Physics is the study of matter, energy, motion, and their interactions.
It provides the foundation for careers in engineering, technology, medicine, and pure sciences.
Both JAMB and WAEC test students on theoretical concepts, numerical calculations, and practical
applications. To excel, students must understand definitions, memorize formulas, practice problem-solving,
and revise past questions.

Chapter 1: Measurement and Units

– Fundamental quantities: length, mass, time, current, temperature, luminous intensity.
– Derived quantities: velocity, acceleration, force, pressure, energy.
– SI units: metre (m), kilogram (kg), second (s), ampere (A), kelvin (K).
– Dimensions of physical quantities.

Example Question: State the SI unit of pressure. Answer: Pascal (N/m²).

Chapter 2: Motion

– Scalars and vectors.
– Speed, velocity, and acceleration.
– Equations of uniformly accelerated motion: v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as.
– Graphs of motion.

Example Problem: A car accelerates uniformly from rest at 2 m/s² for 10 s.
Find its velocity. v = u + at = 0 + (2 × 10) = 20 m/s.

Chapter 3: Forces and Motion

– Newton’s Laws of Motion.
– Friction and its effects.
– Centripetal force and circular motion.
– Momentum and impulse.
– Work, energy, and power.
– Conservation of energy and momentum.

Chapter 4: Machines

– Simple machines: levers, pulleys, inclined planes.
– Mechanical advantage (M.A), velocity ratio (V.R), efficiency.
– Principle of moments.

Example Problem: A lever has an effort arm of 2 m and a load arm of 0.5 m.
Find M.A. M.A. = 2 / 0.5 = 4.

Chapter 5: Properties of Matter

– Elasticity: Hooke’s Law.
– Pressure in fluids, Pascal’s principle, Archimedes’ principle.
– Surface tension, capillarity, viscosity.
– Density and relative density.

Example Question: State Archimedes’ principle.
Answer: A body immersed in a fluid experiences an upthrust equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.

Chapter 6: Heat Energy

– Temperature and heat difference.
– Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation.
– Specific heat capacity, latent heat.
– Gas laws: Boyle’s law, Charles’s law, Pressure law, Ideal Gas Equation.

Example Problem: How much heat is required to raise 500 g of water by 20 °C?
(c = 4200 J/kgK) Q = mcΔT = 0.5 × 4200 × 20 = 42,000 J.

Chapter 7: Waves and Sound

– Wave types: mechanical, electromagnetic, longitudinal, transverse.
– Wave properties: frequency, wavelength, amplitude, speed.
– Relationship: v = fλ.
– Sound production, echo, reverberation, speed of sound.
– Applications: SONAR, musical instruments.

Chapter 8: Light

– Rectilinear propagation of light.
– Reflection and refraction (Snell’s Law).
– Lenses and mirrors.
– Optical instruments: microscope, telescope, camera, periscope.
– Dispersion of light and spectrum.

Example Question: The refractive index (n) of glass is 1.5.
If the speed of light in vacuum is 3 × 10⁸ m/s, what is speed in glass?
v = c/n = (3 × 10⁸) / 1.5 = 2 × 10⁸ m/s.

Chapter 9: Electricity and Magnetism

– Electric charge, Coulomb’s law.
– Electric field and potential difference.
– Ohm’s law: V = IR.
– Resistance in series and parallel.
– Electrical power: P = IV, E = Pt.
– Magnetism and magnetic field.
– Electromagnetism: applications in motors and generators.

Chapter 10: Electromagnetic Induction

– Faraday’s law of induction.
– Lenz’s law.
– Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
– Transformers and their applications.

Chapter 11: Nuclear Physics

– Radioactivity: alpha, beta, gamma radiation.
– Half-life calculations.
– Uses of radioisotopes: medicine, industry, agriculture.
– Nuclear fission and fusion.

Chapter 12: Modern Physics

– Photoelectric effect.
– Quantum theory.
– Energy levels in atoms.
– X-rays and applications.

Chapter 13: Practical Physics

– Vernier caliper and micrometer screw gauge.
– Simple pendulum experiment.
– Electrical circuit experiments.
– Optics experiments (ray box, lenses, prisms).
– Graph plotting (straight-line graphs, slope, intercept).

Exam Tips

1. Memorize definitions and formulas word-for-word.
   2. Draw neat diagrams in optics, mechanics, and electricity.
   3. Always show steps in calculations—marks are awarded for method.
   4. Practice WAEC practical experiments and graph questions.
   5. Revise past JAMB and WAEC questions; patterns often repeat.

Conclusion

Physics may appear challenging, but it becomes easier with consistent practice,
problem-solving, and understanding of real-life applications. Mastering calculations, practicals, and theory
will ensure excellent performance in both JAMB and WAEC.