physics Syllabus from JAMB>>
The aim of the 2016/2017 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:
(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
1. MEASUREMENTS AND
UNITS
(a) Length, area and
volume: Metre rule, Venier
calipers Micrometer
Screw-guage, 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) distinction between
distance and displacement
(iii) concept of position
and coordinates
(iv) frame of reference
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
guage
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
(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.
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
(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) distinction between
mass and weight
(v) escape velocity
(vi) parking orbit and
weightlessness
Candidates should be
able to :
i. identify different
types of motion ;
ii. solve numerical
problem on collinear
motion;
iii. identify force as
cause of motion;
iv. identify push and
pull as 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 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. analyse 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
(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
(torgue)
(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) centre of gravity and
stability
(i) stable, unstable and
neutral equilibra
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. analyse the
principle of moment of
a
force;
v. determine moment
of a force and couple;
vi. describe some
applications of
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
(i) definition of work,
energy and power
(ii) forms of energy
(vii) conservation of energy
(iv) qualitative treatment
between different
forms of energy
(viii) 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, green house
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.
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
energy transition
iv. explain the
importance of energy
in the development of
the society
v. analyze the effect of
energy use to 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
(i) static and dynamic
friction
(ii) coefficient of limiting
friction and its
determination.
(iii) advantages and
disadvantages of friction
(iv) reduction of friction
(v) qualitative treatment of
viscosity and
terminal velocity.
(vi) Stoke's law.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. differentiate between
static and dynamic
friction
ii.determine the
coefficient of limiting
friction;
iii.compare the
advantages and
disadvantages of
friction;
iv. suggest ways by
which friction can be
reduced;
v. analyse factors that
affect viscosity and
terminal velocity;
vi. apply Stoke's law.
8. Simple Machines
(i) definition of simple
machines
(ii) types of machines
(iii) mechanical advantage,
velocity ratio and efficiency
of machines
Candidates should be
able to:
i. identify different
types of simple
machines;
ii. solve problems
involving simple
machines.
9. Elasticity
(i) elastic limit, yield point,
breaking point, Hooke's
law and Young's modulus
(ii) the spring balance as a
device for measuring force
(iii.) work done per unit
volume in springs and
elastic strings
(i) work done per unit
volume in springs and
elastic strings.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. interpret force-
extension curves;
ii. interpret Hooke's
law and Young's
modulus of a material;
iii use spring balance
to measure force;
iv. determine the work
done in spring and
elastic strings
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
density (P = ?gh)
(ii) transmission of
pressure in liquids
(Pascal's Principle)
(iii) application
Candidates should be
able to:
i. recognize the S.I
units of pressure; (Pa)
ii. identify pressure
measuring
instruments;
iii. relate the variation
of pressure to height;
iv. use a barometer as
an altimeter.
v. determine the
relationship between
pressure,
depth and density;
vi apply the principle
of transmission of
pressure
in liquids to solve
problems;
vii. determine and
apply the principle of
pressure in liquid;
11. Liquids At Rest
(i) determination of density
of solids and liquids
(ii) definition of relative
density
(iii) upthrust on a body
immersed in a liquid
(iv) Archimede's principle
and law of floatation and
applications, e.g. ships
and hydrometers.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. distinguish between
density and relative
density of substances;
ii. determine the
upthrust on a body
immersed in a liquid
iii. apply Archimedes'
principle and law of
floatation to solve
problems
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
Candidates should be
able to:
i. identify
thermometric
properties of materials
that are used for
different
thermometers;
ii. calibrate
thermometers;
iii. differentiate
between temperature
scales e.g
Celsius and Kelvin.
iv. compare the types
of thermometers;
vi. convert from one
scale of temperature to
another.
13. 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
(iii) determination of
volume expansivity
(iv) anomalous expansion
of water
Candidates should be
able to:
i. determine linear and
volume expansivities;
ii. assess the effects
and applications of
thermal expansivities
iii. determine the
relationship between
different expansivities.
iv. determine volume,
apparent, and real
expansivities of
liquids;
v. analyse the
anomalous expansion
of water.
14. 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 quation
( = constant )
(vi) ideal gas equation
Eg Pv = nRT
(vii) Van der waal gas
Candidates should be
able to:
i. interpret the gas
laws;
ii. use expression of
these laws to solve
numerical problems.
iii. interprete Van der
waal equation for one
mole of a real gas
15. Quantity of Heat
(i) heat as a form of
energy
(ii) definition of heat
capacity and specific heat
capacity of solids and
liquids
(iii) determination of heat
capacity and specific heat
capacity of substances by
simple methods e.g
method of mixtures and
electrical method and
Newton's law of cooling
Candidates should be
able to:
i. differentiate between
heat capacity and
specific heat capacity;
ii. determine heat
capacity and specific
heat
capacity using simple
methods;
iii. solve numerical
problems.
16. Change of State
(i) latent heat
(ii) specific latent heats of
fusion and vaporization;
(iii) melting, evaporation
and boiling
(iv) the influence of
pressure and of dissolved
substances on boiling and
melting points.
(ii) application in
appliances
Candidates should be
able to:
i. differentiate between
latent heat and specific
latent heats of fusion
and vaporization;
ii. differentiate between
melting, evaporation
and boiling;
iii. examine the effects
of pressure and of
dissolved substance
on boiling and melting
points.
iv. solve numerical
problems
17. Vapours
(i) unsaturated and
saturated vapours
(ii) relationship between
saturated vapour pressure
(S.V.P) and boiling
(iii) determination of S.V.P
by barometer tube method
(iv) formation of dew, mist,
fog, 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 hygrometers.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. distinguish between
saturated and
unsaturated
vapours;
ii. relate saturated
vapour pressure to
boiling point;
iii. determine S.V.P by
barometer tube
method
iv. differentiate
between dew point,
humidity and
relative humidity;
vi. estimate the
humidity of the
atmosphere using wet
and dry bulb
hygrometers.
vii. solve numerical
problems
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 etc
(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.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. differentiate between
atoms and molecules;
ii. use molecular
theory to explain
Brownian
motion , diffusion,
surface, tension,
capillarity, adhesion,
cohesion and angle of
contact;
iii. examine the
assumptions of kinetic
theory;
iv. 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
(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
(vii) land and sea breeze
(viii) engines
Candidates should be
able to:
i. differentiate between
conduction, convection
and radiation as
modes of heat
transfer;
ii. solve problems on
temperature gradient,
thermal
conductivity and heat
flux;
iii. assess the effect of
the nature of the
surface on the energy
radiated and absorbed
by it;
iv. compare the
conductivities of
common
materials;
v. relate the
component part of the
working of the thermos
flask;
vi. differentiate
between land and sea
breeze.
vii. to analyse the
principles of operating
internal combustion jet
engines, rockets
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 and wave
motion
(v) relationship between
frequency, wavelength and
wave velocity
(vi) phase difference, wave
number and wave vector
(vii) progressive wave
equation e.g
Y = A Sin
(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 interference
(iii) beats
(iv) doppler effects
(qualitative treatment only)
Candidates should be
able to:
i. interpret wave
motion;
ii. identify vibrating
systems as sources of
waves;
iii use waves as a
mode of energy
transfer;
iv distinguish between
particle motion and
wave
motion;
v. relate frequency and
wave length to wave
velocity;
vi. determine phase
difference, wave
number and wave
vector
vii. use the
progressive wave
equation to compute
basic wave
parameters;
viii. differentiate
between mechanical
and
electromagnetic
waves;
ix. differentiate
between longitudinal
and
transverse waves
x. distinguish between
stationary and
progressive waves;
xi. indicate the
example of waves
generated from
springs, ropes,
stretched strings and
the ripple tank;
vii. differentiate
between reflection,
refraction, diffraction
and plane polarization
of waves;
viii. analyse the
principle of
superposition of
waves.
ix. solve numerical
problems on waves
x. explain the
phenomenon of beat,
beat frequency and
uses
xi. explain Doppler
effect of sound and
application
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) disadvantages of
echoes and reverberations
Candidates should be
able to:
i. determine the need
for a material medium
in the
propagation of sound
waves;
ii. compare the speed
of sound in solids,
liquids and air;
iii. relate the effects of
temperature and
pressure to the speed
of sound in air;
iv. solve problem on
echoes, reverberation
and speed
iv. compare the
disadvantages and
advantages of echoes.
vi. solve problems on
echo, reverberation
and speed of sound
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
overtones produced by
vibrating strings and their
columns
(iv) acoustic examples of
resonance
(v) frequency of a note
emitted by air columns in
closed and open pipes in
relation to their lengths.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. differentiate between
noise and musical
notes;
ii. analyse quality,
pitch, intensity and
loudness of sound
notes;
iii. evaluate the
application of (ii)
above in the
construction of
musical instruments;
iv. identify overtones
by vibrating stings and
air columns;
v. itemize acoustical
examples of
resonance;
vi. determine the
frequencies of notes
emitted by air columns
in open and closed
pipes in relation to
their lengths.
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.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. compare the natural
and artificial sources
of light;
ii. differentiate between
luminous and non
luminous objects;
iii. relate the speed,
frequency and
wavelength of
light;
iv. interpret the
formation of shadows
and eclipses;
v. solve problems
using the principle of
operation of a pin-hole
camera.
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
(iii) use of the mirror
formula
(v) linear magnification
Candidates should be
able to:
i. compare the natural
and artificial sources
of light;
ii. differentiate between
luminous and non
luminous objects;
iii. relate the speed,
frequency and
wavelength of light;
iv. interpret the
formation of shadows
and eclipses;
v. solve problems
using the principle of
operation of a pin-hole
camera.
25. Refraction of Light
Through at Plane and
Curved Surfaces
(i) explanation of refraction
in terms of velocity of light
in the media.
(ii) laws of refraction
(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
(ii) type of lenses
(iii) use of lens formula
and Newton's
formular (F 2 = ab)
(iv) magnification
Candidates should be
able to:
i. interpret the laws of
reflection;
ii. illustrate the
formation of images by
plane,
concave and convex
mirrors;
iii. apply the mirror
formula to solve
optical
problems;
iv. determine the linear
magnification;
v. apply the laws of
reflection of light to the
working of periscope,
kaleidoscope
and the sextant.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. interpret the laws of
reflection;
ii. determine the
refractive index of
glass and liquid using
Snell's law;
iii. determine the
refractive index using
the
principle of real and
apparent depth;
iv. determine the
conditions necessary
for total internal
reflection;
v. examine the use of
periscope, prism,
binoculars, optical
fibre;
vi. apply the principles
of total internal
reflection to the
formation of mirage;
vii. use of lens formula
and ray diagrams to
solve optical numerical
problems;
viii. determine the
magnification of an
image;
ix. calculate the
refractive index of a
glass prism using
minimum deviation
formula.
26. Optical Instruments
(i) the 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) sight defects and their
corrections
Candidates should be
able to:
i. apply the principles
of operation of optical
instruments to solve
problems;
ii. distinguish between
the human eye and the
cameras;
iii. calculate the power
of a lens;
iv. evaluate the
angular magnification
of optical instruments;
v. determine the near
and far points;
vi. detect sight defects
and their corrections.
27. (a) dispersion of light
and colours
(i) dispersion of white light
by a triangular prism
(ii) production of pure
spectrum
(iii) colour mixing by
addition and subtraction
(iv) colour of objects and
colour filters
(v)rainbow
(b)electgromagnetic
spectrum
(i) description of sources
and uses of various types
of radiation.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. identify primary
colours and obtain
secondary
colours by mixing;
ii. understand the
formation of rainbow
iii. deduces why
objects have colours;
iv. relate the
expression for
gravitational force
between two bodies;
v. apply Newton's law
of universal
gravitation;
vi. analyse colours
using colour filters
vii. analyse the
electromagnetic
spectrum in relation to
their wavelengths,
sources, detection and
uses
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
and potential difference
(vi) electric discharge and
lightning
Candidates should be
able to:
i. identify charges;
ii. examine uses of an
electroscope;
iii. apply Coulomb's
square law of
electrostatics to solve
problems;
iv. deduce expressions
for electric field
intensity and potential
difference;
v. identify electric field
flux patterns of
isolated and
interacting charges;
vi. analyse the
distribution of charges
on a
conductor and how it
is used in lightening
conductors.
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.
(v) capacitors in series and
parallel
(vi) energy stored in a
capacitor
Candidates should be
able to:
i. determine uses of
capacitors;
ii. analyse parallel
plate capacitors;
iii. determine the
capacitance of a
capacitor;
iv. analyse the factors
that affect the
capacitance of a
capacitor;
v. solve problems
involving the
arrangement of
capacitor;
vi. determine the
energy stored in
capacitors
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 lron and Mercury
cadmium
(iv) maintenance of cells
and batteries (detail
treatment of the chemistry
of a cell is not
required
(v) arrangement of cells
(vi) Efficiency of a cell
Candidates should be
able to:
i. identify the defects
of the simple voltaic
cell and their
correction
ii. compare different
types of cells including
solar cell;
iii. compare the
advantages of lead-
acid and Nikel iron
accumulator;
iv. solve problems
involving series and
parallel combination of
cells.
31. Current Electricity
(i) electromagnetic force
(emf), potential difference
(p.d.), current, internal
resistance of a cell and
lost Volt
(ii) Ohm's law
(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.
(v) electrical networks
Candidates should be
able to:
i. differentiate between
emf, p.d., current and
internal resistant of a
cell;
ii. apply Ohm's law to
solve problems;
iii. use metre bridge to
calculate resistance;
iv. compute effective
total resistance of both
parallel and series
arrangement of
resistors;
v. determine the
resistivity and the
conductivity of a
conductor;
vi. measure emf.
current and internal
resistance of a cell
using the
potentiometer.
vii. identify the
advantages of the
potentiometer
viii. apply kirchoff's
law in electrical
networks
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
Candidates should be
able to:
i. apply the
expressions of
electrical energy and
power to solve
problems;
ii. analyse how power
is transmitted from the
power station to the
consumer;
iii. identify the heating
effects of current and
its uses;
iv. identify the
advantages of parallel
arrangement over
series
v. determine the fuse
rating
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.
Candidates should be
able to:
i. give examples of
natural and artificial
magnets
ii. differentiate between
the magnetic
properties of soft iron
and steel;
iii. identify the various
methods of making
magnets and
demagnetizing
magnets;
iv. describe how to
keep a magnet from
losing its magnetism;
v. determine the flux
pattern exhibited when
two magnets are
placed together pole to
pole;
vi. determine the flux
of a current carrying
conductor, circular
wire and solenoid
including the polarity
of the solenoid;
vii. determine the flux
pattern of a magnet
placed in the earth's
magnetic fields;
viii. identify the
magnetic elements of
the earth's flux;
ix. determine the
variation of earth's
magnetic
field on the earth's
surface;
x. examine the
applications of the
earth's magnetic
field.
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
(vii) conversion of
galvanometers to
ammeters and voltmeter
using shunts and
multipliers
(viii) sensitivity of a
galvanometer
Candidates should be
able to:
i. determine the
direction of force on a
current carrying
conductor using
Fleming's left-hand
rule;
ii. interpret the
attractive and repulsive
forces
between two parallel
current-carrying
conductors using
diagrams;
iii. determine the
relationship between
the force, magnetic
field strength, velocity
and the angle through
which the charge
enters the field;
iv. interpret the
working of the d. c.
motor;
v. analyse the
principle of
electromagnets and
give examples of its
application;
vi. compare moving
iron and moving coil
instruments;
vii. convert a
galvanometer into an
ammeter or a
voltmeter.
viii. identify the factors
affecting the sensitivity
of a galvanometer
35. (a) Electromagnetic
Induction
(i) Faraday's laws of
electromagnetic induction
(ii) factors affecting
induced emf
(iii) Lenz's law as an
illustration of the principle
of conservation of energy
(iv) a.c. and d.c
generators
(v) transformers
(vi) the induction coil
(b) Inductance
(i) explanation of
inductance
(ii) unit of inductance
(iii) energy stored in an
inductor
(iv) application/uses of
inductors
(ix) Eddy Current
(i) reduction of eddy
current
(ii) applications of eddy
current
Candidates should be
able to:
i. interpret the laws of
electromagnetic
induction;
ii. identify factors
affecting induced emf;
iii. recognize how
Lenz's law illustrates
the principle of
conservation of
energy;
iv. interpret the
diagrammatic set up of
A. C. generators;
v. identify the types of
transformer;
vi. examine principles
of operation of
transformers;
vii. assess the
functions of an
induction coil;
viii. draw some
conclusions from the
principles of operation
of an induction coil;
ix. interpret the
inductance of an
inductor;
x. recognize units of
inductance;
xi. calculate the
effective total
inductance in series
and parallel
arrangement;
xii. deduce the
expression for the
energy stored in an
inductor;
xiii. examine the
applications of
inductors;
xiv. describe the
method by which eddy
current losses can be
reduced.
xv. determine ways by
which eddy currents
can be used.
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) series 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
Candidates should be
able to:
i. identify a.c. current
and d.c. voltage
ii. differentiate between
the peak and r.m.s.
values of a.c.;
iii. determine the
phase difference
between current and
voltage
iv. interpret series R-
L-C circuits;
v. analyse vector
diagrams;
vi. calculate the
effective voltage,
reactance and
impedance;
vii. recognize the
condition by which the
circuit is at resonance;
viii. determine the
resonant frequency of
R-L-C arrangement;
ix. determine the
instantaneous power,
average power and the
power factor in a. c.
circuits
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
Candidates should be
able to:
i. distinguish between
electrolytes and non-
electrolytes;
ii. analyse the
processes of
electrolysis
iii. apply Faraday's
laws of electrolysis to
solve problems;
iv. analyse discharge
through gases;
v. determine some
applications/uses of
conduction of
electricity through
gases.
38. Elementary Modern
Physics
(i) models of the atom and
their limitations
(ii) elementary structure of
the atom;
(iii) energy levels and
spectra
(iv) thermionic and
photoelectric emissions;
(v) Einstein's equation and
stopping potential
(vi) applications of
thermionic emissions and
photoelectric effects
(vii) simple method of
production of x-rays
(viii) properties and
applications of alpha, beta
and gamma rays
(xiii) half-life and decay
constant
(xiv) simple ideas of
production of energy by
fusion and fission
(xv) binding energy, mass
defect and Einstein's
Energy equation
(xvi) wave-particle paradox
(duality of matter)
(xvii) electron diffraction
(xviii) the uncertainty
principle
Candidates should be
able to:
i. identify the models
of the atom and write
their limitations;
ii. describe elementary
structure of the atom;
iii. differentiate
between the energy
levels and spectra of
atoms;
iv. compare
thermionic emission
and photoelectric
emission;
v. apply Einstein's
equation to solve
problems of
photoelectric effect.
vi. calculate the
stopping potential;
vii. relate some
application of
thermionic emission
and photoelectric
effects;
viii. interpret the
process involved in
the
production of x-rays.
ix identify some
properties and
applications of x-rays
x. analyse elementary
radioactivity
xi. distinguish between
stable and unstable
nuclei;
xii. identify isotopes of
an element;
xiii. compare the
properties of alpha,
beta and gamma rays;
xiv. relate half-life and
decay constant of a
radioactive element;
xv. determine the
binding energy, mass
defect and Einstein's
energy equation;
xvi. analyse wave
particle duality;
xvii. solve some
numerical problems
based on the
uncertainty principle
and wave - particle
duality
39. Introductory
Electronics
(i) distinction between
metals, semiconductors
and insulators (elementary
knowledge of band gap is
required)
(ii) intrinsic and extrinsic
semiconductors;
(iii) uses of
semiconductors and
diodes in rectification and
transistors in amplification
(iv) n-type and p-type
semiconductors
(v) elementary knowledge
of diodes and transistors
Candidates should be
able to:
i. differentiate between
conductors, semi-
conductors and
insulators;
ii. distinguish between
intrinsic and extrinsic
semiconductors;
iii. distinguish between
electron and hole
carriers;
iv. distinguish between
n-type and p-type
semiconductor;
v. analyse diodes and
transistor
vi. relate diodes to
rectification and
transistor to
amplification.
