Subject overview
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Physics is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
Official syllabus Content is taken from the official JAMB UTME syllabus (IBASS). Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm at jamb.gov.ng.
Your progress
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General objectives
The Physics syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:
- (1) sustain their interest in physics
- (2) develop attitude relevant to physics that encourage accuracy, precision and objectivity
- (3) interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions, concepts and other theories
- (4) demonstrate the ability to solve correctly physics problems using relevant theories and concepts
- TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES
How this paper is examined
JAMB Physics is a Computer-Based Test of 40 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question. It is examined alongside Use of English and two other subjects, for 180 questions in two hours overall.
How to use this syllabus: don't just read it — turn each topic into a checklist. Study a topic, then immediately practise questions on it so the knowledge sticks. Give extra time to the sections that carry the most topics, and revisit weak areas with timed practice as the exam approaches.
Topics & recommended order
Work through these topics in order. Mark each one as you go — your progress is saved on this device.
1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS
Not started2. Equilibrium of Forces
Not started3. Simple Machines
Not started5. Pressure
Not started7. Temperature and Its Measurement
Not started8. Quantity of Heat
Not started10. Thermal Expansion
Not started11. Gas Laws
Not started12. Vapours
Not started14. Heat Transfer
Not started16. Propagation of Sound Waves
Not started17. Characteristics of Sound Waves
Not started18. Light Energy
Not started21. Optical Instruments
Not started22. Electrostatics
Not started23. Capacitors
Not started24. Electric Cells
Not started25. Current Electricity
Not started26. Electrical Energy and Power
Not started27. Magnets and Magnetic Fields
Not started29. Simple A. C. Circuits
Not started30. Conduction of Electricity Through
Not started31. Elementary Modern Physics
Not started32. Introductory Electronics
Not startedFull Physics syllabus
Every topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, with its contents and the objectives you should be able to meet. Study a topic, then use its objectives as a checklist.
1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS
Contents
- 1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS (ai) Fundamental Units: Length, mass, time, electric charge, temperature, luminous intensity, amount of substance
- (aii) Derived Units: Weight, area, volume, force, speed etc
- (b) Measuring Instruments: venier caliper, metre rule, micrometer screw gauge, measuring cylinder, stop watch and beam balance
- (c) Fundamental physical quantities
- (d) Derived physical quantities and their
- (i) Combinations of fundamental quantities and determination of their units
- (e) Dimensions
- (i) definition of dimensions
- (ii) simple examples xi
- (f) Limitations of experimental
- (i) accuracy of measuring instruments
- (ii) simple estimation of errors
- (iii) significant figures
- (iv) standard form
- (2a) Scalars and Vectors Ca
- (i) definition of scalar and vector quantities
- (ii) examples of scalar and vector quantities
- (iii) relative velocity
- (iv) resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions including ii graphical methods of solution. iv v
- vi Ca (2b) Measurement, position, distance and displacement
- (a) concept of displacement
- (ii) distinction between distance and displacement
- (iii) concept of position and coordinates
- (iv) frame of reference
- iii
- (3.) Motion Candid
- (a) Newton’s laws of motion: i. ide
- (i) inertia, mass and force
- (ii) relationship between mass and
- acceleration
- (iii) impulse and momentum
- (iv) force – time graph
- (v) conservation of linear momentum (Coefficient of restitution not v
- necessary)
- (b)Types of motion: translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin vi. dif and random a vii. de
- (c) Relative motion a viii. s
- (d) Causes of motion g
- (e) Types of force ix
- (i) contact
- (ii) force field
- (f) linear motion
- (i) speed, velocity and acceleration; xi. es
- (ii) equations of uniformly accelerated ma motion; pr
- (iii) motion under gravity; xii. s
- (iv) distance-time graph and velocity time m graph
- (v) instantaneous velocity and
- acceleration
- (g) Projectiles
- (i) calculation of range, maximum height and time of flight from the ground and a height
- (ii) applications of projectile motion
- (h) Motion in a circle
- (i) angular velocity and angular acceleration
- (ii) centripetal and centrifugal forces
- (iii) applications
- (i) Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M)
- (i) definition and explanation of simple harmonic motion
- (ii) examples of systems that execute S.H.M
- (iii) period, frequency and amplitude of S.H.M
- (iv) velocity and acceleration of S.H.M
- (i) simple treatment of energy change in S.H.M
- (ii) force vibration and resonance (simple treatment)
- 4 Gravitational field Candid
- (i) Newton’s law of universal gravitation; i. iden
- (ii) gravitational potential; fo
- (iii) conservative and non-conservative ii. app fields; gr
- (iv) acceleration due to gravity; iii. g
- (v) variation of g on the earth’s surface; c
- (vi) distinction between mass and weight iv. deduc escape velocity
- (vii) parking orbit and weightlessness. v. ide vi. di
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the units of length, area and volume
- Use different measuring instruments
- Determine the lengths, surface areas and volume of regular and irregular bodies
- Identify the unit of mass
- Use simple beam balance, e.g. Buchart’s balance and chemical balance
- Identify the unit of time
- Use different time-measuring devices
- Relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units
- Deduce the units of derived physical quantities; determine the dimensions of physical quantities
- Use the dimensions to determine the units of physical quantities
- Test the homogeneity of an equation
- Determine the accuracy of measuring instruments
- Estimate simple errors
- Express measurements in standard form. ndidates should be able to: 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. ndidates should be able to: use strings, meter rule and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer, screw guage; note the degree of accuracy; identify distance travel in a specified direction; use compass and protractor to locate points/directions; use Cartesians systems to locate positions in x-y plane; plot graph and draw inference from the graph. ates should be able to; ntify different types of motion; solve numerical problem on collinear motion; identify force as cause of motion; identify push and pull as forms of force; identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces; ferentiate between speed, velocity nd acceleration; duce equations of uniformly ccelerated motion; olve problems of motion under ravity; interpret distance-time graph and velocity-time graph; compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration; tablish expressions for the range, ximum height and time of flight of ojectiles, rockets, missles; olve problems involving projectile otion; solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum
- Interpretation of area under force – time graph
- Interpret Newton’s laws of motion
- Compare inertia, mass and force
- Deduce the relationship between mass and acceleration
- Interpret the law of conservation of linear momentum and application
- Xix. establish expression for angular velocity, angular acceleration and centripetal force
- Xx. solve numerical problems involving motion in a circle
- Xxi. establish the relationship between period and frequency
- Xxii. analyse the energy changes occurring during S.H.M; xxiii. identify different types of forced vibration
- Xxiv. enumerate applications of resonance. ates should be able to: tify the expression for gravitational rce between two bodies; ly Newton’s law of universal avitation; ive examples of conservative and non- onservative fields; e the expression for gravitational field potentials; ntify the causes of variation of g on the earth’s surface; fferentiate between mass and weight
- Determine escape velocity
- Relate the expression for gravitational force between two bodies
- Apply Newton’s law of Universal gravitation
2. Equilibrium of Forces
Contents
- 5. Equilibrium of Forces
- (a) equilibrium of particles
- (i) equilibrium of coplanar forces
- (ii) triangles and polygon of forces
- (iii) Lami’s theorem
- (b) principles of moments
- (i) moment of a force
- (ii) simple treatment and moment of a couple
- (torque)
- (iii) applications
- (c) conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of parallel and non- vii. a parallel forces
- (i) resolution and composition of forces in pr two perpendicular directions
- (ii) resultant and equilibrant
- (d) centre of gravity and stability o
- (i) stable, unstable and neutral equilibra
- x (6) Friction
- (i) static and dynamic friction; C
- (ii) coefficient of limiting friction and its
- (iii) advantages and disadvantages of friction
- (iv) reduction of friction
- (v) qualitative treatment of viscosity and terminal velocity
- (vi) Stoke’s law
- i v (7) (a) Work, Energy and Power v
- (i) definition of work, energy and power
- (ii) forms of energy; C
- (iii) conservation of energy
- (iv) qualitative treatment between different forms of energy
- (v) interpretation of area under the force- distance curve
- (b) Energy and society v
- (i) sources of energy; v
- (ii) renewable and non-renewable energy e.g., coal, crude oil sun, wind etc
- (iii) uses of energy
- (iv) energy and development
- (v) energy diversification
- (vi) environmental impact of energy e.g., x global warming, greenhouse effect and spillage
- (vii) energy crises
- (viii) conversion of energy
- (ix) devices used in energy production
- (c) Dams and energy production
- (i) location of dams
- (ii) energy production
- (d) nuclear energy
- (e) solar energy
- (i) photoelectric effect
- (ii) solar collector
- (iii) solar panel for energy supply
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply the 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 ouple
- Describe some applications of moment of a force and couple; pply the conditions for the equilibrium of rigid bodies to solve oblems
- Resolve forces into two perpendicular directions
- Determine the resultant and equilibrant f forces
- Differentiate between stable, unstable and neutral equilibra. andidates should be able to
- Differentiate between static and dynamic friction
- Determine the coefficient of limiting friction
- Compare the 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. andidates should be able to
- Differentiate between work, energy and power
- Compare different forms of energy, giving examples
- Apply the principle of conservation of energy
- Examine the transformation between different forms of energy
- Interpret the area under the force – distance curve
- Solve numerical problems in work, energy and power
- Itemize the sources of energy
- Distinguish between renewable and non- renewable energy, examples should be given
- Identify methods of energy transition
- Explain the importance of energy in the development of the society
- Analyze the effect of energy use to the environment
- Identify the impact of energy on the environment
- Identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment
- Identify energy uses in their immediate environment
- Suggests ways of safe energy use
- State different forms of energy conversion
- Photovoltaic cells
- Work function ( = hf)
- Xix. Planck’s constant
3. Simple Machines
Contents
- 8. Simple Machines
- (i) definition of simple machines
- (ii) types of machines
- (iii) mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of machines
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify different types of simple machines
- Solve problems involving simple machines
4. Elasticity: Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus;
Contents
- 9. Elasticity: Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus
- (i) elastic limit, yield point, breaking point
- (ii) the spring balance as a device for measuring force
- (iii.) work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- 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 spring and elastic strings
5. Pressure
Contents
- 10. Pressure
- (a) Atmospheric Pressure
- (i) definition of atmospheric pressure
- (ii) units of pressure (S.I) units (Pa)
- (iii) measurement of pressure
- (iv) simple mercury barometer
- aneroid barometer and manometer
- (v) variation of pressure with height
- (vi) the use of barometer as an altimeter
- (b) Pressure in liquids
- (i) the relationship between pressure, depth and vi density (P = gh)
- (ii) transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal’s Principle)
- (iii) application
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Recognize the S.I units 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; vi apply the principle of transmission of pressure in liquids to solve problems
- Determine and apply the principle of pressure in liquid
6. Liquids At Rest i. distinguish between density and relative
Contents
- 11. Liquids At Rest
- (i) determination of density of solids and liquid
- (ii) definition of relative density
- (iii) upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
- (iv) Archimedes’ principle and law of floatation and applications, e.g., ships and hydromete
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between density and relative s density of substances
- Determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
- Apply Archimedes’ principle and law of rs. floatation to solve problems
7. Temperature and Its Measurement
Contents
- 12. Temperature and Its Measurement
- (i) concept of temperature
- (ii) thermometric properties
- (iii) calibration of thermometers
- (iv) temperature scales –Celsius and Kelvin
- (v) types of thermometers
- (vi) conversion from one scale of temperature to
- another sc Ke iv. com vi. con to anot
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify thermometric properties of materials that are used for different thermometers
- Calibrate thermometers; differentiate between temperature ales e.g. Celsius, Fahrenheit and lvin; pare the types of thermometers; vert from one scale of temperature her
8. Quantity of Heat
Contents
- 13. Quantity of Heat
- (i) heat as a form of energy
- (ii) definition of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of solids and liquids
- (iv) determination of heat capacity and specific i heat capacity of substances by simple heat methods e.g. method of mixtures and electrical method and Newton’s law of iii. so cooling
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity
- Determine heat capacity and specific capacity using simple methods; lve numerical problems
9. Change of State i. differentiate between latent heat and
Contents
- 14. Change of State
- (i) latent heat
- (ii) specific latent heats of fusion an vaporization
- (iii) melting, evaporation and boiling
- (iv) the influence of pressure and of d substances on boiling and melting
- (v) application in appliances
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heats of fusion and d vaporization
- Differentiate between melting, evaporation and boiling; issolved
- Examine the effects of pressure and of points; dissolved substance on boiling and melting points
- Solve numerical problems
10. Thermal Expansion
Contents
- 15. Thermal Expansion
- (a) Solids
- (i) definition and determination of linear, volume and area expansivities
- (ii) effects and applications, e.g., expansion in building strips and railway lines
- (iii) relationship between different expansivities
- (b) Liquids
- (i) volume expansivity
- (ii) real and apparent expansivities; v
- (iii) determination of volume expansivity
- (iv) anomalous expansion of water
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine linear and volume expansivities
- Assess the effects and applications of thermal expansivities
- Determine the relationship between different expansivities
- Determine volume, apparent, and real expansivities of liquids; analyse the anomalous expansion of water
11. Gas Laws
Contents
- 16. Gas Laws
- (i) Boyle’s law (isothermal process)
- (ii) Charle’s law (isobaric process)
- (iii) Pressure law (volumetric process)
- (iv) absolute zero of temperature
- (v) general gas equation: PV ( = constant) T
- (vi) ideal gas equation e.g., Pv = nRT
- (iv) Van der waal gas
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the gas laws
- Use expression of these laws to solve numerical problems
- Interpret Van der waal equation for one mole of a real gas
12. Vapours
Contents
- 17. Vapours
- (i) unsaturated and saturated vapours
- (ii) relationship between saturated vapour i. dis pressure (S.V.P) and boiling
- (iii) determination of S.V.P by barometer tube method
- (iv) formation of dew, mist, fog, cloud and rain
- (v) study of dew point, humidity and relative humidity
- (vi) hygrometry; estimation of the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb vi. est hygrometers
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Tinguish between saturated and unsaturated vapours
- Relate saturated vapour pressure to boiling point
- Determine S.V.P by barometer tube method
- Differentiate between dew point, humidity and relative humidity; imate the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers
- Solve numerical problems
13. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory
Contents
- 18. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory
- (a) Molecular nature of matter
- (i) atoms and molecules
- (ii) molecular theory: explanation of Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact e.tc
- law of definite proportion
- (iii) examples and applications
- (b) Kinetic Theory
- (i) assumptions of the kinetic theory
- (ii) using the theory to explain the pressure exerted by gas, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, melting, boiling, vapourization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- 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, the pressure exerted by gases, Boyle’s law, Charles’s law, melting, boiling, vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc
14. Heat Transfer
Contents
- 19. Heat Transfer
- (i) conduction, convection and radiation as
- modes of heat transfer
- (ii) temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
- (iii) effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it
- (iv) the conductivities of common materials
- (v) the thermos flask/vacuum flask
- (vi) land and sea breeze
- (vii) combustion engines
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer
- Solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
- Assess the effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it
- Compare the conductivities of common materials
- Relate the component part of the working of the thermos flask
- Differentiate between land and sea breeze
- Analyse the principles of operating internal combustion jet engines, rockets
- Understand the advantages and disadvantages of electric engine over combustion engine
15. Waves
Contents
- 20. Waves
- (a) Production and Propagation
- (i) wave motion
- (ii) vibrating systems as source of waves
- (iii) waves as mode of energy transfer
- (iv) distinction between particle motion
- (v) relationship between frequency, wavelength v
- and wave velocity (V=f λ)
- (vi) phase difference, wave number and wave vector
- (vii) progressive wave equation e.g
- 2 Y = A sin (vt )
- (b) Classification
- (i) types of waves; mechanical and electromagnetic waves
- (ii) longitudinal and transverse waves
- (iii) stationary and progressive waves
- (iv) examples of waves from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank
- (c) Characteristics/Properties
- (i) reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization
- (ii) superposition of waves e.g., interfere
- (iii) Beats
- (iv) Doppler effects (qualitative treatment only)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret wave motion
- Identify vibrating systems as sources of waves
- Use waves as a mode of energy transfer
- Distinguish between particle motion and wave motion; relate frequency and wave length to wave velocity
- Determine phase difference, wave number and wave vector
- Use the progressive wave equation to compute basic wave parameters
- Examples in wave equations
- Differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves
- Differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves
- Distinguish between stationary and progressive waves
- Indicate the example of waves generated from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank
- Differentiate between reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane nce polarization of waves
- Analyse the principle of superposition of waves
- Solve numerical problems on waves explain the phenomenon of beat, beat frequency and uses
- Explain Doppler effect of sound and application
16. Propagation of Sound Waves
Contents
- 21. Propagation of Sound Waves
- (i) the necessity for a material medium
- (ii) speed of sound in solids, liquids and air
- (iii) reflection of sound; echoes, reverberation and their applications
- (iv) advantages and disadvantages of echoes and reverberations
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine the need for a material medium in the propagation of sound waves
- 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 problem on echoes, reverberation and speed
- Compare the disadvantages and advantages of echoes
- Solve problems on echo, reverberation and speed of sound
17. Characteristics of Sound Waves
Contents
- 22. Characteristics of Sound Waves
- (i) noise and musical notes
- (ii) quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and their application to musical instruments
- (iii) simple treatment of harmonics and overtones produced by vibrating strings and their iii. ev columns 1 T Fo= ( = m / ) 2L
- (iv) acoustic examples of resonance
- (v) frequency of a note emitted by air columns in closed and open pipes in relation to their lengths
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between noise and musical notes
- Analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound notes; aluate the application of (ii) above in the construction of musical instruments
- Identify overtones by vibrating stings and air columns
- Itemize acoustical examples of resonance
- Determine the frequencies of notes emitted by air columns in open and closed pipes in relation to their lengths
18. Light Energy
Contents
- 23. Light Energy
- (a) Sources of Light
- (i) natural and artificial sources of light
- (ii) luminous and non-luminous objects
- (b) Propagation of light
- (i) speed, frequency and wavelength of light
- (ii) formation of shadows and eclipse
- (iii) the pin-hole camera
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Compare the natural and artificial sources of light
- Differentiate between luminous and non luminous objects
- Relate the 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
19. Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved
Contents
- 24. Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces
- (i) laws of reflection
- (ii) application of reflection of light
- (iii) formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors and ray diagrams
- (iv) use of the mirror formula: 1 1 1 = + f u v
- (v) linear and angular magnification
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- 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 the linear magnification
- Apply the laws of reflection of light to the working of periscope, kaleidoscope and the sextant
20. Refraction of Light Through at Plane and
Contents
- 25. Refraction of Light Through at Plane and Curved Surfaces
- (i) laws of refraction
- (ii) explanation of refraction in terms of velocity of light in the media
- (iii) definition of refractive index of a medium
- (iv) determination of refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law
- (v) real and apparent depth and lateral displacement
- (vi) critical angle and total internal reflection
- (b) Glass Prism
- (i) use of the minimum deviation formula: v A + D sin U= 2 A sin 2
- (ii) type of lenses; triangular, rectangular etc
- (iii) use of lens formula: 1 1 1 = + and Newton’s formular (F2 = ab) f u
- (v) magnification
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret the laws of reflection
- Determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law
- Determination of focal length of curved surfaces
- Determine the refractive index using the principle of real and apparent depth
- Determine the conditions necessary for total internal reflection
- Examine the use of periscope, prism, binoculars, optical fibre
- Apply the principles of total internal reflection to the formation of mirage
- Use of lens formula and ray diagrams to solve optical numerical problems
- Determine the magnification of an image
- Calculate the refractive index of a glass prism using minimum deviation formula
- Ray tracing through optical prism
21. Optical Instruments
Contents
- 26. Optical Instruments
- (i) general principles of microscopes, telescopes, projectors, cameras and the human eye (physiological details of the eye are not required)
- (ii) power of a lens
- (iii) angular magnification
- (iv) near and far points; v
- (v) sight defects and their corrections. v c 27. (a) Dispersion of light and colours
- (i) dispersion of white light by a triangular Prism; Candidat
- (ii) production of pure spectrum; i. ident
- (iii) colour mixing by addition and subtraction; sec
- (iv) colour of objects and colour filters; ii. unde
- (v) rainbow and formation. iii. ded iv. analy v
- (b)Electromagnetic spectrum
- (i) description of sources and uses of various types of radiation
- vi
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply the principles of operation of optical instruments to solve problems
- Distinguish between the human eye and the cameras
- Calculate the power of a lens
- Evaluate the angular magnification of optical instruments
- Determine the near and far points
- Detect sight defects and their orrections. es should be able to: ify primary colours and obtain ondary colours by mixing; rstand the formation of rainbow; uce why objects have colours; se colours using colour filters; analyse the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to their wavelengths, sources, detection and uses
- Define monochromatic light
22. Electrostatics
Contents
- 28. Electrostatics
- (i) existence of positive and negative charges in matter
- (ii) charging a body by friction, contact and induction
- (iii) electroscope
- (iv) Coulomb’s inverse square law, electric field and potential
- (v) electric field intensity, potential and potential difference
- (vi) electric discharge and lightning
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- 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 how it is used in lightening conductors’
- Charge a body by friction, induction and contant
23. Capacitors
Contents
- 29. Capacitors
- (i) types and functions of capacitors
- (ii) parallel plate capacitors
- (iii) capacitance of a capacitor
- (iv) the relationship between capacitance, area separation of plates and medium between the plates EA C= d
- (v) capacitors in series and parallel
- (vi) energy stored in a capacitor
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine uses of capacitors
- Analyse parallel plate capacitors
- Determine the capacitance of a capacitor
- Analyse the factors that affect the capacitance of a capacitor
- Solve problems involving the arrangement of a capacitor
- Determine the energy stored in capacitors
24. Electric Cells
Contents
- 30. Electric Cells
- (i) simple voltaic cell and its defects
- (ii) Daniel cell, Leclanche cell (wet and dry)
- (iii) lead –acid accumulator and Nickel-Iron (Nife) Lithium lon and Mercury cadmium
- (iv) maintenance of cells and batteries (detail treatment of the chemistry of a cell is not required)
- (vi) arrangement of cells
- (vii) efficiency of a cell
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the defects of the simple voltaic cell and their correction
- Compare different types of cells including solar cell
- Compare the advantages of lead-acid and Nikel iron accumulator
- Solve problems involving series and parallel combination of cells
25. Current Electricity
Contents
- 31. Current Electricity
- (i) electromagnetic force (emf), potential difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance of a cell and lost Volt
- (ii) Ohm’s law, resistivity and conductivity
- (iii) measurement of resistance
- (iv) meter bridge
- (v) resistance in series and in parallel and their combination
- (vi) the potentiometer method of measuring emf, current and internal resistance of a cell
- (vii) electrical networks
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between emf, p.d., current and internal resistant of a cell
- Apply Ohm’s law to solve problems
- Use metre bridge to calculate resistance
- Compute effective total resistance of both parallel and series arrangement of resistors
- Determine the resistivity and the conductivity of a conductor
- Measure emf. current and internal resistance of a cell using the potentiometer
- Identify the advantages of the potentiometer
- Apply Kirchoff’s law in electrical networks
26. Electrical Energy and Power
Contents
- 32. Electrical Energy and Power
- (i) concepts of electrical energy and power
- (ii) commercial unit of electric energy and
- power
- (iii) electric power transmission
- (v) heating effects of electric current
- (vi) electrical wiring of houses
- (vii) use of fuses
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply the expressions of electrical energy and power to solve problems
- Analyse how power is transmitted from the power station to the consumer
- Identify the heating effects of current and its uses
- Identify the advantages of parallel arrangement over series
- Determine the fuse rating
27. Magnets and Magnetic Fields
Contents
- 33. Magnets and Magnetic Fields
- (i) natural and artificial magnets
- (ii) magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
- (iii) methods of making magnets and demagnetization
- (iv) concept of magnetic field
- (v) magnetic field of a permanent magnet
- (vi) magnetic field round a straight current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid
- (vii) properties of the earth’s magnetic field
- north and south poles, magnetic meridian and angle of dip and declination
- (viii) flux and flux density
- (ix) variation of magnetic field intensity over the earth’s surface
- (x) applications: earth’s magnetic field in navigation and mineral exploration
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Give examples of natural and artificial magnets
- Differentiate between the magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
- Identify the various methods of making magnets and demagnetizing magnets
- Describe how to keep a magnet from losing its magnetism
- Determine the flux pattern of an isolated magnet
- Determine the flux pattern exhibited when two magnets are placed together pole to pole
- Determine the flux of a current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid including the polarity of the solenoid
- Determine the flux pattern of a magnet placed in the earth’s magnetic fields
- Identify the magnetic elements of the earth’s flux
- Determine the variation of earth’s magnetic field on the earth’s surface
- Examine the applications of the earth’s magnetic field
28. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a
Contents
- 34. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field
- (i) quantitative treatment of force between two parallel current-carrying conductors
- (ii) force on a charge moving in a magnetic field
- (iii) the d. c. motor
- (iv) electromagnets
- (v) carbon microphone
- (vi) moving coil and moving iron instruments
- (viii) conversion of galvanometers to ammeters and voltmeter using shunts and multipliers
- (ix) sensitivity of a galvanometer
- vii
- viii 35. (a) Electromagnetic Induction Cand i
- (i) Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction
- (ii) Lenz’s law as an illustration of the
- principle of conservation of energy; the
- (iii) factors affecting induced emf
- (iv) a.c. and d.c generators
- (v) transformers
- (vi) the induction coil
- (b) Inductance vi
- (i) explanation of inductance
- (ii) unit of inductance; vii
- (iii) energy stored in an inductor: coil 1 viii E=2 I2L
- (iv) application/uses of inductors
- x. r
- (c) Eddy Current
- (i) reduction of eddy current
- (ii) applications of eddy current
- (iii) effects of eddy current xiii
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine the direction of force on a current carrying conductor using Fleming’s left-hand rule
- Interpret the attractive and repulsive forces between two parallel current- carrying conductors using diagrams
- Determine the relationship between the force, magnetic field strength, velocity and the angle through which the charge enters the field
- Interpret the working of the d. c. motor
- Analyse the principle of electromagnets and give examples of its application
- Compare moving iron and moving coil instruments; convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or a voltmeter
- Identify the factors affecting the sensitivity of a galvanometer. idates should be able to: nterpret the laws of electromagnetic induction; identify factors affecting induced emf; recognize how Lenz’s law illustrates principle of conservation of energy; interpret the diagrammatic set up of A. C. generators; dentify the types of transformer; examine principles of operation of transformers; assess the functions of an induction
- Draw some conclusions from the principles of operation of an induction coil; interpret the inductance of an inductor; ecognize units of inductance; calculate the effective total inductance in series and parallel arrangement; deduce the expression for the energy stored in an inductor
- Examine the applications of inductors; describe the method by which eddy current losses can be reduced; determine ways by which eddy currents can be used
29. Simple A. C. Circuits
Contents
- 36. Simple A. C. Circuits
- (i) explanation of a.c. current and voltage
- (ii) peak and r.m.s. values
- (iii) a.c. source connected to a resistor
- (iv) a.c source connected to a capacitor- capacitive reactance
- (v) a.c source connected to an inductor inductive reactance
- (vi) R-L-C circuits
- (vii) vector diagram, phase angle and power factor
- (viii) resistance and impedance
- (ix) effective voltage in an R-L-C circuits
- (x) resonance and resonance frequency: F0 = 2 LC
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify a.c. current and d.c. voltage
- Differentiate between the peak and r.m.s. values of a.c
- Determine the phase difference between current and voltage
- Interpret R-L-C circuits
- Analyse vector diagrams
- Calculate the effective voltage, reactance and impedance
- Recognize the condition by which the circuit is at resonance
- Determine the resonant frequency of R-L-C arrangement
- Determine the instantaneous power, average power and the power factor in a. c. circuits
30. Conduction of Electricity Through
Contents
- 37. Conduction of Electricity Through
- (a) liquids
- (i) electrolytes and non-electrolyte
- (ii) concept of electrolysis
- (iii) Faraday’s laws of electrolysis
- (iv) application of electrolysis, e.g., electroplating, calibration of ammeter etc
- (b) gases
- (i) discharge through gases (qualitative treatment only)
- (ii) application of conduction of electricity through gases
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- 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 some applications/uses of conduction of electricity through gases
31. Elementary Modern Physics
Contents
- 38. Elementary Modern Physics
- (i) Bohr’s theory, Rutherford’s theory and radioactivity
- (ii) models of the atom and their limitations
- (iii) elementary structure of the atom
- (iv) energy levels and spectra
- (v) thermionic and photoelectric emissions
- (vi) Einstein’s equation and stopping potential
- (vii) applications of thermionic emissions and photoelectric effects
- (viii) simple method of production of x-rays
- (ix) properties and applications of alpha, beta vii
- and gamma rays
- (x) half-life and decay constant; viii
- (xi) simple ideas of production of energy by fusion and fission; ix
- (xii) binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s Energy equation x. an
- [∆E = ∆Mc2] unsta
- (xiii) wave-particle (duality of matter)
- (xiv) electron diffraction
- (xv) the uncertainty principle
- xiv
- xvi
- xvii
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the models of the atom and write their limitations
- Describe elementary structure of the atom
- Differentiate between the 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; relate some application of thermionic emission and photoelectric effects; interpret the process involved in the production of x-rays; dentify some properties and applications of x-rays; alyse elementary radioactivity; distinguish between stable and ble nuclei; identify isotopes of an element; compare the properties of alpha, beta and gamma rays; relate half-life and decay constant of a radioactive element; determine the binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s energy equation; analyse wave particle duality; solve some numerical problems based on the uncertainty principle and wave – particle duality
32. Introductory Electronics
Contents
- 39. Introductory Electronics
- (i) distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators (elementary knowledge of band gap is required)
- (ii) intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors (n- type and p-type semiconductors)
- (iii) uses of semiconductors and diodes in
- rectification and transistors in amplificatio
- (iv) elementary knowledge of diodes and transistors
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between conductors, semi- conductors and insulators
- Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; distinguish between electron and hole n; carriers
- Analyse diodes and transistor
- Relate diodes to rectification and transistor to amplification
33. Introduction to fibre optics and lasers
Contents
- 40. Introduction to fibre optics and lasers
- (a) fibre optics (
- (b) Lasers Ca ( ( (s la (i sc me et ( us
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- (i) explain the concept of fibre optics; (ii) understand the principle of transmission of light through an optical fibre
- Apply the principle of fibre optics in Local Area Network (LAN), medicine, laser beam etc; ndidates should be able to
- Understand the meaning of laser
- Understand the various types of lasers olid state, gas, liquid and semiconductor sers)
- Apply the knowledge of lasers in ientific research, communication, dicine, military technology, holograms c
- Identify the dangers involved in ing lasers. ENIC Publishers. Physics
Recommended texts for JAMB Physics
These are the recommended textbooks listed in the official JAMB Physics syllabus. You do not need every book — one solid, complete text that follows the syllabus, paired with past-question practice, is enough.
- Ike, E.E. (2014). Essential Principles of Physics, Jos ENIC Publishers.
- Ike, E.E. (2014). Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, Jos: ENIC Publishers.
- Nelkon, M. (1977). Fundamentals of Physics, Great Britain: Hart Davis Education.
- Nelkon, M. and Parker … (1989). Advanced Level Physics, (Sixth Edition): Heinemann.
- Okeke, P.N. and Anyakoha, M.W. (2000). Senior Secondary School Physics, Lagos: Pacific Printers.
- Olumuyiwa, A. and Ogunkoya, O. O. (1992). Comprehensive Certificate Physics, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
- Orokpo, J.A. (2025). Ultimate UTME Preparatory Series Physics. Peridot Publishers and Printing Services Limited, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Recommended next steps
All subjects · Subject combination checker · JAMB information · CBT practice
Frequently asked questions
What is the JAMB Physics syllabus for 2026/2027?
The JAMB Physics syllabus for the 2026/2027 UTME is the official document that lists every topic, objective and recommended text you will be examined on. It covers Measurements and Units; Mechanics; Thermal Physics (heat); Waves; Optics; Electricity and Magnetism; Modern Physics; and their applications. Every question in the Physics paper is drawn from this syllabus, so studying any topic outside it is a waste of time. The complete, up-to-date syllabus is reproduced in full on this page.
What are the areas of concentration for JAMB Physics?
The areas of concentration are the sections and high-frequency topics the UTME focuses on. Mechanics, heat and thermal physics, waves and optics, and electricity and magnetism are the highest-yield areas — learn the formulas by solving numerical problems, and master units and measurements early. Concentrate your revision on these areas first, then cover the rest of the syllabus — and practise past-question-style questions on each area so you recognise how they are tested.
How many questions does JAMB set in Physics?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Physics, worth 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60 questions). Across your four subjects the UTME totals 180 questions and 400 marks.
How long is the JAMB exam and how much time per Physics question?
The whole UTME lasts two hours (120 minutes) for all four subjects combined — roughly 40 seconds per question. Answer the questions you know quickly, flag the harder ones, and return to them. There is no negative marking, so never leave any question unanswered.
Is Physics compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject, but Physics is required for Engineering, the physical sciences, and many technology and health-adjacent courses, so most science candidates in the physical-science track take it.
What are the hot topics or most repeated topics in JAMB Physics?
While JAMB does not publish a 'hot topics' list, the syllabus changes little year to year, so the same high-frequency topics recur. Mechanics, heat and thermal physics, waves and optics, and electricity and magnetism are the highest-yield areas — learn the formulas by solving numerical problems, and master units and measurements early. Studying strictly by the syllabus and practising many questions per topic is the reliable way to prepare — never rely on 'expo' or leaked questions, which are scams and can cost you your result.
What are the recommended textbooks for JAMB Physics?
The official syllabus recommends standard texts: Senior Secondary School Physics (Okeke & Anyakoha) and Comprehensive Certificate Physics (Olumuyiwa & Ogunkoya). You do not need every book — one complete, syllabus-aligned textbook plus consistent past-question practice is enough. See the full recommended-texts list below.
Can I download the JAMB Physics syllabus PDF for free?
JAMB publishes the official syllabus free on the IBASS portal at jamb.gov.ng (Quick Links → Syllabus System). Rather than a static PDF, this page reproduces the complete Physics syllabus for 2026/2027 — every section, topic and recommended text — so you can study it on any phone, with progress tracking and practice built in. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.
Does the JAMB Physics syllabus change every year?
No — the core topics stay largely the same from year to year because the subject content does not change. The only occasional changes are to prescribed texts in a few subjects. Always check the official syllabus at the start of your preparation to confirm nothing in your subjects has been updated.
Is there negative marking in JAMB Physics?
No. JAMB does not use negative marking, so a wrong answer simply scores zero — there is no penalty. This means you should attempt every one of the 40 questions, even where you have to make an educated guess near the end of the time.
How do I study the JAMB Physics syllabus effectively?
Turn the syllabus into a checklist: study one topic, then immediately practise questions on it so it sticks; give the most time to the areas of concentration that carry the most topics; use one recommended textbook rather than many; and practise past-question-style questions under timed conditions to build speed. Track each topic on this page from Not started to Mastered so you always know what is left.
How can I practise JAMB Physics questions on Belmadeng?
Belmadeng offers free, timed CBT practice with worked explanations. Study a topic here, then test yourself — your weak topics are highlighted afterwards so you know exactly what to revise. Explore CBT practice to prepare the way the real Computer-Based Test works.
Source: official JAMB UTME Physics syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is not affiliated with JAMB — always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.
Courses that require Physics in JAMB
Physics is part of the UTME subject combination for 63+ popular courses. If you’re studying Physics, these are the courses it can lead to:
Commonly required for
Medicine and Surgery
Nursing / Nursing Science
Pharmacy
Medical Laboratory Science
Physiotherapy
Radiography
Dentistry
Anatomy
Physiology
Public Health
Optometry
Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
… and 40 more. See all courses →
Also accepted for (as an optional subject)
Microbiology
Statistics
Geology
Mathematics
Fisheries
Urban and Regional Planning
Biology
Botany / Plant Biology
Zoology
Requirements vary by institution — always confirm your exact course in the subject combinations hub and the official JAMB brochure.
Related JAMB subjects
Candidates studying Physics often study these subjects alongside it. Each links to its full official syllabus and free CBT practice: