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JAMB Physics Syllabus 2026/2027
Complete official UTME Physics syllabus — all topics, sub-topics and JAMB learning objectives. Study what actually comes out, nothing extra.
6
Sections
40
Questions
JAMB Physics Syllabus PDF
Official JAMB document • Free download
I · Measurements, Units & Scalars
II · Mechanics
III · Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Physics
IV · Waves, Sound & Light
V · Electricity & Magnetism
VI · Modern Physics & Electronics
Section I
I
Measurements, Units & Scalars
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1. Measurements and Units
- Fundamental units: length, mass, time, electric charge, temperature, luminous intensity, amount of substance
- Derived units: weight, area, volume, force, speed etc.
- Measuring instruments: vernier caliper, metre rule, micrometer screw gauge, measuring cylinder, stopwatch and beam balance
- Derived physical quantities and their units
- Dimensions: definition and simple examples
- Limitations of experimental measurements: accuracy, simple estimation of errors, significant figures and standard form
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify the units of length, area and volume
- Use different measuring instruments correctly
- Determine lengths, surface areas and volumes of regular and irregular bodies
- Deduce the units of derived physical quantities
- Determine the dimensions of physical quantities and test equation homogeneity
- Determine the accuracy of measuring instruments and estimate simple errors
- Express measurements in standard form
2. Scalars and Vectors
- Definition of scalar and vector quantities
- Examples of scalar and vector quantities
- Relative velocity
- Resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions including graphical methods
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities
- Give examples of scalar and vector quantities
- Determine the resultant of two or more vectors
- Determine relative velocity
- Resolve vectors into two perpendicular components
- Use graphical methods to solve vector problems
3. Measurement, Position, Distance and Displacement
- Concept of displacement
- Distinction between distance and displacement
- Concept of position and coordinates
- Frame of reference
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Use strings, metre rule, vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge
- Note the degree of accuracy of instruments
- Identify distance travelled in a specified direction
- Use compass and protractor to locate points and directions
- Use Cartesian systems to locate positions in x-y plane
- Plot graphs and draw inferences from them
Section II
II
Mechanics
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4. Motion
- Newton's laws of motion: inertia, mass and force; relationship between mass and acceleration; impulse and momentum; force-time graph; conservation of linear momentum
- Types of motion: translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random
- Linear motion: speed, velocity and acceleration; equations of uniformly accelerated motion; motion under gravity; distance-time and velocity-time graphs; instantaneous velocity and acceleration
- Projectiles: range, maximum height and time of flight; applications
- Motion in a circle: angular velocity and angular acceleration; centripetal and centrifugal forces; applications
- Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): definition, examples, period, frequency, amplitude, velocity and acceleration; energy changes in SHM; forced vibration and resonance
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify different types of motion
- Solve numerical problems on collinear motion
- Differentiate between speed, velocity and acceleration
- Deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion
- Solve problems of motion under gravity
- Interpret distance-time and velocity-time graphs
- Solve problems involving projectile motion
- Solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum
- Interpret Newton's laws of motion
- Interpret the law of conservation of linear momentum
- Establish expressions for angular velocity, angular acceleration and centripetal force
- Analyse energy changes occurring during SHM
- Enumerate applications of resonance
5. Gravitational Field
- Newton's law of universal gravitation
- Gravitational potential
- Conservative and non-conservative fields
- Acceleration due to gravity
- Variation of g on the earth's surface
- Distinction between mass and weight; escape velocity
- Parking orbit and weightlessness
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies
- Apply Newton's law of universal gravitation
- Give examples of conservative and non-conservative fields
- Deduce the expression for gravitational field potential
- Identify causes of variation of g on the earth's surface
- Differentiate between mass and weight
- Determine escape velocity
6. Equilibrium of Forces
- Equilibrium of particles: coplanar forces; triangles and polygon of forces; Lami's theorem
- Principles of moments: moment of a force; moment of a couple (torque); applications
- Conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under parallel and non-parallel forces
- Resolution and composition of forces in two perpendicular directions; resultant and equilibrant
- Centre of gravity and stability: stable, unstable and neutral equilibria
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Apply conditions for the equilibrium of coplanar forces to solve problems
- Use triangle and polygon laws of forces to solve equilibrium problems
- Use Lami's theorem to solve problems
- Analyse the principle of moment of a force
- Determine moment of a force and couple
- Apply conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies
- Differentiate between stable, unstable and neutral equilibria
7. Friction
- Static and dynamic friction
- Coefficient of limiting friction and its determination
- Advantages and disadvantages of friction
- Reduction of friction
- Qualitative treatment of viscosity and terminal velocity
- Stoke's law
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Differentiate between static and dynamic friction
- Determine the coefficient of limiting friction
- Compare advantages and disadvantages of friction
- Suggest ways by which friction can be reduced
- Analyse factors that affect viscosity and terminal velocity
- Apply Stoke's law
8. Work, Energy and Power
- Definition of work, energy and power; forms of energy; conservation of energy
- Qualitative treatment between different forms of energy; area under force-distance curve
- Energy and society: sources, renewable and non-renewable energy, environmental impact (global warming, greenhouse effect), energy crises, conversion of energy
- Dams and energy production
- Nuclear energy
- Solar energy: photoelectric effect, solar collector, solar panel; work function (E = hf); Planck's constant; photovoltaic cells
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Differentiate between work, energy and power
- Compare different forms of energy
- Apply the principle of conservation of energy
- Solve numerical problems in work, energy and power
- Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy
- Analyse the effect of energy use on the environment
- Identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment
9. Simple Machines
- Definition of simple machines
- Types of machines
- Mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of machines
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify different types of simple machines
- Solve problems involving simple machines
10. Elasticity
- Hooke's law and Young's modulus
- Elastic limit, yield point and breaking point
- The spring balance as a device for measuring force
- Work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Interpret force-extension curves
- Interpret Hooke's law and Young's modulus of a material
- Use spring balance to measure force
- Determine the work done in springs and elastic strings
Section III
III
Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Physics
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11. Pressure
- Atmospheric pressure: definition, SI units (Pa), measurement, simple mercury barometer, aneroid barometer and manometer, variation with height, use as altimeter
- Pressure in liquids: relationship between pressure, depth and density (P = ρgh); Pascal's principle; applications
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Recognise the SI unit of pressure (Pa)
- Identify pressure measuring instruments
- Relate the variation of pressure to height
- Use a barometer as an altimeter
- Determine the relationship between pressure, depth and density
- Apply the principle of transmission of pressure in liquids
12. Liquids at Rest
- Determination of density of solids and liquids
- Definition of relative density
- Upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
- Archimedes' principle and law of floatation; applications e.g. ships and hydrometers
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between density and relative density
- Determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
- Apply Archimedes' principle and law of floatation to solve problems
13. Temperature and Its Measurement
- Concept of temperature; thermometric properties
- Calibration of thermometers
- Temperature scales: Celsius and Kelvin
- Types of thermometers
- Conversion from one scale of temperature to another
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify thermometric properties of materials
- Calibrate thermometers
- Differentiate between temperature scales (Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin)
- Compare types of thermometers
- Convert from one scale of temperature to another
14. Quantity of Heat
- Heat as a form of energy
- Definition of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of solids and liquids
- Determination of heat capacity and specific heat capacity by method of mixtures, electrical method and Newton's law of cooling
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity
- Determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity using simple methods
- Solve numerical problems on quantity of heat
15. Change of State
- Latent heat; specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization
- Melting, evaporation and boiling
- Influence of pressure and dissolved substances on boiling and melting points
- Application in appliances
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heats
- Differentiate between melting, evaporation and boiling
- Examine the effects of pressure and dissolved substances on boiling and melting points
- Solve numerical problems on change of state
16. Thermal Expansion
- Solids: linear, volume and area expansivities; effects and applications (e.g. expansion strips, railway lines); relationship between expansivities
- Liquids: volume expansivity; real and apparent expansivities; determination of volume expansivity; anomalous expansion of water
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Determine linear and volume expansivities
- Assess effects and applications of thermal expansivities
- Determine the relationship between different expansivities
- Analyse the anomalous expansion of water
17. Gas Laws
- Boyle's law (isothermal process)
- Charles' law (isobaric process)
- Pressure law (volumetric process)
- Absolute zero of temperature
- General gas equation: PV/T = constant
- Ideal gas equation: PV = nRT
- Van der Waals gas
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Interpret the gas laws
- Use expressions of these laws to solve numerical problems
- Interpret the Van der Waals equation for one mole of a real gas
18. Vapours
- Unsaturated and saturated vapours
- Relationship between saturated vapour pressure (SVP) and boiling
- Determination of SVP by barometer tube method
- Formation of dew, mist, fog, cloud and rain
- Dew point, humidity and relative humidity
- Hygrometry: estimation of humidity using wet and dry bulb hygrometers
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between saturated and unsaturated vapours
- Relate saturated vapour pressure to boiling point
- Determine SVP by barometer tube method
- Differentiate between dew point, humidity and relative humidity
- Estimate the humidity of the atmosphere using hygrometers
- Solve numerical problems on vapours
19. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory
- Molecular nature of matter: atoms and molecules; Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact; law of definite proportion
- Kinetic theory: assumptions; using the theory to explain pressure exerted by gas, Boyle's law, Charles' law, melting, boiling, vaporization, change in temperature and evaporation
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Differentiate between atoms and molecules
- Use molecular theory to explain Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angle of contact
- Examine the assumptions of kinetic theory
- Interpret kinetic theory explanations of gas laws and phase changes
20. Heat Transfer
- Conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer
- Temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
- Effect of surface nature on energy radiated and absorbed
- Conductivities of common materials
- The thermos flask / vacuum flask
- Land and sea breeze
- Combustion engines; advantages and disadvantages of electric engine over combustion engine
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Differentiate between conduction, convection and radiation
- Solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
- Assess the effect of surface nature on energy radiated and absorbed
- Compare conductivities of common materials
- Relate the components and working of a thermos flask
- Differentiate between land and sea breeze
- Analyse the principles of internal combustion and jet engines, rockets
Section IV
IV
Waves, Sound & Light
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21. Waves — Production and Propagation
- Wave motion; vibrating systems as sources of waves
- Waves as mode of energy transfer
- Distinction between particle motion and wave motion
- Relationship between frequency, wavelength and wave velocity (V = fλ)
- Phase difference, wave number and wave vector
- Progressive wave equation: Y = A sin(2π(vt−x)/λ)
- Types of waves: mechanical and electromagnetic; longitudinal and transverse; stationary and progressive
- Examples from springs, ropes, stretched strings and ripple tank
- Properties: reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization; superposition; beats; Doppler effect (qualitative)
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Interpret wave motion and identify vibrating systems as sources of waves
- Distinguish between particle motion and wave motion
- Relate frequency and wavelength to wave velocity
- Determine phase difference, wave number and wave vector
- Use the progressive wave equation to compute basic wave parameters
- Differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves
- Differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves
- Distinguish between stationary and progressive waves
- Analyse the principle of superposition of waves
- Explain the phenomenon of beats, beat frequency and uses
- Explain Doppler effect of sound and application
22. Propagation of Sound Waves
- The necessity for a material medium
- Speed of sound in solids, liquids and air
- Reflection of sound: echoes, reverberation and their applications
- Advantages and disadvantages of echoes and reverberation
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Determine the need for a material medium in the propagation of sound
- Compare the speed of sound in solids, liquids and air
- Relate the effects of temperature and pressure to the speed of sound in air
- Solve problems on echoes, reverberation and speed
23. Characteristics of Sound Waves
- Noise and musical notes
- Quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and their application to musical instruments
- Simple treatment of harmonics and overtones produced by vibrating strings and air columns
- Acoustic examples of resonance
- Frequency of a note emitted by air columns in closed and open pipes in relation to their lengths
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Differentiate between noise and musical notes
- Analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound notes
- Identify overtones in vibrating strings and air columns
- Itemize acoustical examples of resonance
- Determine the frequencies of notes emitted by air columns in open and closed pipes
24. Light Energy — Sources and Propagation
- Natural and artificial sources of light; luminous and non-luminous objects
- Speed, frequency and wavelength of light
- Formation of shadows and eclipse
- The pin-hole camera
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Compare natural and artificial sources of light
- Differentiate between luminous and non-luminous objects
- Relate speed, frequency and wavelength of light
- Interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses
- Solve problems using the principle of operation of a pin-hole camera
25. Reflection of Light
- Laws of reflection; applications
- Formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors and ray diagrams
- Mirror formula: 1/f = 1/u + 1/v
- Linear and angular magnification
- Applications: periscope, kaleidoscope and sextant
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Interpret the laws of reflection
- Illustrate the formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors
- Apply the mirror formula to solve optical problems
- Determine linear magnification
- Apply laws of reflection to periscope, kaleidoscope and sextant
26. Refraction of Light
- Laws of refraction; explanation in terms of velocity of light in media
- Definition of refractive index of a medium
- Determination of refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell's law
- Real and apparent depth and lateral displacement
- Critical angle and total internal reflection
- Glass prism: minimum deviation formula
- Types of lenses; lens formula: 1/f = 1/u + 1/v; Newton's formula (F² = ab); magnification
- Applications: periscope, prism binoculars, optical fibre, mirage
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Interpret the laws of refraction
- Determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell's law
- Determine the refractive index using real and apparent depth
- Determine the conditions necessary for total internal reflection
- Use lens formula and ray diagrams to solve numerical problems
- Calculate the refractive index of a glass prism using minimum deviation formula
27. Optical Instruments
- General principles of microscopes, telescopes, projectors, cameras and the human eye
- Power of a lens
- Angular magnification
- Near and far points
- Sight defects and their corrections
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Apply principles of operation of optical instruments to solve problems
- Distinguish between the human eye and cameras
- Calculate the power of a lens
- Evaluate the angular magnification of optical instruments
- Determine near and far points
- Detect sight defects and their corrections
28. Dispersion of Light, Colours and Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Dispersion of white light by a triangular prism; production of pure spectrum
- Colour mixing by addition and subtraction
- Colour of objects and colour filters
- Rainbow and its formation
- Electromagnetic spectrum: description of sources and uses of various types of radiation
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify primary colours and obtain secondary colours by mixing
- Understand the formation of rainbow
- Deduce why objects have colours
- Analyse colours using colour filters
- Analyse the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to wavelengths, sources, detection and uses
- Define monochromatic light
Section V
V
Electricity & Magnetism
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29. Electrostatics
- Existence of positive and negative charges in matter
- Charging a body by friction, contact and induction
- Electroscope
- Coulomb's inverse square law, electric field and potential
- Electric field intensity, potential and potential difference
- Electric discharge and lightning
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify charges
- Examine uses of an electroscope
- Apply Coulomb's square law of electrostatics to solve problems
- Deduce expressions for electric field intensity and potential difference
- Identify electric field flux patterns of isolated and interacting charges
- Analyse the distribution of charges on a conductor and lightning conductors
- Charge a body by friction, induction and contact
30. Capacitors
- Types and functions of capacitors
- Parallel plate capacitors
- Capacitance of a capacitor
- Relationship between capacitance, area, separation of plates and medium: C = εA/d
- Capacitors in series and parallel
- Energy stored in a capacitor
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Determine uses of capacitors
- Analyse parallel plate capacitors
- Determine the capacitance of a capacitor
- Analyse factors that affect capacitance
- Solve problems involving arrangement of capacitors
- Determine the energy stored in capacitors
31. Electric Cells
- Simple voltaic cell and its defects
- Daniel cell, Leclanche cell (wet and dry)
- Lead-acid accumulator and Nickel-Iron (Nife), Lithium ion and Mercury cadmium cells
- Maintenance of cells and batteries
- Arrangement of cells; efficiency of a cell
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify defects of the simple voltaic cell and their correction
- Compare different types of cells including solar cell
- Compare advantages of lead-acid and Nickel-iron accumulators
- Solve problems involving series and parallel combination of cells
32. Current Electricity
- EMF, potential difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance of a cell and lost volt
- Ohm's law, resistivity and conductivity
- Measurement of resistance; metre bridge
- Resistance in series and parallel and their combination
- The potentiometer method of measuring EMF, current and internal resistance
- Electrical networks; Kirchhoff's law
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Differentiate between EMF, p.d., current and internal resistance
- Apply Ohm's law to solve problems
- Use metre bridge to calculate resistance
- Compute effective total resistance in parallel and series arrangements
- Determine resistivity and conductivity of a conductor
- Measure EMF, current and internal resistance using a potentiometer
- Apply Kirchhoff's law in electrical networks
33. Electrical Energy and Power
- Concepts of electrical energy and power
- Commercial unit of electric energy and power
- Electric power transmission
- Heating effects of electric current
- Electrical wiring of houses
- Use of fuses
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Apply expressions of electrical energy and power to solve problems
- Analyse how power is transmitted from power station to consumer
- Identify heating effects of current and its uses
- Identify advantages of parallel arrangement over series
- Determine the fuse rating
34. Magnets and Magnetic Fields
- Natural and artificial magnets; magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
- Methods of making magnets and demagnetization
- Concept of magnetic field; magnetic field of a permanent magnet
- Magnetic field round a straight current-carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid
- Properties of the earth's magnetic field: north and south poles, magnetic meridian, angle of dip and declination
- Flux and flux density; variation of magnetic field intensity over the earth's surface
- Applications: earth's magnetic field in navigation and mineral exploration
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Give examples of natural and artificial magnets
- Differentiate between magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
- Identify methods of making and demagnetizing magnets
- Determine flux patterns of isolated magnets and current-carrying conductors
- Identify the magnetic elements of the earth's flux
- Examine applications of the earth's magnetic field
35. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field
- Quantitative treatment of force between two parallel current-carrying conductors
- Force on a charge moving in a magnetic field
- The d.c. motor; electromagnets
- Carbon microphone; moving coil and moving iron instruments
- Conversion of galvanometers to ammeters and voltmeters using shunts and multipliers
- Sensitivity of a galvanometer
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Determine the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor using Fleming's left-hand rule
- Interpret attractive and repulsive forces between two parallel current-carrying conductors
- Interpret the working of the d.c. motor
- Analyse the principle of electromagnets
- Compare moving iron and moving coil instruments
- Convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or a voltmeter
- Identify factors affecting the sensitivity of a galvanometer
36. Electromagnetic Induction
- Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction
- Lenz's law as an illustration of conservation of energy
- Factors affecting induced EMF
- A.C. and D.C. generators; transformers; induction coil
- Inductance: explanation, unit, energy stored (E = ½I²L), applications
- Eddy current: reduction, applications and effects
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Interpret the laws of electromagnetic induction
- Identify factors affecting induced EMF
- Recognise how Lenz's law illustrates conservation of energy
- Interpret the diagrammatic set up of A.C. generators
- Examine principles of operation of transformers and induction coil
- Calculate effective total inductance in series and parallel arrangement
- Deduce the expression for energy stored in an inductor
- Determine ways eddy currents can be used and reduced
37. Simple A.C. Circuits
- Explanation of a.c. current and voltage; peak and r.m.s. values
- A.C. source connected to a resistor; to a capacitor (capacitive reactance); to an inductor (inductive reactance)
- R-L-C circuits; vector diagram, phase angle and power factor
- Resistance and impedance; effective voltage in R-L-C circuits
- Resonance and resonance frequency: F₀ = 1/(2π√LC)
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify a.c. current and d.c. voltage
- Differentiate between peak and r.m.s. values of a.c.
- Determine the phase difference between current and voltage
- Interpret R-L-C circuits and analyse vector diagrams
- Calculate effective voltage, reactance and impedance
- Determine the resonant frequency of R-L-C arrangement
- Determine instantaneous power, average power and power factor in a.c. circuits
38. Conduction of Electricity Through Liquids and Gases
- Liquids: electrolytes and non-electrolytes; concept of electrolysis; Faraday's laws of electrolysis; applications (electroplating, calibration of ammeter)
- Gases: discharge through gases (qualitative treatment); applications of conduction of electricity through gases
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes
- Analyse the processes of electrolysis
- Apply Faraday's laws of electrolysis to solve problems
- Analyse discharge through gases
- Determine applications of conduction of electricity through gases
Section VI
VI
Modern Physics & Electronics
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39. Elementary Modern Physics
- Bohr's theory, Rutherford's theory and radioactivity
- Models of the atom and their limitations; elementary structure of the atom
- Energy levels and spectra
- Thermionic and photoelectric emissions; Einstein's equation and stopping potential; applications
- Simple method of production of X-rays; properties and applications of X-rays
- Properties and applications of alpha, beta and gamma rays
- Half-life and decay constant
- Simple ideas of production of energy by fusion and fission
- Binding energy, mass defect and Einstein's energy equation: ΔE = ΔMc²
- Wave-particle duality of matter; electron diffraction; uncertainty principle
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify models of the atom and write their limitations
- Differentiate between energy levels and spectra of atoms
- Compare thermionic emission and photoelectric emission
- Apply Einstein's equation to solve problems of photoelectric effect
- Calculate the stopping potential
- Analyse elementary radioactivity
- Compare properties of alpha, beta and gamma rays
- Relate half-life and decay constant of a radioactive element
- Determine binding energy, mass defect and Einstein's energy equation
- Analyse wave-particle duality
- Solve numerical problems based on the uncertainty principle
40. Introductory Electronics
- Distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators (elementary knowledge of band gap required)
- Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors (n-type and p-type)
- Uses of semiconductors; diodes in rectification and transistors in amplification
- Elementary knowledge of diodes and transistors
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Differentiate between conductors, semiconductors and insulators
- Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors
- Distinguish between electron and hole carriers
- Analyse diodes and transistors
- Relate diodes to rectification and transistors to amplification
41. Introduction to Fibre Optics and Lasers
- Fibre optics: concept, principle of transmission of light through an optical fibre; applications in LAN, medicine and laser beam
- Lasers: meaning, types (solid state, gas, liquid and semiconductor lasers); applications in scientific research, communication, medicine, military technology and holograms; dangers of lasers
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Explain the concept of fibre optics
- Understand the principle of transmission of light through an optical fibre
- Apply the principle of fibre optics in LAN, medicine and laser beam
- Understand the meaning of laser and the various types
- Apply the knowledge of lasers in scientific research, communication, medicine and military technology
- Identify the dangers involved in using lasers
🚀
Now Practice JAMB Physics Past Questions
Reading the syllabus is step one. The fastest way to score high is to practice real past questions from every year — with instant answers and explanations.
Practice Physics Past Questions →📚 JAMB Recommended Textbooks
These are the official books listed by JAMB for Physics preparation:
📖 Ike, E. E. (2014) — Essential Principles of Physics, ENIC Publishers, Jos
📖 Ike, E. E. (2014) — Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, ENIC Publishers, Jos
📖 Nelkon, M. (1977) — Fundamentals of Physics, Hart Davis Education, Great Britain
📖 Nelkon, M. & Parker, P. (1989) — Advanced Level Physics (6th Ed.), Heinemann
📖 Okeke, P. N. & Anyakoha, M. W. (2000) — Senior Secondary School Physics, Pacific Printers, Lagos
📖 Olumuyiwa, A. & Ogunkoya, O. O. (1992) — Comprehensive Certificate Physics, University Press Plc, Ibadan
📖 Orokpo, J. A. (2025) — Ultimate UTME Preparatory Series Physics, Peridot Publishers and Printing Services Limited, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Common Questions 🤔
The JAMB Physics syllabus has 40 topics (41 including Fibre Optics & Lasers) grouped into 6 broad sections: Measurements & Scalars, Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Physics, Waves, Sound & Light, Electricity & Magnetism, and Modern Physics & Electronics.
JAMB sets 40 questions in Physics. Each question carries equal marks. The questions are spread across all sections of the syllabus, with Mechanics, Electricity and Waves typically accounting for the highest number of questions.
Mechanics (especially Motion, Newton's Laws, Work-Energy-Power) and Electricity & Magnetism (Current Electricity, Electromagnetic Induction, A.C. Circuits) are the highest-yielding sections. Waves and Optics are also very consistent. Modern Physics carries fewer questions but is straightforward to prepare.
JAMB Physics is calculation-heavy compared to Biology or Chemistry. Success depends on understanding the formulas and practising their application. Students who master the core topics — Motion, Electricity, Waves and Optics — and practice past questions consistently tend to score well.
Key formulas include: equations of uniformly accelerated motion (v = u + at; s = ut + ½at²; v² = u² + 2as), Newton's law of gravitation, Ohm's law (V = IR), capacitance (C = εA/d), energy in a capacitor (E = ½CV²), resonance frequency (F₀ = 1/2π√LC), mirror and lens formula (1/f = 1/u + 1/v), and Einstein's equation (ΔE = ΔMc²).
The JAMB Physics syllabus has remained stable across its six core sections for several years. The addition of Fibre Optics and Lasers (Topic 40) is one of the more recent inclusions. Always practice past questions from 2023 onwards to stay current with JAMB's question style and difficulty level.