend to increase the entropy of an isolated system
C. Natural processes always conserve entropy
D. Natural processes are always reversible
Explanation

The second law of thermodynamics states that natural processes in an isolated system tend to increase entropy, moving toward a state of maximum disorder.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the principle of superposition state for wave interactions?

A. Waves always cancel each other out
B. The resultant displacement is the sum of the displacements of individual waves
C. Waves always reinforce each other
D. Waves change their frequency when they overlap
Explanation

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement at any point is the sum of the displacements of the individual waves.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does wave-particle duality state about the nature of light and matter?

A. Light behaves only as a wave
B. Matter behaves only as particles
C. Light and matter exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties
D. Light and matter have no wave properties
Explanation

Wave-particle duality states that both light and matter exhibit wave-like (e.g., interference) and particle-like (e.g., photons, electrons) properties depending on the experiment.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Ohm’s law state about the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance?

A. Voltage is inversely proportional to current
B. Current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance
C. Resistance is directly proportional to current
D. Voltage is independent of resistance
Explanation

Ohm’s law states that the current (I) through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across it and inversely proportional to its resistance (R), expressed as V = IR.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of conservation of momentum state for an isolated system?

A. Momentum increases over time
B. Momentum remains constant if no external forces act
C. Momentum decreases over time
D. Momentum is always zero
Explanation

The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of an isolated system remains constant if no external forces (like friction) act on it.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Einstein’s theory of special relativity state about the speed of light?

A. The speed of light varies depending on the observer’s motion
B. The speed of light is constant in a vacuum, regardless of the observer’s motion
C. The speed of light is slower in a vacuum
D. The speed of light depends on the frequency
Explanation

Einstein’s special relativity states that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant (approximately 3 x 10^8 ms^-1) for all observers, regardless of their motion or the motion of the source.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the Pauli exclusion principle state about electrons in an atom?

A. Electrons can occupy the same quantum state
B. No two electrons can have the same set of quantum numbers
C. Electrons always have the same spin
D. Electrons are always paired
Explanation

The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers, ensuring unique electron configurations.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction state about the generation of current?

A. A current is induced when a conductor is heated
B. A current is induced when the magnetic flux through a conductor changes
C. A current is induced only in a static magnetic field
D. A current is induced when a conductor is stationary
Explanation

Faraday’s law states that an electric current is induced in a conductor when the magnetic flux through it changes over time.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the photoelectric effect state about electron emission?

A. Electrons are emitted when a metal is heated
B. Electrons are emitted when light of sufficient frequency strikes a metal
C. Electrons are emitted regardless of light frequency
D. Electrons are emitted only in a magnetic field
Explanation

The photoelectric effect states that electrons are emitted from a metal surface when light of a frequency above a threshold (related to the metal’s work function) strikes it.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the Doppler effect state about the frequency of waves?

A. Frequency remains constant regardless of motion
B. Frequency appears to change when the source or observer is in relative motion
C. Frequency increases with amplitude
D. Frequency decreases with wavelength
Explanation

The Doppler effect states that the observed frequency of a wave changes when the source and observer are in relative motion, such as the pitch of a siren changing as it passes by.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does quantum mechanics state about particle behavior?

A. Particles have definite positions and velocities
B. Particles exhibit wave-like and particle-like behavior with probabilistic outcomes
C. Particles behave only as waves
D. Particles move in straight lines at the atomic level
Explanation

Quantum mechanics states that particles exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, with their properties described by probabilities (e.g., Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle).

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of reflection state about light?

A. The angle of incidence is greater than the angle of reflection
B. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
C. The angle of incidence is less than the angle of reflection
D. The angle of incidence is unrelated to the angle of reflection
Explanation

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, with both angles measured relative to the normal at the point of incidence.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Snell’s law state about the refraction of light?

A. The angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of refraction
B. The ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is constant
C. The angle of refraction is always greater than the angle of incidence
D. The angle of refraction is independent of the angle of incidence
Explanation

Snell’s law states that the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is constant, equal to the ratio of the refractive indices of the two media.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the ideal gas law state about gas behavior?

A. The pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its temperature
B. The pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas are related by PV = nRT
C. The volume of a gas is independent of temperature
D. The temperature of a gas is always constant
Explanation

The ideal gas law states that for an ideal gas, the pressure (P), volume (V), and temperature (T) are related by PV = nRT, where n is the number of moles and R is the gas constant.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle state about particle properties?

A. Position and momentum can be measured precisely at the same time
B. There is a limit to the precision with which position and momentum can be known simultaneously
C. Energy and time are always constant
D. Position is independent of momentum
Explanation

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle states that there is a fundamental limit to the precision with which a particle’s position and momentum can be simultaneously known.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of conservation of charge state?

A. Charge can be created but not destroyed
B. Charge can be destroyed but not created
C. The total electric charge in a closed system remains constant
D. Charge is always transferred out of a system
Explanation

The law of conservation of charge states that the total electric charge in a closed system remains constant; it can neither be created nor destroyed.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the first law of thermodynamics state about energy?

A. The internal energy of a system always decreases
B. The change in internal energy is equal to heat added minus work done by the system
C. The internal energy of a system is always constant
D. The internal energy depends only on volume
Explanation

The first law of thermodynamics states that the change in a system’s internal energy (ΔU) is equal to the heat added (Q) minus the work done by the system (W): ΔU = Q - W.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of conservation of angular momentum state?

A. Angular momentum increases with time
B. Angular momentum remains constant if no external torque acts
C. Angular momentum decreases with time
D. Angular momentum is always zero
Explanation

The law of conservation of angular momentum states that the angular momentum of a system remains constant if no external torque acts on it.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Einstein’s theory of general relativity state about gravity?

A. Gravity is a force between two masses
B. Gravity is the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy
C. Gravity is independent of mass
D. Gravity only affects light
Explanation

General relativity states that gravity is not a force but the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy, affecting the motion of objects and light.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of conservation of mass-energy state?

A. Mass and energy are unrelated
B. Mass can be converted into energy and vice versa
C. Mass is always conserved, but energy is not
D. Energy is always conserved, but mass is not
Explanation

Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence (E = mc^2) states that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa, with the total mass-energy conserved.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of linear momentum conservation state for collisions?

A. Momentum before collision is less than after collision
B. Momentum before collision is equal to momentum after collision if no external forces act
C. Momentum before collision is greater than after collision
D. Momentum is not conserved in collisions
Explanation

The law of conservation of linear momentum states that the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after, provided no external forces act.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Coulomb’s law state about the force between two charges?

A. Like charges attract, unlike charges repel
B. Like charges repel, unlike charges attract
C. All charges attract each other
D. All charges repel each other
Explanation

Coulomb’s law states that like charges repel and unlike charges attract, with the force proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of radioactive decay state?

A. The rate of decay is constant and predictable
B. The rate of decay is proportional to the number of undecayed nuclei
C. The rate of decay increases with time
D. The rate of decay decreases with temperature
Explanation

The law of radioactive decay states that the rate of decay is proportional to the number of undecayed nuclei, resulting in an exponential decay.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the de Broglie hypothesis state about matter?

A. Only light has wave properties
B. All matter exhibits wave-like properties, with wavelength inversely proportional to momentum
C. Matter has wave properties only at high speeds
D. Matter does not exhibit wave-like properties
Explanation

The de Broglie hypothesis states that all matter exhibits wave-like properties, with a wavelength given by λ = h/p, where h is Planck’s constant and p is momentum.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of conservation of mechanical energy state?

A. The total mechanical energy increases over time
B. The total mechanical energy remains constant with only conservative forces
C. The total mechanical energy decreases over time
D. Mechanical energy is not conserved
Explanation

The law of conservation of mechanical energy states that in a system with only conservative forces, the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of thermal expansion state?

A. Materials contract when heated
B. Materials expand when heated, proportional to the temperature change
C. Materials do not change size when heated
D. Materials expand only if they are liquids
Explanation

The law of thermal expansion states that most materials expand when heated, with the expansion proportional to the temperature change and the material’s coefficient of expansion.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

A 3 kg mass is dropped from a height of 5 m. What is its potential energy at that height? (g = 10 ms^-2)

A. 75 J
B. 100 J
C. 125 J
D. 150 J
Explanation

Potential energy PE = mgh = 3 * 10 * 5 = 150 J.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?

A. Geothermal energy
B. Solar radiation
C. Nuclear energy
D. Tidal energy
Explanation

Solar radiation from the sun is the primary source of energy driving Earth's climate system, influencing weather patterns and temperature.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

A car accelerates uniformly from rest to 20 ms^-1 in 4 s. What is its acceleration?

A. 4 ms^-2
B. 5 ms^-2
C. 6 ms^-2
D. 8 ms^-2
Explanation

Acceleration a = (v - u) / t = (20 - 0) / 4 = 5 ms^-2.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

Which of the following is a characteristic of sound waves?

A. They can travel through a vacuum
B. They are transverse waves
C. They are mechanical waves
D. They travel at the speed of light
Explanation

Sound waves are mechanical waves, requiring a medium (like air, water, or solids) to propagate.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Gauss’s law state about electric flux?

A. Electric field lines form closed loops
B. The net electric flux through a closed surface is proportional to the charge enclosed
C. Electric field lines can start and end anywhere
D. Electric field lines never cross
Explanation

Gauss’s law states that the net electric flux through a closed surface is proportional to the charge enclosed within the surface, given by Φ = q/ε_0.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does Kepler’s third law state about planetary motion?

A. The square of a planet’s orbital period is inversely proportional to the cube of its distance
B. The square of a planet’s orbital period is proportional to the cube of its average distance
C. A planet’s orbital period is independent of its distance
D. A planet’s orbit is always circular
Explanation

Kepler’s third law states that the square of a planet’s orbital period (T) is proportional to the cube of its average distance (r) from the sun: T^2 ∝ r^3.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of nuclear fission state?

A. A heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, releasing energy
B. Two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus
C. A nucleus splits into two equal parts without energy release
D. A nucleus splits only when heated
Explanation

The law of nuclear fission states that a heavy nucleus (e.g., uranium-235) splits into two lighter nuclei when struck by a neutron, releasing energy.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2022

What does the law of conservation of mass state in a chemical reaction?

A. Mass can be created during a reaction
B. Mass can be destroyed during a reaction
C. The total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products
D. Mass is always converted into energy
Explanation

The law of conservation of mass states that in a chemical reaction, the total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products in a closed system.

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