What is Jamb Syllabus?
Simply means a summary of topics that jamb have converted during an academic course which is expected to be asked during an Examination day. The challenge students face is the inability them getting the right tools or materials to study, there is a way to go about reading your syllabus. Your JAMB Physics syllabus is not meant for you to just know the topics you should stay focus on by studying.
You are expected as an aspirant seeking admission to voraciously and meticulously exhaust your Physics syllabus topic by topic, solve all the questions that have ever come out under each of those topics and build your confidence towards the main exam.
JAMB Syllabus For Physics 2022/2023
Every motive for every student is to pass their exam with flying colors so we can say that the 2021/2022 JAMB Physics Syllabus for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. Jamb syllabus for physics is a guideline necessary material for every candidate who wants to succeed and come out will good grades after studying.
If you are asking for the Original Jamb Syllabus for Physics For 2023, the Original Jamb Syllabus for physics is for all the science candidates who are writing 2023 Jamb.
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1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS
Topics:
(a) Length, area, and volume: Metre rule, Venier calipers MicrometerScrew-gauge, measuring cylinder
(b) Mass
(i) unit of mass
(ii) use of simple beam balance
(iii) concept of beam balance
(c) Time
(i) unit of time
(ii) time-measuring devices
(d) Fundamental physical quantities
(e) Derived physical quantities and their units
(i) Combinations of fundamental quantities and determination of their units
(f) Dimensions
(i) definition of dimensions
(ii) simple examples
(g) Limitations of experimental measurements
(i) accuracy of measuring instruments
(ii) simple estimation of errors.
(iii) significant figures.
(iv) standard form.
(h) Measurement, position, distance, and displacement
(i) concept of displacement
(ii) the distinction between distance and displacement
(iii) concept of position and coordinates
(iv) frame of reference
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the units of length, area, and volume;
ii. use different measuring instruments;
iii. determine the lengths, surface areas and volume of regular and irregular bodies;
iv. identify the unit of mass;
v. use simple beam balance, e.g Buchart’s balance, and chemical balance;
vi. identify the unit of time;
vii. use different time-measuring devices;
viii. relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units;
ix. deduce the units of derived physical quantities;
x. determine the dimensions of physical quantities;
xi. use the dimensions to determine the units of physical quantities;
xii. test the homogeneity of an equation;
xiii. determine the accuracy of measuring instruments;
xiv. estimate simple errors;
xv. express measurements in standard form.
Candidates should be able to:
i. use strings, meter ruler and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer, screw gauge
ii. note the degree of accuracy
iii. identify distance travel in a specified direction
iv. use compass and protractor to locate points/directions
v. use Cartesians systems to locate positions in x-y plane
vi. plot graph and draw inference from the graph.
2. Scalars and Vectors
Topics:
(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 graphical methods of solution.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between scalar and vector quantities;
ii. give examples of scalar and vector quantities;
iii. determine the resultant of two or more vectors;
iv. determine relative velocity;
v. resolve vectors into two perpendicular components;
vi. use graphical methods to solve vector problems;
3. Motion
Topics:
(a) Types of motion: translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random
(b) Relative motion
(c) causes of motion
(d) Types of force
(i) contact
(ii) force field
(e) linear motion
(i) speed, velocity, and acceleration
(ii) equations of uniformly accelerated motion
(iii) motion under gravity
(iv) distance-time graph and velocity-time graph
(v) instantaneous velocity and acceleration.
(f) Projectiles:
(i) calculation of range, maximum height and time of flight from the ground and a height
(ii) applications of projectile motion
(g) Newton’s laws of motion:
(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 necessary)
(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
(v) simple treatment of energy change in S.H.M
(vi) force vibration and resonance (simple treatment)
(iii) conservative and non-conservative fields
(iv) acceleration due to gravity
(v) variation of g on the earth’s surface
(iv) the distinction between mass and weight
(v) escape velocity
(vi) parking orbit and weightlessness
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to :
i. identify different types of motion ;
ii. solve a numerical problem on the collinear motion;
iii. identify force as the cause of motion;
iv. identify push and pull as a form of force
v. identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces;
vi. differentiate between speed, velocity, and acceleration;
vii.deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion;
viii. solve problems of motion under gravity;
ix. interpret the distance-time graph and velocity-time graph;
x. compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration
xi. establish expressions for the range, maximum height and time of flight of projectiles;
xii. solve problems involving projectile motion;
xiii. solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum;
xiv. interpretation of area under force – time graph
xv. interpret Newton’s laws of motion;
xvi. compare inertia, mass, and force;
xvii. deduce the relationship between mass and acceleration;
xviii. 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. analyze the energy changes occurring during S.H.M
xxiii. identify different types of forced vibration
xxiv. enumerate applications of resonance.
Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies;
ii. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation;
iii. give examples of conservative and non-
conservative fields;
iv. deduce the expression for gravitational field potentials;
v. identify the causes of variation of g on the earth’s surface;
vi. differentiate between mass and weight;
vii. determine escape velocity
5. Equilibrium of Forces
Topics:
(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-parallel forces
(i) resolution and composition of forces in two perpendicular directions,
(ii) resultant and equilibrant
(d) center of gravity and stability
(i) stable, unstable and neutral equilibria
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of coplanar forces to solve problems;
ii. use triangle and polygon laws of forces to solve equilibrium problems;
iii. use Lami’s theorem to solve problems;
iv. analyze the principle of a moment of a force;
v. determine the moment of a force and couple;
vi. describe some applications of a moment of a force and couple;
vii. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of rigid bodies to solve problems;
viii. resolve forces into two perpendicular directions;
ix. determine the resultant and equilibrant of forces;
x. differentiate between stable, unstable and neutral equilibra.
6. (a) Work, Energy, and Power
Topics:
(ai) definition of work, energy, and power
(ii) forms of energy
(iii) conservation of energy
(iv) qualitative treatment between different forms of energy
(vi) interpretation of area under the force-distance curve
(b) Energy and society
(i) sources of energy
(ii) renewable and non-renewable energy eg coal, crude oil, etc
(iii) uses of energy
(iv) energy and development
(v) energy diversification
(vi) environmental impact of energy eg 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) solar collector
(ii) solar panel for energy supply.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between work, energy, and power;
ii. compare different forms of energy, giving examples;
iii. apply the principle of conservation of energy;
iv. examine the transformation between different forms of energy;
v. interpret the area under the force-distance curve.
vi. solve numerical problems in work, energy, and power.
Candidates should be able to:
i. itemize the sources of energy
ii. distinguish between renewable and non- renewable energy, examples should be given
iii. identify methods of the energy transition
iv. explain the importance of energy in the development of society
v. analyze the effect of energy use on the environment
vi. identify the impact of energy on the environment
vii. identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment
viii. identify energy uses in their immediate environment
ix. suggests ways of safe energy use
x. state different forms of energy conversion
7. Friction
On this topic, concentrate more on;
static and dynamic friction
coefficient of limiting friction and its determination.
advantages and disadvantages of friction
reduction of friction
qualitative treatment of viscosity and terminal stoke’s law
stoke’s law
After reading the Friction, make sure you are able to;
differentiate between static and dynamic friction
determine the coefficient of limiting friction;
compare the advantages and disadvantage of friction;
suggest ways by which friction can be reduced;
analyze factors that affect viscosity and terminal velocity;
apply stoke’s law
8. Simple Machines
Focus on;
definition of machine
types of machines
mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of machines
After reading “Simple Machines” make sure you are able to
identify different types of machines;
solve problems involving simple machines.
9. Elasticity
Under this topic, read relevant things like;
elastic limit, yield point, breaking point, Hooke’s law, and Young’s modulus
the spring balance as a device for measuring force
workdone in springs and elastic strings
After reading Elasticity, make sure you can;
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
10. Pressure
Candidates should focus their attention on;
Atmospheric Pressure
definition of atmospheric pressure
units of pressure (S.I) units
measurement of pressure
simple mercury barometer, aneroid barometer, and manometer.
variation of pressure with height
the use of barometer as an altimeter.
Pressure in liquids
the relationship between pressure, depth, and density (P = rgh)
transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal’s Principle)
Application
After reading Pressure, you should be able to;
recognize the S.I units of pressure;
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
apply the principle of transmission of pressure in liquids to solve problems;
determine the application of pressure in liquid
11. Liquids at Rest
While reading the topic “Liquids at Rest” concentrate on;
determination of density of solids and liquids
definition of relative density
upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
Archimede’s principle and the law of floatation and applications, e.g. ships and hydrometers
To smash any question JAMB will set from the topic Liquidat Rest, make sure you are able to;
distinguish between density and relative density of substances;
determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid;
apply Archimedes’ principle and the law of floatation to solve problems
12. Temperature and Its Measurement
Use your time wisely! Under this topic, focus your attention on;
concept of temperature
thermometric properties
calibration of thermometers
temperature scales –Celsius and
types of thermometers
conversion from one scale of temperature to another
For you are ready for any question that will come out from the topic Temperature and Its Measurement, you should be able to;
identify thermometric properties of materials that are used for different thermometers;
calibrate thermometers;
differentiate between temperature scales e.g Celsius and Kelvin.
compare the types of thermometers;
convert from one scale of temperature to another.
13. Thermal Expansion
Under this topic, just focus on;
Solids
definition and determination of linear, volume and area expansivities
effects and applications, e.g. expansion in building strips and railway lines
relationship between different expansivities.
Liquids
volume expansivity
real and apparent expansivities
determination of volume expansivity
anomalous expansion of water
After Reading the topic Thermal Expansion, make sure you are 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
14. Gas Laws
On this topic Gas Laws focus your attention on;
Boyle’s law
Charle’s law
Pressure law
absolute zero of temperature
general gas quation
ideal gas equation
When you you are done reading the topic Gas Laws make sure you are able to;
interpret the gas laws;
use expression of these laws to solve numerical problems
15. Quantity of Heat
While reading the topic: Quantity of Heat, make sure you concentrate more on;
heat as a form of energy
definition of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of solids and liquids
determination of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of substances by simple methods e.g method of mixtures and electrical method
After reading make sure you are able to;
differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity;
determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity using simple methods;
examine some numerical problems
16. Change of State
Under this topic, concentrate on;
latent heat
specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization;
melting, evaporation and boiling
the influence of pressure and of dissolved substances on boiling and melting
application in appliances
Once you’re done reading the topic Change of State you should be able to;
differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heat of fusion and vaporization;
differentiate between melting, evaporation and boiling;
examine the effects of pressure and of dissolved substance on boiling and melting points
17. Vapours
Concentrate more on;
unsaturated and saturated vapours
relationship between saturated vapour pressure (S.V.P) and boiling
determination of S.V.P by barometer tube method
formation of dew, mist, fog, and rain
study of dew point, humidity and relative humidity
hygrometry; estimation of the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers
After reading the topic Vapour, you should be able to;
distinguish 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;
estimate the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hydrometers
18. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory
While reading the above topic focus more on;
Molecular nature of matter
atoms and molecules
molecular theory: explanation of Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact
examples and applications
Kinetic Theory
assumptions of the kinetic theory
using the theory to explain the pressure exerted by gas, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, melting, boiling, vapourization, change in temperature evaporation, etc
After reading the Structure of Matter and Kineric Theory, make sure you are 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, Charle’s law melting, boiling vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.
19. Heat Transfer
conduction, convention and radiation as modes of heat transfer
temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it.
the conductivities of common materials
the thermos flask
land and sea breeze
After reading heat transfer, you are expected to be able to;
differentiate between conduction, convention and radiation as modes of heat transfer;
determine 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.
20. Waves
Production and Propagation
wave motion,
vibrating systems as source of waves
waves as mode of energy transfer
distinction between particle motion and wave motion
relationship between frequency, wavelength and wave velocity (V=f λ)
phase difference
Progressive wavelength
Classification
types of waves; mechanical and electromagnetic waves
longitudinal and transverse waves
stationary and progressive waves
examples of waves from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank
Characteristics/Properties
reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane Polarization
superposition of waves e.g interference
Please note that after reading Waves, you are expected 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;
use the progressive wave equation to compute basic wave parameters
differentiate between mechanical and electronmagnetic 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 polarization of waves;
analyse the principle of superposition of waves
21. Propagation of Sound Waves
While reading this topic, just focus on;
the necessity for a material medium
speed of sound in solids, liquids and air;
reflection of sound; echoes, reverberation and their applications
disadvantages of echoes and reverberations
After reading Propagation of Sound Waves, you 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;
compare the disadvantages and echoes
22. Characteristics of Sound Waves
While reading Characteristics of Sound Waves, concentrate on;
noise and musical notes
quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and their application to musical instruments;
simple treatment of overtones produced by vibrating strings and their columns
acoustic examples of resonance
frequency of a note emitted by air columns in closed and open pipes in relation to their lengths
When you are done reading the Characteristics of Sound Waves, you are expected to;
differentiate between noise and musical notes;
analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound notes;
evaluate 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
23. Light Energy
While reading the topic light energy, concetrate on;
Source of Light
natural and artificial source of light
luminous and non-luminous objects
Propagation of light
speed, frequency and wavelength of light
formation of shadows and eclipse
the pin-hole camera
After reading Light Energy, you 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.
24. Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved faces
While reading the above topic, concentrate more on;
laws of reflection
application of reflection of light
formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors and ray diagrams
use of the mirror formula
linear magnification
After reading Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved faces, make sure you are 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.
25. Refraction of Light
When reading Refraction of Light, focus on;
Refraction of Light through Plane and Curved Surface
explanation of refraction in terms of velocity of light in the
laws of refraction
definition of refractive index of a medium
determination of refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law
real and apparent depth and lateral displacement
critical angle and total internal reflection
Refraction of Light through Glass Prism
of the minimum deviation formula
type of lenses
use of lens formula
magnification
After reading Refraction of light, you should be able to;
interpret the laws of reflection;
determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law;
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
26. Optical Instruments
Your area of concentration on the above topic should be;
the principles of microscopes, telescopes, projectors, cameras and the human eye (physiological details of the eye are not required)
power of a lens
angular magnification
near and far points
sight defects and their corrections
After reading the Optical Instruments, make sure you are 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;
determine the angular magnification of optical instruments;
determine the near and far points;
detect sight defects and their corrections
Candidates should also read up the following topics
dispersion of light and colours
Electgromagnetic spectrum
Electrostatics
Capacitors
Electric Cells
Current Electricity
Electrical Energy and Power
Magnets and Magnetic Fields
Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor
Electromagnetic Induction
Simple A. C. Circuit
Conduction of Electricity Through liquids
Elementary Modern Physics
Introductory Electronics
JAMB Fundamentals of Physics Textbooks for Physics
Essential Principles of Physics, Ike E.E (2014)
Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, Ike E.E (2014)
Fundamentals of Physics, Nelson M. (1977)
Advance Level Physics, Nelson M. and Parker … (1989) (Sixth Edition)
Senior Secondary School Physics, Okeke P.N and Anyakoha M.W. (2000)
Comprehensive Certificate Physics, Olumuyionwa A. and Ogunkoya O. O (1992).
Jamb syllabus for physics is a guideline necessary material for every candidate who wants to succeed and come out will good grades after studying.
3 Comments
I’m glad to see that the syllabus for Physics 2022/2023 is finally out. I’m looking forward to studying it!
I’m glad to see that the syllabus for Physics 2022/2023 is finally out. I’m looking forward to studying it!
Great article! It’s helpful to know the latest JAMB syllabus for Physics, especially for students preparing for their exams.