Heat Transfer

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Heat Transfer, the JAMB Physics syllabus expects you to study:

• 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.

Study notes & guidance

Study Heat Transfer 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 Heat Transfer, you should be able to:

1. Differentiate between conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer;
2. Solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux;
3. Assess the effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it;
4. Compare the conductivities of common materials;
5. Relate the component part of the working of the thermos flask;
6. Differentiate between land and sea breeze;
7. Analyse the principles of operating internal combustion jet engines, rockets.
8. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of electric engine over combustion engine.

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.