Elementary Modern Physics

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Elementary Modern Physics, the JAMB Physics syllabus expects you to study:

• 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.
• xv.
• xvi.
• xvii.

Study notes & guidance

Study Elementary Modern Physics using a recommended Physics textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Physics, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Elementary Modern Physics, you should be able to:

1. Identify the models of the atom and write their limitations;
2. Describe elementary structure of the atom;
3. Differentiate between the energy levels and spectra of atoms;
4. Compare thermionic emission and photoelectric emission;
5. Apply Einstein’s equation to solve problems of photoelectric effect;
6. 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.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Physics syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.