JAMB Syllabus for Physics 2025

JAMB Syllabus For Physics 2025 – Preparing for the JAMB Physics exam starts with knowing what to study. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has outlined specific topics every candidate must cover to succeed in the UTME.

In this article, we have not only provided the complete JAMB Syllabus for Physics but also included a list of recommended textbooks to guide your revision and deepen your understanding. Read on to see the full syllabus and other important information.

JAMB Syllabus For Physics 2025

Below is a detailed physics syllabus for the 2025 JAMB. Candidates should make sure they learn everything about the topics listed in the syllabus so they can easily ace the examination.

1. Measurements and Units

Length, area, and volume: Metre rule, Vernier calipers, Micrometer screw gauge, Measuring cylinder
Mass: Unit of mass, Use and concept of simple beam balance
Time: Unit of time, Time-measuring devices
Fundamental physical quantities
Derived physical quantities and their units: Combinations of fundamental quantities and determination of their units
Dimensions: Definition and simple examples
Limitations of experimental measurements: Accuracy of instruments, Estimation of errors, Significant figures, Standard form
Measurement, position, distance, and displacement: Concept of displacement, Difference between distance and displacement, Concept of position and coordinates, Frame of reference

2. Scalars and Vectors

Definition and examples of scalar and vector quantities
Relative velocity
Resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions, including graphical methods

3. Motion

Types of motion: Translational, Oscillatory, Rotational, Spin, Random
Relative motion
Causes of motion
Types of force: Contact and force field
Linear motion: Speed, velocity, acceleration; Equations of motion; Motion under gravity; Distance-time and velocity-time graphs; Instantaneous velocity and acceleration
Projectiles: Range, height, time of flight; Applications
Newton’s laws of motion: Inertia, mass, force; Mass-acceleration relationship; Impulse and momentum; Force-time graph; Conservation of linear momentum
Circular motion: Angular velocity/acceleration, Centripetal and centrifugal forces, Applications
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): Definition and examples; Period, frequency, amplitude; Velocity, acceleration; Energy changes; Forced vibration and resonance

4. Gravitational Field

Newton’s law of universal gravitation
Gravitational potential
Conservative and non-conservative fields
Acceleration due to gravity and the distinction between mass and weight
Escape velocity
Parking orbit and weightlessness

5. Equilibrium of Forces

Equilibrium of particles: Coplanar forces, Triangles and polygon of forces, Lami’s theorem
Principles of moments: Moment of force, Moment of a couple (torque), Applications
Conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies: Resolution and composition of forces, Resultant and equilibrant
Centre of gravity and stability: Stable, unstable, and neutral equilibrium

6. Work, Energy, and Power

Work, energy, power: Definitions and forms
Conservation of energy; Energy transformation
Area under the force-distance curve
Energy and society: Sources (renewable & non-renewable), Uses, Diversification, Environmental impact (e.g., global warming, spillage), Energy crisis
Devices for energy production
Dams and energy: Locations, Production
Nuclear energy
Solar energy: Solar collectors, Solar panels

7. Friction

Static and dynamic friction
Coefficient of limiting friction and how to determine it
Advantages and disadvantages of friction
Reduction of friction
Qualitative treatment of viscosity and terminal velocity
Stoke’s law

8. Simple Machines

Definition and types of simple machines
Mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, and efficiency

9. Elasticity

Elastic limit, yield point, breaking point
Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus
The spring balance as a force-measuring device
Work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings

10. Pressure

Atmospheric Pressure:

Definition, Units (Pascal), Measurement
Mercury barometer, Aneroid barometer, Manometer
Variation with height
Barometer as an altimeter

Pressure in Liquids:

Pressure-depth-density relationship (P = ρgh)
Pascal’s Principle and applications

11. Liquids at Rest

Determination of the density of solids and liquids
Relative density
Upthrust and Archimedes’ principle
Law of flotation and applications (e.g., ships, hydrometers)

12. Temperature and Its Measurement

Concept of temperature
Thermometric properties
Calibration of thermometers
Celsius and Kelvin scales
Types of thermometers
Temperature scale conversions

13. Thermal Expansion

Solids:

Linear, area, and volume expansivities; Determination
Applications (e.g, building gaps, rail lines)
Relationships among expansivities

Liquids:

Volume expansivity: Real and apparent expansion
Determination
Anomalous expansion of water

14. Gas Laws

Boyle’s law (Isothermal)
Charles’ law (Isobaric)
Pressure law (Volumetric)
Absolute zero of temperature
General gas equation (PV/T = constant)
Ideal gas equation (PV = nRT)
Van der Waals gas

15. Quantity of Heat

Heat as energy
Heat capacity and specific heat capacity (solids & liquids)
Determination methods: Mixtures, Electrical, Newton’s cooling

16. Change of State

Latent heat; Specific latent heat of fusion and vaporization
Melting, evaporation, and boiling
Influence of pressure and impurities on boiling/melting points
Applications in devices

17. Vapours

Saturated and unsaturated vapours
Saturated vapour pressure and boiling
Determination of S.V.P using barometer tube
Dew, mist, fog, and rain formation
Dew point, humidity, and relative humidity
Hygrometry using wet and dry bulb thermometers

18. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory

Molecular Nature:
Atoms and molecules
Explanation of Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion
Kinetic Theory:
Assumptions
Applications of gas laws, boiling, melting, and evaporation

19. Heat Transfer

Modes of heat transfer: Conduction, Convection, Radiation
Temperature gradient, Thermal conductivity, Heat flux
Surface properties and radiation/absorption
Conductivities of materials
Thermos flask
Land and sea breeze
Engines

20. Waves

Production & Propagation:

Wave motion, Vibrating sources
Waves as an energy transfer
Particle vs wave motion
Frequency, wavelength, wave speed (v = fλ)
Phase difference, Wave number/vector
Progressive wave equation

Classification:

Mechanical vs electromagnetic waves
Longitudinal vs transverse
Stationary vs progressive
Examples: Springs, ropes, ripple tank

Characteristics/Properties:

Reflection, refraction, diffraction, polarization
Superposition, interference
Beats
Doppler effect (qualitative)

21. Propagation of Sound Waves

Need for a material medium
Speed in solids, liquids, and air
Reflection, echoes, reverberation, and applications
Problems caused by echoes and reverberations

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 F0=12LTμ−−√F0=12LTμ; (μ=mlμ=ml)
(iv) Acoustic examples of resonance
(v) frequency of a note emitted by air columns in closed and open pipes about 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.

24. Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces

(i) Laws of reflection
(ii) Applications of reflection of light
(iii) Formation of images by plane, concave, and convex mirrors with ray diagrams
(iv) Use of the mirror formula: 1f=1u+1v\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}f1=u1+v1
(v) Linear magnification

25. Refraction of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces

(i) Explanation of refraction in terms of the velocity of light in different media
(ii) Laws of refraction
(iii) Definition of refractive index of a medium
(iv) Determination of refractive index of glass and liquids using Snell’s Law
(v) Real and apparent depth; lateral displacement
(vi) Critical angle and total internal reflection

(b) Glass Prism and Lenses

(i) Use of the minimum deviation formula:
μ=sin⁡(A+D2)sin⁡(A2)\mu = \frac{\sin\left(\frac{A + D}{2}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{A}{2}\right)}μ=sin(2A)sin(2A+D)
(ii) Types of lenses
(iii) Use of lens formula: 1f=1u+1v\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}f1=u1+v1 and Newton’s formula F2=abF^2 = abF2=ab
(iv) Magnification

26. Optical Instruments

(i) Principles of microscopes, telescopes, projectors, cameras, and the human eye (excluding physiological details)
(ii) Power of a lens
(iii) Angular magnification
(iv) Near and far points
(v) Sight defects and their corrections

27. (a) Dispersion of Light and Colours

(i) Dispersion of white light by a triangular prism
(ii) Production of a pure spectrum
(iii) Colour mixing by addition and subtraction
(iv) Colour of objects and colour filters
(v) Rainbow formation

(b) Electromagnetic Spectrum

(i) Description of sources and uses of various types of radiation

28. Electrostatics

(i) Existence of positive and negative charges in matter
(ii) Charging a body by friction, contact, and induction
(iii) The electroscope
(iv) Coulomb’s inverse square law, electric field, and potential
(v) Electric field intensity and potential difference
(vi) Electric discharge and lightning

29. Capacitors

(i) Types and functions of capacitors
(ii) Parallel plate capacitors
(iii) Capacitance of a capacitor
(iv) Relation: C=εAdC = \frac{\varepsilon A}{d}C=dεA
(v) Capacitors in series and parallel
(vi) Energy stored in a capacitor

30. Electric Cells

(i) Simple voltaic cell and its defects
(ii) Daniel cell, Leclanché cell (wet and dry)
(iii) Lead-acid accumulator, Nickel-Iron (NiFe), Lithium-ion, and Mercury-cadmium cells
(iv) Maintenance of cells and batteries (without chemical detail)
(v) Arrangement of cells
(vi) Efficiency of a cell

31. Current Electricity

(i) Electromotive force (e.m.f.), potential difference, current, internal resistance, and lost volts
(ii) Ohm’s Law
(iii) Measurement of resistance
(iv) Meter bridge
(v) Series and parallel resistance combinations
(vi) Potentiometer for measuring e.m.f., current, and internal resistance
(vii) Electrical networks

32. Electrical Energy and Power

(i) Concepts of electrical energy and power
(ii) Commercial units of electricity
(iii) Electric power transmission
(iv) Heating effect of current
(v) Electrical wiring in houses
(vi) Use of fuses

33. Magnets and Magnetic Fields

(i) Natural and artificial magnets
(ii) Magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
(iii) Magnetization and demagnetization methods
(iv) Concept of magnetic fields
(v) Magnetic field of permanent magnets
(vi) Fields around current-carrying conductors, circular wires, and solenoids
(vii) Earth’s magnetic field (poles, meridian, dip, declination)
(viii) Magnetic flux and flux density
(ix) Variation of magnetic field intensity across Earth’s surface
(x) Applications in navigation and mineral exploration

34. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field

(i) Force between parallel current-carrying conductors
(ii) Force on a moving charge in a magnetic field
(iii) Direct current (d.c.) motor
(iv) Electromagnets
(v) Carbon microphone
(vi) Moving-coil and moving-iron instruments
(vii) Converting galvanometers to ammeters/voltmeters using shunts and multipliers
(viii) Galvanometer sensitivity

35. (a) Electromagnetic Induction

(i) Faraday’s laws
(ii) Factors affecting induced e.m.f.
(iii) Lenz’s Law and energy conservation
(iv) A.C. and D.C. generators
(v) Transformers
(vi) Induction coil

(b) Inductance

(i) Meaning and unit of inductance
(ii) Energy stored: E=12LI2E = \frac{1}{2} LI^2E=21LI2
(iii) Uses of inductors

(c) Eddy Currents

(i) Reduction of eddy currents
(ii) Applications of eddy currents

36. Simple A.C. Circuits

(i) Concept of alternating current and voltage
(ii) Peak and RMS values
(iii) A.C. with resistors
(iv) A.C. with capacitors (capacitive reactance)
(v) A.C. with inductors (inductive reactance)
(vi) Series R-L-C circuits
(vii) Vector diagrams, phase angle, power factor
(viii) Resistance and impedance
(ix) Effective voltage in R-L-C circuits
(x) Resonance and formula: f0=12πLCf_0 = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{LC}}f0=2πLC1

37. Conduction of Electricity Through:

(a) Liquids

(i) Electrolytes and non-electrolytes
(ii) Electrolysis
(iii) Faraday’s laws of electrolysis
(iv) Applications: electroplating, ammeter calibration, etc.

(b) Gases

(i) Discharge through gases (qualitative)
(ii) Applications of gas conduction

38. Elementary Modern Physics

(i) Atomic models and limitations
(ii) Atomic structure
(iii) Energy levels and spectra
(iv) Thermionic and photoelectric emissions
(v) Einstein’s equation and stopping potential
(vi) Applications of thermionic and photoelectric effects
(vii) X-ray production
(viii) Alpha, beta, gamma radiation (properties & applications)
(ix) Half-life and decay constant
(x) Energy from nuclear fusion and fission
(xi) Mass defect, binding energy, and ΔE=Δmc2\Delta E = \Delta mc^2ΔE=Δmc2
(xii) Wave-particle duality
(xiii) Electron diffraction
(xiv) Uncertainty principle

39. Introductory Electronics

(i) Difference between metals, semiconductors, and insulators (including basic band gap)
(ii) Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors
(iii) Applications: diodes in rectification; transistors in amplification
(iv) n-type and p-type semiconductors
(v) Basic knowledge of diodes and transistors

Recommended Texts For JAMB Physics 2025

These are the texts you should make use of for your studies. Also, make use of the JAMB past questions for physics so you can learn how to answer questions and manage your time.

Ike E.E. (2014) Essential Principles of Physics, Jos ENIC publishers
IkeE.E.E (2014) Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, Jos ENIC publishers
Nelson M. (1977) Fundamentals of Physics, Great Britain, Hart Davis Education
Nelson 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.

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