Simple Machines: JAMB Physics Questions, Answers & Notes

What Simple Machines covers in the JAMB Physics syllabus

A machine makes work easier. Mechanical advantage MA = load/effort; velocity ratio VR = distance moved by effort/distance moved by load; efficiency = (MA/VR)×100% = (work output/work input)×100%. Real machines are below 100% efficient because energy is lost to friction and in moving their own parts. Levers come in three classes by the order of fulcrum, load and effort (first: fulcrum in the middle, e.g. see-saw; second: load in the middle, e.g. wheelbarrow; third: effort in the middle, e.g. forearm/tongs). Other simple machines include the pulley, inclined plane, wedge, screw and wheel-and-axle.

For Simple Machines, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Define and calculate mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency
• Classify levers and identify common simple machines
• Explain why efficiency is always less than 100% and solve machine problems

Key facts & revision notes: Simple Machines

These are the recurring points our Simple Machines questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• Mechanical advantage (MA) = load ÷ effort.
• Velocity ratio (VR) = distance moved by effort ÷ distance moved by load.
• Efficiency = (MA ÷ VR) × 100% = (work output ÷ work input) × 100%.
• Efficiency = (MA/VR) × 100 = (4/5) × 100 = 80%.
• Energy lost to friction and in lifting the machine's own moving parts keeps efficiency below 100%.
• In a first-class lever (e.g.
• a see-saw or scissors), the fulcrum lies between effort and load.
• In a wheelbarrow the load is between the fulcrum (wheel) and the effort — a second-class lever.
• In a third-class lever the effort is between the fulcrum and the load, as in tongs or the forearm.
• A single fixed pulley just changes the direction of the effort, so its VR = 1.
• MA = load/effort = 200/50 = 4.
• VR of an inclined plane = length/height = 10/2 = 5.
• The pitch of a screw is the distance between adjacent threads.
• When MA < 1 the machine sacrifices force for speed or a change of direction (e.g.
• An ideal machine has no energy losses, so MA = VR and efficiency = 100%.
• The VR of a block and tackle equals the number of load-bearing pulley segments — here 4.
• A steering wheel turning a shaft is a wheel-and-axle machine.
• By conservation of energy, work input = useful output + energy wasted (mostly to friction).
• Efficiency = (MA/VR)×100, so 75 = (MA/8)×100 → MA = 0.75 × 8 = 6.
• Work in = 100×4 = 400 J; work out = 300×1 = 300 J; efficiency = (300/400)×100 = 75%.
• A knife, axe and chisel are wedges — a wedge is a moving inclined plane.
• MA = load/effort > 1 when the load exceeds the effort.
• MA = load/effort = 400/100 = 4.
• VR = length/height = 8/2 = 4.

Worked examples

Three Simple Machines questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Simple Machines is tested in JAMB Physics

Our Simple Machines bank holds 40 questions (7 easy, 23 medium, 10 hard). JAMB Physics typically returns to Simple Machines year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Simple Machines questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Simple Machines. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Physics item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Simple Machines is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Simple Machines

The errors that cost marks on Simple Machines are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Simple Machines actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Simple Machines part of the JAMB Physics syllabus?

Yes. Simple Machines is a recognised topic in the JAMB Physics syllabus, covering define and calculate mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Simple Machines questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Simple Machines questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Simple Machines?

A machine makes work easier. Mechanical advantage MA = load/effort; velocity ratio VR = distance moved by effort/distance moved by load; efficiency = (MA/VR)×100% = (work output/work input)×100%. Real machines are below 100% efficient because energy is lost to friction and in moving their own parts.…

How do I answer Simple Machines questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Simple Machines. Practising timed Simple Machines questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Physics Simple Machines questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Simple Machines questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Simple Machines practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Physics syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.