JAMB Physics Topics & Areas of Concentration
Mechanics & Properties of Matter+
Topics to Cover:
- •Measurements, Units, and Dimensions (Scalars & Vectors)
- •Motion (Kinematics, Projectiles, Circular Motion, S.H.M)
- •Newton's Laws of Motion, Impulse, and Momentum
- •Gravitational Field and Escape Velocity
- •Equilibrium of Forces, Friction, and Simple Machines
- •Work, Energy, Power, and Elasticity (Hooke's Law)
- •Fluids at Rest (Pressure, Archimedes' Principle, Density)
What JAMB will test you on:
- Resolve vectors and use graphical methods to solve problems
- Deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion and solve projectile problems
- Apply Newton's law of universal gravitation and distinguish mass from weight
- Determine coefficient of limiting friction and mechanical advantage of simple machines
- Interpret Hooke's law, Young's modulus, and Archimedes' principle of floatation
Thermal Physics+
Topics to Cover:
- •Temperature and Its Measurement (Thermometers, Scales)
- •Quantity of Heat and Change of State (Latent Heat, Boiling, Evaporation)
- •Thermal Expansion (Linear, Area, Volume Expansivities)
- •Gas Laws (Boyle's, Charles', Pressure Law, General Gas Equation)
- •Vapours and Humidity (S.V.P, Dew Point, Hygrometry)
- •Kinetic Theory of Matter and Heat Transfer (Conduction, Convection, Radiation)
What JAMB will test you on:
- Calibrate thermometers and convert between temperature scales
- Determine specific heat capacity and specific latent heat using the method of mixtures
- Apply gas laws to solve numerical problems
- Relate saturated vapour pressure (S.V.P) to boiling point and humidity
- Differentiate between modes of heat transfer and explain the kinetic theory of matter
Waves and Optics+
Topics to Cover:
- •Production, Propagation, and Characteristics of Waves
- •Sound Waves (Echoes, Resonance, Beats, Doppler Effect)
- •Light Energy (Propagation, Shadows, Eclipses)
- •Reflection of Light (Plane and Curved Mirrors)
- •Refraction of Light (Snell's Law, Total Internal Reflection, Lenses, Prisms)
- •Optical Instruments (Microscopes, Telescopes, Cameras, Human Eye)
- •Dispersion of Light, Colours, and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
What JAMB will test you on:
- Relate frequency, wavelength, and velocity using the progressive wave equation
- Determine the speed of sound and explain the phenomena of echoes and resonance
- Apply mirror and lens formulas to determine magnification and focal length
- Determine the critical angle, refractive index, and minimum deviation of a glass prism
- Identify sight defects, corrections, and applications of the electromagnetic spectrum
Electricity and Magnetism+
Topics to Cover:
- •Electrostatics (Coulomb's Law, Electric Field Intensity, Capacitors)
- •Current Electricity (Ohm's Law, Resistors, Electric Cells)
- •Electrical Energy and Power
- •Magnets, Magnetic Fields, and Earth's Magnetism
- •Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor & Galvanometer Conversion
- •Electromagnetic Induction (Faraday's & Lenz's Laws, Transformers)
- •Simple A.C. Circuits (R-L-C circuits, Resonance, Reactance)
What JAMB will test you on:
- Apply Coulomb's inverse square law and determine the capacitance of capacitors
- Apply Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, and compute effective resistance in circuits
- Identify the magnetic elements of the Earth's flux and applications in navigation
- Convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or voltmeter using shunts and multipliers
- Calculate RMS values, impedance, and resonant frequency in simple A.C. circuits
Modern Physics & Electronics+
Topics to Cover:
- •Conduction of Electricity Through Liquids and Gases
- •Elementary Modern Physics (Bohr's Theory, Photoelectric Effect, X-Rays)
- •Nuclear Energy (Radioactivity, Half-life, Fission, Fusion, Mass Defect)
- •Wave-Particle Duality and Uncertainty Principle
- •Introductory Electronics (Semiconductors, Diodes, Transistors)
- •Fibre Optics and Lasers
What JAMB will test you on:
- Apply Einstein's photoelectric equation to calculate work function and stopping potential
- Compare alpha, beta, and gamma rays, and compute half-life and decay constants
- Differentiate between intrinsic/extrinsic semiconductors and p-type/n-type materials
- Relate diodes to rectification and transistors to amplification
- Apply the principles of fibre optics and lasers in communication and medicine
Official JAMB Physics Recommended Textbooks
- Ike, E.E. (2014). Essential Principles of Physics. ENIC Publishers
- Nelkon, M. and Parker (1989). Advanced Level Physics (Sixth Edition). Heinemann
- Okeke, P.N. and Anyakoha, M.W. (2000). Senior Secondary School Physics. Pacific Printers
- Olumuyiwa, A. and Ogunkoya, O. O. (1992). Comprehensive Certificate Physics. University Press Plc
- Orokpo, J.A. (2025). Ultimate UTME Preparatory Series Physics. Peridot Publishers