Physics

PHYSICS

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The aim of the 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.

DETAILED SYLLABUS

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS Candidates should be able to:

(ai) Fundamental Units: i. identify the units of length, area
Length, mass, time, electric charge, and volume;
temperature, luminous intensity, ii. use different measuring
amount of substance. instruments;
iii. determine the lengths, surface
areas and volume of regular and
irregular bodies;
(aii) Derived Units:
Weight, area, volume, force, speed etc. iv. identify the unit of mass;
v. use simple beam balance, e.g.
Buchart’s balance and chemical
balance;
(b) Measuring Instruments: vi. identify the unit of time;
venier caliper, metre rule, micrometer vii. use different time-measuring
screw gauge, measuring cylinder, stop devices;
watch and beam balance.
viii. relate the fundamental physical
(c) Fundamental physical quantities quantities to their units;

172
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(d) Derived physical quantities and their ix. deduce the units of derived
units physical quantities;
(i) Combinations of fundamental quantities
and determination of their units; x. determine the dimensions of
physical quantities;
(e) Dimensions xi. use the dimensions to determine
(i) definition of dimensions the units of physical quantities;
(ii) simple examples xii. test the homogeneity of an
equation;

xiii. determine the accuracy of

measuring instruments;
(f) Limitations of experimental xiv. estimate simple errors;
measurements xv. express measurements in standard
(i) accuracy of measuring form.
instruments;
(ii) simple estimation of errors;
(iii) significant figures;
(iv) standard form.

(2a) Scalars and Vectors Candidates should be able to:

(i) definition of scalar and vector quantities; i. distinguish between scalar and
(ii) examples of scalar and vector quantities; vector quantities;
(iii) relative velocity; ii. give examples of scalar and vector
(iv) resolution of vectors into two quantities;
perpendicular directions including iii. determine the resultant of two or
graphical methods of more vectors;
solution. iv. determine relative velocity;
v. resolve vectors into two
perpendicular components;
vi. use graphical methods to solve
vector problems.

Candidates should be able to:

(2b) Measurement, position, distance and
displacement i. use strings, meter rule and
(a) concept of displacement; engineering calipers, vernier
(ii) distinction between distance and calipers and micrometer, screw
displacement; guage;
(iii) concept of position and coordinates; ii. note the degree of accuracy;
(iv) frame of reference.

173
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

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.

(3.) Motion Candidates should be able to;

(a) Newton’s laws of motion: i. identify different types of motion;

(i) inertia, mass and force;
(ii) relationship between mass and ii. solve numerical problem on collinear
acceleration; motion;
(iii) impulse and momentum; iii. identify force as cause of motion;
(iv) force – time graph; iv. identify push and pull as forms of
(v) conservation of linear momentum force;
(Coefficient of restitution not v. identify electric and magnetic
necessary). attractions, gravitational pull as
forms of field forces;
(b)Types of motion:
translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin vi. differentiate between speed, velocity
and random and acceleration;
vii. deduce equations of uniformly
(c) Relative motion accelerated motion;
viii. solve problems of motion under
(d) Causes of motion gravity;

(e) Types of force ix. interpret distance-time graph and

velocity-time graph;
(i) contact x. compute instantaneous velocity and
(ii) force field acceleration;

(f) linear motion

(i) speed, velocity and acceleration; xi. establish expressions for the range,
(ii) equations of uniformly accelerated maximum height and time of flight of
motion; projectiles, rockets, missles;
(iii) motion under gravity; xii. solve problems involving projectile
(iv) distance-time graph and velocity time motion;
graph;
(v) instantaneous velocity and xiii. solve numerical problems involving
acceleration. impulse and momentum;

174
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

xiv. interpretation of area under force –

(g) Projectiles: time graph;
(i) calculation of range, maximum height xv. interpret Newton’s laws of motion;
and time of flight from the ground and a xvi. compare inertia, mass and force;
height; xvii. deduce the relationship between
(ii) applications of projectile motion. mass and acceleration;

xviii. interpret the law of conservation of

(h) Motion in a circle: linear momentum and application;
(i) angular velocity and angular xix. establish expression for angular
acceleration; velocity, angular acceleration and
(ii) centripetal and centrifugal forces; centripetal force;
(iii) applications.

(i) Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M): xx. solve numerical problems involving
(i) definition and explanation of simple motion in a circle;
harmonic motion; xxi. establish the relationship between
(ii) examples of systems that execute period and frequency;
S.H.M; xxii. analyse the energy changes
(iii) period, frequency and amplitude of occurring during S.H.M;
S.H.M; xxiii. identify different types of forced
(iv) velocity and acceleration of S.H.M; vibration;
(i) simple treatment of energy change in xxiv. enumerate applications of
S.H.M; resonance.
(ii) force vibration and resonance (simple
treatment).

4 Gravitational field Candidates should be able to:

(i) Newton’s law of universal gravitation; i. identify the expression for gravitational
(ii) gravitational potential; force between two bodies;
(iii) conservative and non-conservative ii. apply Newton’s law of universal
fields; gravitation;
(iv) acceleration due to gravity; iii. give examples of conservative and non-
(v) variation of g on the earth’s surface; conservative fields;
(vi) distinction between mass and weight iv. deduce the expression for gravitational
escape velocity; field potentials;
(vii) parking orbit and weightlessness. v. identify the causes of variation of g on
the earth’s surface;
vi. differentiate between mass and weight;
vii. determine escape velocity.
viii. Relate the expression for
gravitational force between two
bodies

175
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

ix. Apply Newton’s law of Universal

gravitation.

5. Equilibrium of Forces Candidates should be able to:

(a) equilibrium of particles: i. apply the conditions for the equilibrium
(i) equilibrium of coplanar forces; of coplanar forces to solve problems;
(ii) triangles and polygon of forces; ii. use triangle and polygon laws of forces
(iii) Lami’s theorem. to solve equilibrium problems;

(b) principles of moments

(i) moment of a force; iii. use Lami’s theorem to solve problems;
(ii) simple treatment and moment of a couple iv. analyse the principle of moment of a
(torque); force;
(iii) applications. v. determine moment of a force and
couple;
vi. describe some applications of moment
(c) conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies of a force and couple;
under the action of parallel and non- vii. apply the conditions for the
parallel forces equilibrium of rigid bodies to solve
(i) resolution and composition of forces in problems;
two perpendicular directions; viii. resolve forces into two perpendicular
(ii) resultant and equilibrant. directions;
ix. determine the resultant and equilibrant
(d) centre of gravity and stability of
(i) stable, unstable and neutral equilibra. forces;
x. differentiate between stable, unstable
and neutral equilibra.
(6) Friction
(i) static and dynamic friction; Candidates should be able to:
(ii) coefficient of limiting friction and its i. differentiate between static and
determination; dynamic
(iii) advantages and disadvantages of friction friction;
(iv) reduction of friction; ii. determine the coefficient of limiting
(v) qualitative treatment of viscosity and friction;
terminal velocity; iii. compare the advantages and
(vi) Stoke’s law. disadvantages of friction;
iv. suggest ways by which friction can be
reduced;
v. analyse factors that affect viscosity and
terminal velocity;
(7) (a) Work, Energy and Power vi. apply Stoke’s law.
(i) definition of work, energy and power;

176
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(ii) forms of energy; Candidates should be able to:

(iii) conservation of energy; i. differentiate between work, energy and
(iv) qualitative treatment between different power;
forms of energy; ii. compare different forms of energy,
(v) interpretation of area under the force- giving examples;
distance curve. 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.

(b) Energy and society vii. itemize the sources of energy;

(i) sources of energy; viii. distinguish between renewable and
(ii) renewable and non-renewable energy e.g., non- renewable energy, examples should
coal, crude oil sun, wind etc.; be given;
(iii) uses of energy; ix. identify methods of energy transition;
(iv) energy and development; x. explain the importance of energy in the
(v) energy diversification; development of the society;
(vi) environmental impact of energy e.g., xi. analyze the effect of energy use to the
global warming, greenhouse effect and environment;
spillage; xii. identify the impact of energy on the
(vii) energy crises; environment;
(viii) conversion of energy; xiii. identify energy sources that are
(ix) devices used in energy production. friendly or hazardous to the
environment;
(c) Dams and energy production xiv. identify energy uses in their immediate
environment;
(i) location of dams xv. suggests ways of safe energy use
(ii) energy production
xvi. state different forms of energy
(d) nuclear energy conversion.
xvii. Photovoltaic cells
(e) solar energy xviii. Work function (  = hf)
xix. Planck’s constant
(i) photoelectric effect
(ii) solar collector;
(iii) solar panel for energy supply.

8. Simple Machines Candidates should be able to:

(i) definition of simple machines; i. identify different types of simple
(ii) types of machines; machines;
(iii) mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and

177
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

efficiency of machines. ii. solve problems involving simple

machines.

9. Elasticity: Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus; Candidates should be able to:
(i) elastic limit, yield point, breaking point, i. interpret force-extension curves;
(ii) the spring balance as a device for measuring ii. interpret Hooke’s law and Young’s
force; modulus of a material;
(iii.) work done per unit volume in springs and iii use spring balance to measure force;
elastic strings; iv. determine the work done in spring and
elastic strings.

10. Pressure Candidates should be able to:

(a) Atmospheric Pressure i. recognize the S.I units of pressure (Pa);
(i) definition of atmospheric pressure; ii. identify pressure measuring
(ii) units of pressure (S.I) units (Pa); instruments;
(iii) measurement of pressure; iii. relate the variation of pressure to
(iv) simple mercury barometer; height;
aneroid barometer and manometer; iv. use a barometer as an altimeter;
(v) variation of pressure with height; v. determine the relationship between
(vi) the use of barometer as an altimeter. pressure depth and density;
vi apply the principle of transmission of
(b) Pressure in liquids pressure in liquids to solve problems;
(i) the relationship between pressure, depth and vii. determine and apply the principle of
density (P = gh) pressure in liquid.
(ii) transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal’s
Principle)
(iii) application

Candidates should be able to:

11. Liquids At Rest i. distinguish between density and relative
(i) determination of density of solids and liquids density of substances;
(ii) definition of relative density ii. determine the upthrust on a body
(iii) upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid immersed in a liquid;
(iv) Archimedes’ principle and law of floatation iii. apply Archimedes’ principle and law of
and applications, e.g., ships and hydrometers. floatation to solve problems.

12. Temperature and Its Measurement Candidates should be able to:

(i) concept of temperature i. identify thermometric properties of
(ii) thermometric properties materials that are used for different
(iii) calibration of thermometers thermometers;
(iv) temperature scales –Celsius and Kelvin. ii. calibrate thermometers;

178
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(v) types of thermometers

(vi) conversion from one scale of temperature to iii. differentiate between temperature
another scales e.g. Celsius, Fahrenheit and
Kelvin;
iv. compare the types of thermometers;
vi. convert from one scale of temperature
to another.

13. Quantity of Heat

Candidates should be able to:
(i) heat as a form of energy;
(ii) definition of heat capacity and specific heat i. differentiate between heat capacity and
capacity of solids and liquids; specific heat capacity;
(iv) determination of heat capacity and specific ii. determine heat capacity and specific
heat capacity of substances by simple heat
methods e.g. method of mixtures and capacity using simple methods;
electrical method and Newton’s law of iii. solve numerical problems.
cooling.

Candidates should be able to:

14. Change of State i. differentiate between latent heat and
(i) latent heat; specific latent heats of fusion and
(ii) specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization;
vaporization; ii. differentiate between melting,
(iii) melting, evaporation and boiling; evaporation and boiling;
(iv) the influence of pressure and of dissolved iii. examine the effects of pressure and of
substances on boiling and melting points; dissolved substance on boiling and
(v) application in appliances. melting points.
iv. solve numerical problems.

15. Thermal Expansion Candidates should be able to:

(a) Solids
(i) definition and determination of linear, i. determine linear and volume
volume and area expansivities; expansivities;
(ii) effects and applications, e.g., expansion in ii. assess the effects and applications of
building strips and railway lines; thermal expansivities;
(iii) relationship between different iii. determine the relationship between
expansivities. different expansivities;

(b) Liquids iv. determine volume, apparent, and real

(i) volume expansivity; expansivities of liquids;

179
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(ii) real and apparent expansivities; v. analyse the anomalous expansion of

(iii) determination of volume expansivity; water.
(iv) anomalous expansion of water.

16. Gas Laws Candidates should be able to:

(i) Boyle’s law (isothermal process) i. interpret the gas laws;
ii. use expression of these laws to solve
(ii) Charle’s law (isobaric process) numerical problems;
(iii) Pressure law (volumetric process) iii. interpret Van der waal equation for one
mole of a real gas.
(iv) absolute zero of temperature

(v) general gas equation:

PV
( = constant)
T

(vi) ideal gas equation

e.g., Pv = nRT
(iv) Van der waal gas

17. Vapours
(i) unsaturated and saturated vapours; Candidates should be able to:
(ii) relationship between saturated vapour i. distinguish between saturated and
pressure (S.V.P) and boiling; unsaturated vapours;
(iii) determination of S.V.P by barometer tube ii. relate saturated vapour pressure to
method; boiling point;
(iv) formation of dew, mist, fog, cloud and rain; iii. determine S.V.P by barometer tube
(v) study of dew point, humidity and relative method;
humidity; iv. differentiate between dew point,
(vi) hygrometry; estimation of the humidity of humidity and relative humidity;
the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb vi. estimate the humidity of the
hygrometers. atmosphere using wet and dry bulb
hygrometers;
vii. solve numerical problems.

18. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory

(a) Molecular nature of matter Candidates should be able to:
(i) atoms and molecules; i. differentiate between atoms and
molecules;

180
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(ii) molecular theory: explanation of Brownian ii. use molecular theory to explain
motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, Brownian motion, diffusion, surface,
adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact [Link]; tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion
law of definite proportion; and angle of contact;
(iii) examples and applications. iii. examine the assumptions of kinetic
theory;
(b) Kinetic Theory iv. interpret kinetic theory, the pressure
(i) assumptions of the kinetic theory exerted by gases, Boyle’s law,
(ii) using the theory to explain the pressure Charles’s law, melting, boiling,
exerted by gas, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, vaporization, change in temperature,
melting, boiling, vapourization, change in evaporation, etc.
temperature, evaporation, etc.

19. Heat Transfer Candidates should be able to:

(i) conduction, convection and radiation as i. differentiate between conduction,
modes of heat transfer; convection and radiation as modes of
(ii) temperature gradient, thermal conductivity heat transfer;
and heat flux; ii. solve problems on temperature
(iii) effect of the nature of the surface on the gradient, thermal conductivity and heat
energy radiated and absorbed by it; flux;
(iv) the conductivities of common materials; iii. assess the effect of the nature of the
(v) the thermos flask/vacuum flask; surface on the energy radiated and
(vi) land and sea breeze; absorbed by it;
(vii) combustion engines. 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. analyse the principles of operating
internal combustion jet engines,
rockets.
viii. understand the advantages and
disadvantages of electric engine over
combustion engine.
20. Waves
(a) Production and Propagation Candidates should be able to:
(i) wave motion; i. interpret wave motion;
(ii) vibrating systems as source of waves; ii. identify vibrating systems as sources of
(iii) waves as mode of energy transfer; waves;
(iv) distinction between particle motion and iii use waves as a mode of energy transfer;
wave motion; iv distinguish between particle motion and
wave motion;

181
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(v) relationship between frequency, wavelength v. relate frequency and wave length to
and wave velocity (V=f λ); wave
(vi) phase difference, wave number and wave velocity;
vector; vi. determine phase difference, wave
(vii) progressive wave equation e.g. number and wave vector;
2
Y = A sin (vt  ) vii. use the progressive wave equation to
 compute basic wave parameters;
viii. examples in wave equations;
(b) Classification ix. differentiate between mechanical and
(i) types of waves; mechanical and electromagnetic waves;
electromagnetic waves; x. differentiate between longitudinal and
(ii) longitudinal and transverse waves; transverse waves;
(iii) stationary and progressive waves;
(iv) examples of waves from springs, ropes, xi. distinguish between stationary and
stretched strings and the ripple tank. progressive waves;
xii. indicate the example of waves
generated from springs, ropes,
stretched strings and the ripple tank;
(c) Characteristics/Properties
(i) reflection, refraction, diffraction and xiii. differentiate between reflection,
plane polarization; refraction, diffraction and plane
(ii) superposition of waves e.g., interference polarization of waves;
(iii) Beats; xiv. analyse the principle of superposition
(iv) Doppler effects (qualitative treatment of
only). waves;
xv. solve numerical problems on waves
explain the phenomenon of beat, beat
frequency and uses;
xvi. explain Doppler effect of sound and
application

21. Propagation of Sound Waves Candidates should be able to:

(i) the necessity for a material medium; i. determine the need for a material
(ii) speed of sound in solids, liquids and air; medium in the propagation of sound
(iii) reflection of sound; echoes, reverberation waves;
and their applications; ii. compare the speed of sound in solids,
(iv) advantages and disadvantages of echoes and liquids and air;
reverberations. iii. relate the effects of temperature and
pressure to the speed of sound in air;
iv. solve problem on echoes, reverberation
and speed;
v. compare the disadvantages and
advantages of echoes.

182
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

vi. solve problems on echo, reverberation

and speed of sound.

22. Characteristics of Sound Waves Candidates should be able to:

(i) noise and musical notes; i. differentiate between noise and musical
(ii) quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and notes;
their application to musical instruments; ii. analyse quality, pitch, intensity and
(iii) simple treatment of harmonics and overtones loudness of sound notes;
produced by vibrating strings and their iii. evaluate the application of (ii) above in
columns the construction of musical
instruments;
1 T iv. identify overtones by vibrating stings
Fo= ( = m / ) and air columns;
2L 
iv. itemize acoustical examples of
resonance;
(iv) acoustic examples of resonance; vi. determine the frequencies of notes
(v) frequency of a note emitted by air columns emitted by air columns in open and
in closed and open pipes in relation to their closed pipes in relation to their lengths.
lengths.

23. Light Energy Candidates should be able to:

(a) Sources of Light i. compare the natural and artificial
(i) natural and artificial sources of light; sources of light;
(ii) luminous and non-luminous objects. ii. differentiate between luminous and non
luminous objects;
(b) Propagation of light iii. relate the speed, frequency and
(i) speed, frequency and wavelength of light; wavelength of light;
(ii) formation of shadows and eclipse; iv. interpret the formation of shadows and
(iii) the pin-hole camera. eclipses;
v. solve problems using the principle of
operation of a pin-hole camera.

24. Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Candidates should be able to:
Surfaces i. interpret the laws of reflection;
(i) laws of reflection; ii. illustrate the formation of images by
(ii) application of reflection of light; plane, concave and convex mirrors;
(iii) formation of images by plane, concave and iii. apply the mirror formula to solve
convex mirrors and ray diagrams; optical
(iv) use of the mirror formula: problems;
1 1 1
= + iv. determine the linear magnification;
f u v v. apply the laws of reflection of light to
the working of periscope, kaleidoscope
and the sextant.

183
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(v) linear and angular magnification.

25. Refraction of Light Through at Plane and Candidates should be able to:
Curved Surfaces i. interpret the laws of reflection;
(i) laws of refraction; ii. determine the refractive index of glass
(ii) explanation of refraction in terms of and liquid using Snell’s law;
velocity of light in the media; iii. determination of focal length of curved
surfaces
(iii) definition of refractive index of a medium; iv. determine the refractive index using the
(iv) determination of refractive index of glass principle of real and apparent depth;
and liquid using Snell’s law; v. determine the conditions necessary for
(v) real and apparent depth and lateral total internal reflection;
displacement; vi. examine the use of periscope, prism,
(vi) critical angle and total internal reflection. binoculars, optical fibre;
vii. apply the principles of total internal
(b) Glass Prism reflection to the formation of mirage;
(i) use of the minimum deviation formula: viii. use of lens formula and ray diagrams to
solve optical numerical problems;
 A + D ix. determine the magnification of an
sin 
U=  2  image;
x. calculate the refractive index of a glass
 A prism using minimum deviation
sin  
2 formula;
xi. ray tracing through optical prism.
(ii) type of lenses; triangular, rectangular etc.

(iii) use of lens formula:

1 1 1
= + and Newton’s formular (F2 = ab)
f u v
v
(v) magnification.

26. Optical Instruments

(i) general principles of microscopes, Candidates should be able to:
telescopes, i. apply the principles of operation of
projectors, cameras and the human eye optical
(physiological details of the eye are not instruments to solve problems;
required); ii. distinguish between the human eye and
the cameras;
(ii) power of a lens; iii. calculate the power of a lens;
(iii) angular magnification; iv. evaluate the angular magnification of
optical instruments;

184
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(iv) near and far points; v. determine the near and far points;
(v) sight defects and their corrections. vi. detect sight defects and their
corrections.
27. (a) Dispersion of light and colours
(i) dispersion of white light by a triangular
Prism; Candidates should be able to:
(ii) production of pure spectrum; i. identify primary colours and obtain
(iii) colour mixing by addition and subtraction; secondary colours by mixing;
(iv) colour of objects and colour filters; ii. understand the formation of rainbow;
(v) rainbow and formation. iii. deduce why objects have colours;
iv. analyse colours using colour filters;
v. analyse the electromagnetic
(b)Electromagnetic spectrum spectrum in relation to their
(i) description of sources and uses of various wavelengths, sources, detection
types of radiation. and uses;
vi. define monochromatic light.

28. Electrostatics
(i) existence of positive and negative charges in Candidates should be able to:
matter; i. identify charges;
(ii) charging a body by friction, contact and ii. examine uses of an electroscope;
induction; iii. apply Coulomb’s square law of
(iii) electroscope; electrostatics to solve problems;
(iv) Coulomb’s inverse square law, electric field iv. deduce expressions for electric field
and potential; intensity and potential difference;
(v) electric field intensity, potential and potential v. identify electric field flux patterns of
difference; isolated and interacting charges;
(vi) electric discharge and lightning. vi. analyse the distribution of charges on a
conductor and how it is used in
lightening conductors’
vii. charge a body by friction,
induction and contant.

29. Capacitors
(i) types and functions of capacitors; Candidates should be able to:
(ii) parallel plate capacitors; i. determine uses of capacitors;
(iii) capacitance of a capacitor; ii. analyse parallel plate capacitors;
(iv) the relationship between capacitance, area iii. determine the capacitance of a
separation of plates and medium between capacitor;
the plates iv. analyse the factors that affect the
capacitance of a capacitor;
EA v. solve problems involving the
C=
d arrangement of a capacitor;
vi. determine the energy stored in
capacitors.

185
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(v) capacitors in series and parallel;

(vi) energy stored in a capacitor.

30. Electric Cells

Candidates should be able to:
(i) simple voltaic cell and its defects; i. identify the defects of the simple voltaic
(ii) Daniel cell, Leclanche cell (wet and dry); cell and their correction;
(iii) lead –acid accumulator and Nickel-Iron ii. compare different types of cells
(Nife) Lithium lon and Mercury cadmium; including solar cell;
(iv) maintenance of cells and batteries (detail iii. compare the advantages of lead-acid
treatment of the chemistry of a cell is not and Nikel iron accumulator;
required); iv. solve problems involving series and
(vi) arrangement of cells; parallel combination of cells.
(vii) efficiency of a cell.

31. Current Electricity

(i) electromagnetic force (emf), potential Candidates should be able to:
difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance i. differentiate between emf, p.d., current
of a cell and lost Volt; and internal resistant of a cell;
(ii) Ohm’s law, resistivity and conductivity; ii. apply Ohm’s law to solve problems;
(iii) measurement of resistance; iii. use metre bridge to calculate resistance;
(iv) meter bridge; iv. compute effective total resistance of
(v) resistance in series and in parallel and their both parallel and series arrangement of
combination; resistors;
(vi) the potentiometer method of measuring v. determine the resistivity and the
emf, current and internal resistance of a cell. conductivity of a conductor;
(vii) electrical networks. 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; Candidates should be able to:
(ii) commercial unit of electric energy and i. apply the expressions of electrical
power; energy and power to solve problems;
(iii) electric power transmission ii. analyse how power is transmitted from
(v) heating effects of electric current; the power station to the consumer;
(vi) electrical wiring of houses; iii. identify the heating effects of current
(vii) use of fuses. and its uses;
iv. identify the advantages of parallel
arrangement over series;

186
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

v. determine the fuse rating.

33. Magnets and Magnetic Fields
(i) natural and artificial magnets; Candidates should be able to:
(ii) magnetic properties of soft iron and steel; i. give examples of natural and artificial
(iii) methods of making magnets and magnets;
demagnetization; ii. differentiate between the magnetic
(iv) concept of magnetic field; properties of soft iron and steel;
(v) magnetic field of a permanent magnet; iii. identify the various methods of making
(vi) magnetic field round a straight current magnets and demagnetizing magnets;
carrying conductor, circular wire and iv. describe how to keep a magnet from
solenoid; losing its magnetism;
(vii) properties of the earth’s magnetic field; v. determine the flux pattern of an isolated
north and south poles, magnetic meridian and magnet;
angle of dip and declination; vi. determine the flux pattern exhibited
(viii) flux and flux density; when two magnets are placed together
(ix) variation of magnetic field intensity over the pole to pole;
earth’s surface vii. determine the flux of a current carrying
(x) applications: earth’s magnetic field in conductor, circular wire and solenoid
navigation and mineral exploration. including the polarity of the solenoid;
viii. determine the flux pattern of a magnet
placed in the earth’s magnetic fields;
ix. identify the magnetic elements of the
earth’s flux;
x. determine the variation of earth’s
magnetic field on the earth’s surface;
xi. examine the applications of the earth’s
magnetic field.

34. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Candidates should be able to:

Magnetic Field i. determine the direction of force on a
(i) quantitative treatment of force between current carrying conductor using
two parallel current-carrying conductors; Fleming’s left-hand rule;
(ii) force on a charge moving in a magnetic ii. interpret the attractive and repulsive
field; forces between two parallel current-
(iii) the d. c. motor; carrying conductors using diagrams;
(iv) electromagnets; iii. determine the relationship between the
(v) carbon microphone; force, magnetic field strength, velocity
(vi) moving coil and moving iron instruments; and the angle through which the charge
(viii) conversion of galvanometers to ammeters enters the field;
and voltmeter using shunts and iv. interpret the working of the d. c. motor;
multipliers; v. analyse the principle of electromagnets
(ix) sensitivity of a galvanometer. and give examples of its application;
vi. compare moving iron and moving coil
instruments;

187
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

vii. convert a galvanometer into an

ammeter or a voltmeter;
viii. identify the factors affecting the
sensitivity of a galvanometer.

35. (a) Electromagnetic Induction Candidates should be able to:

i. interpret the laws of electromagnetic
(i) Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction;
induction; ii. identify factors affecting induced emf;
(ii) Lenz’s law as an illustration of the iii. recognize how Lenz’s law illustrates
principle of conservation of energy; the
(iii) factors affecting induced emf; principle of conservation of energy;
(iv) a.c. and d.c generators;
(v) transformers; iv. interpret the diagrammatic set up of A.
(vi) the induction coil. C. generators;
v. identify the types of transformer;
(b) Inductance vi. examine principles of operation of
(i) explanation of inductance; transformers;
(ii) unit of inductance; vii. assess the functions of an induction
(iii) energy stored in an inductor: coil;
1 viii. draw some conclusions from the
E=2 I2L
principles of operation of an induction
coil;
(iv) application/uses of inductors.
ix. interpret the inductance of an inductor;
x. recognize units of inductance;
xi. calculate the effective total inductance
(c) Eddy Current
in series and parallel arrangement;
(i) reduction of eddy current
xii. deduce the expression for the energy
(ii) applications of eddy current
stored in an inductor;
(iii) effects of eddy current
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

Candidates should be able to:
(i) explanation of a.c. current and voltage;
i. identify a.c. current and d.c. voltage;
(ii) peak and r.m.s. values;
ii. differentiate between the peak and r.m.s.
(iii) a.c. source connected to a resistor;
values of a.c.;
(iv) a.c source connected to a capacitor-
iii. determine the phase difference between
capacitive reactance;
current and voltage;
iv. interpret R-L-C circuits;

188
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(v) a.c source connected to an inductor inductive v. analyse vector diagrams;

reactance; vi. calculate the effective voltage,
(vi) R-L-C circuits; reactance and impedance;
(vii) vector diagram, phase angle and power vii. recognize the condition by which the
factor; circuit is at resonance;
(viii) resistance and impedance; viii. determine the resonant frequency of
(ix) effective voltage in an R-L-C circuits; R-L-C arrangement;
(x) resonance and resonance frequency: ix. determine the instantaneous power,
1 average power and the power factor in
F0 =
2 LC a. c. circuits.

37. Conduction of Electricity Through Candidates should be able to:

(a) liquids i. distinguish between electrolytes and non-
electrolytes;
(i) electrolytes and non-electrolyte; ii. analyse the processes of electrolysis;
(ii) concept of electrolysis; iii. apply Faraday’s laws of electrolysis to
(iii) Faraday’s laws of electrolysis; solve problems;
(iv) application of electrolysis, e.g.,
electroplating, calibration of ammeter etc.

(b) gases iv. analyse discharge through gases;

(i) discharge through gases (qualitative v. determine some applications/uses of
treatment only); conduction of electricity through gases.
(ii) application of conduction of electricity
through gases;

38. Elementary Modern Physics Candidates should be able to:

(i) Bohr’s theory, Rutherford’s theory and i. identify the models of the atom and write
radioactivity; their limitations;
(ii) models of the atom and their limitations; ii. describe elementary structure of the
(iii) elementary structure of the atom; atom;
(iv) energy levels and spectra; iii. differentiate between the energy levels
(v) thermionic and photoelectric emissions; and spectra of atoms;
(vi) Einstein’s equation and stopping potential iv. compare thermionic emission and
(vii) applications of thermionic emissions and photoelectric emission;
photoelectric effects; v. apply Einstein’s equation to solve
(viii) simple method of production of x-rays; problems of photoelectric effect;
vi. calculate the stopping potential;

189
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(ix) properties and applications of alpha, beta vii. relate some application of thermionic
and gamma rays; emission and photoelectric effects;
(x) half-life and decay constant; viii. interpret the process involved in the
(xi) simple ideas of production of energy by production of x-rays;
fusion and fission; ix dentify some properties and
(xii) binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s applications of x-rays;
Energy equation x. analyse elementary radioactivity;
xi. distinguish between stable and
[∆E = ∆Mc2] unstable
nuclei;
(xiii) wave-particle (duality of matter); xii. identify isotopes of an element;
(xiv) electron diffraction; xiii. compare the properties of alpha, beta
(xv) the uncertainty principle. 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 Candidates should be able to:
and insulators (elementary knowledge of band i. differentiate between conductors, semi-
gap is required); conductors and insulators;
(ii) intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors (n- ii. distinguish between intrinsic and
type and p-type semiconductors); extrinsic semiconductors;
(iii) uses of semiconductors and diodes in iii. distinguish between electron and hole
rectification and transistors in amplification; carriers;
iv. analyse diodes and transistor
(iv) elementary knowledge of diodes and vi. relate diodes to rectification and
transistors. transistor to amplification.

40. Introduction to fibre optics and lasers

(a) fibre optics Candidates should be able to;
(i) explain the concept of fibre optics;
(ii) understand the principle of
transmission of light through an
optical fibre;

190
 Physics

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

(iii) apply the principle of fibre optics in

Local Area Network (LAN), medicine,
(b) Lasers laser beam etc;

Candidates should be able to;

(i) understand the meaning of laser;
(ii) understand the various types of lasers
(solid state, gas, liquid and semiconductor
lasers);
(iii) apply the knowledge of lasers in
scientific research, communication,
medicine, military technology, holograms
etc;
(iv) identify the dangers involved in
using lasers.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Ike, E.E. (2014). Essential Principles of Physics, Jos ENIC Publishers.

Ike, E.E. (2014). Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, Jos: ENIC Publishers.

Nelkon, M. (1977). Fundamentals of Physics, Great Britain: Hart Davis Education.

Nelkon, M. and Parker … (1989). Advanced Level Physics, (Sixth Edition): Heinemann.

Okeke, P.N. and Anyakoha, M.W. (2000). Senior Secondary School Physics, Lagos: Pacific
Printers.

Olumuyiwa, A. and Ogunkoya, O. O. (1992). Comprehensive Certificate Physics, Ibadan:

University Press Plc.
Orokpo, J.A. (2025). Ultimate UTME Preparatory Series Physics. Peridot Publishers and Printing
Services Limited, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

191