JAMB Chemistry Topics & Areas of Concentration
Physical & Atomic Chemistry+
Topics to Cover:
- •Separation of Mixtures and Purification
- •Chemical Combination & Stoichiometry (Mole Concept)
- •Kinetic Theory & Gas Laws (Boyle's, Charles', Ideal Gas Equation)
- •Atomic Structure, Electron Configuration & Bonding
- •Nuclear Chemistry (Radioactivity, Fission, Fusion)
- •Energy Changes (Exothermic/Endothermic, Entropy, Spontaneity)
What JAMB will test you on:
- Use boiling and melting points as criteria for purity and specify separation principles
- Perform calculations involving formulae, equations, and the mole concept
- Deduce gas laws, interpret graphical representations, and distinguish real vs. ideal gases
- Deduce protons, neutrons, and electrons, and apply rules for electron configuration
- Determine conditions for reaction spontaneity using Gibbs free energy and enthalpy
Solutions, Redox & Kinetics+
Topics to Cover:
- •Solubility (True/False Solutions, Suspensions, Colloids)
- •Acids, Bases, and Salts (pH, pOH, Buffer Solutions, Hydrolysis)
- •Acid-Base Titrations and Indicators
- •Oxidation and Reduction (Redox, Oxidation Numbers, IUPAC Naming)
- •Electrolysis (Faraday's Laws, Electrochemical Cells, Corrosion)
- •Rates of Chemical Reaction & Chemical Equilibria (Le Chatelier's Principle)
What JAMB will test you on:
- Interpret solubility curves and calculate solute concentrations
- Perform simple calculations on pH/pOH and balance equations for the hydrolysis of salts
- Balance redox equations and compute electron transfers
- Calculate electrode potentials and apply Faraday's laws of electrolysis
- Apply Le Chatelier's principle to industrial processes and deduce activation energy
Inorganic Chemistry+
Topics to Cover:
- •Non-metals and their Compounds (Hydrogen, Halogens, Oxygen, Sulphur, Nitrogen, Carbon)
- •Alkali and Alkaline-earth Metals (Sodium, Calcium)
- •Aluminum and Tin Extraction
- •Transition Metals (Iron, Copper)
- •Alloys (Steel, Brass, Bronze, Duralumin)
What JAMB will test you on:
- Relate properties of groups and periods on the periodic table
- Specify the laboratory and industrial preparation of gases (e.g., Haber and Contact processes)
- Determine suitable extraction methods for metals based on their ores
- Identify the general properties of transition metals (complex ions, variable oxidation states)
- Compare the properties and uses of alloys to pure metals
Organic Chemistry+
Topics to Cover:
- •Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes) & Petroleum
- •Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Benzene)
- •Alkanols, Alkanals, Alkanones, and Alkanoic Acids
- •Amines and Alkanoates (Saponification/Soap Production)
- •Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Polymers (Natural vs. Synthetic)
What JAMB will test you on:
- Derive IUPAC names, empirical formulae, and identify functional groups
- Relate fractions of petroleum to their specific properties, uses, and cracking/reforming processes
- Specify chemical tests to distinguish alkanals from alkanones, and primary from secondary alkanols
- Infer products of hydrolysis/dehydration of carbohydrates and specify tests for proteins
- Differentiate between addition and condensation polymerization
Applied & Environmental Chemistry+
Topics to Cover:
- •Environmental Pollution (Air, Water, Soil)
- •Chemistry and Industry (Fine vs. Heavy Chemicals, Biotechnology)
- •Astronomical Chemistry (Solar System, Earth's Composition)
What JAMB will test you on:
- Classify pollutants as biodegradable and non-biodegradable, and identify control measures
- Classify chemical industries, their raw materials, and relevance to biotechnology
- Identify the segments of the earth (atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere) and solar system components
Official JAMB Chemistry Recommended Textbooks
- Ababio, O. Y. (2009). New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools. Africana FIRST Publishers
- Bajah, S.T. et al. (2000). Senior Secondary Chemistry. Longman
- Ojokuku, G. O. (2012). Understanding Chemistry for Schools and Colleges. Press-On Chemresources
- Odesina, I. A. (2008). Essential: Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools. Tonad Publishers
- Uche, I. O. et al. (2003). Countdown to WASSCE/SSCE, NECO, JME Chemistry. Evans