Physics JAMB Syllabus 2027/2028 Download PDF

The JAMB Physics syllabus 2027/2028 covers the major areas you need to study for Physics in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

It is designed to help you develop interest in Physics, improve accuracy and objectivity, understand physical laws and concepts, and solve Physics problems correctly using relevant theories and principles.

The syllabus covers areas such as:

• measurements and units;
• scalars and vectors;
• motion;
• gravitational field;
• equilibrium of forces;
• work, energy and power;
• friction and simple machines;
• elasticity;
• pressure and liquids;
• temperature and thermal physics;
• waves and sound;
• light and optics;
• electrostatics;
• current electricity;
• magnetism;
• electromagnetic induction;
• alternating current circuits;
• modern Physics;
• introductory electronics.

Many of these topics involve both theory and numerical calculations, so your preparation should include understanding physical concepts, interpreting graphs and equations, and practising calculations where required.

This guide covers the main JAMB Physics syllabus topics and objectives, the PDF download section, recommended textbooks and practical revision guidance.

Download JAMB Physics Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF

You can save the JAMB Physics syllabus 2027/2028 PDF on your phone or computer and use it as a study checklist throughout your preparation.

The syllabus covers major areas such as:

• measurements and units;
• motion and forces;
• work, energy and power;
• heat and thermal physics;
• waves and sound;
• light and optics;
• electricity;
• magnetism;
• electromagnetic induction;
• modern Physics;
• introductory electronics.

It also shows the concepts, calculations and applications you are expected to understand under each topic.

Download the JAMB Physics Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF here:

Tap or click it to open the syllabus and save a copy for offline use.

As you revise, use the syllabus as a checklist and mark each topic after you have studied the concepts and practised the required calculations.

1: Measurements, Units, Scalars and Vectors

This section covers physical measurements, units, dimensions, measurement errors, position, displacement, scalar quantities and vector quantities.

Measurements and Units

You should understand how to measure:

• length;
• area;
• volume;
• mass;
• time.

Important measuring instruments include:

• metre rule;
• vernier calipers;
• micrometer screw gauge;
• measuring cylinder;
• simple beam balance;
• time-measuring devices.

Study the correct units for these quantities and how the instruments are used to measure regular and irregular objects accurately.

Fundamental and Derived Physical Quantities

Fundamental physical quantities have basic units, while derived quantities are obtained by combining fundamental quantities.

Focus on:

• identifying fundamental physical quantities and their units;
• determining units of derived quantities;
• expressing derived quantities in terms of fundamental quantities.

Dimensions

You should understand the meaning of the dimensions of physical quantities and how dimensions can be used to:

• determine units of physical quantities;
• check whether a physical equation is homogeneous.

Accuracy, Errors and Significant Figures

Measurements have limitations, so this area also covers:

• accuracy of measuring instruments;
• simple estimation of errors;
• significant figures;
• standard form.

Pay attention to the degree of accuracy associated with instruments such as the metre rule, engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge.

Position, Distance and Displacement

Study the difference between distance and displacement.

You should also understand:

• position and coordinates;
• frame of reference;
• locating points and directions using a compass and protractor;
• locating positions on the Cartesian x-y plane;
• plotting graphs and drawing conclusions from them.

Scalars and Vectors

A scalar quantity has magnitude only, while a vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.

Focus on:

• distinguishing scalar and vector quantities;
• identifying examples of each;
• finding the resultant of two or more vectors;
• relative velocity;
• resolving vectors into two perpendicular components;
• using graphical methods to solve vector problems.

This section requires both a clear understanding of measurement concepts and the ability to apply them when solving numerical and graphical Physics problems.

2: Motion and Gravitational Field

This section covers different types of motion, forces, linear motion, projectiles, Newton’s laws, circular motion, simple harmonic motion and gravitation.

Types and Causes of Motion

Important types of motion include:

• translational motion;
• oscillatory motion;
• rotational motion;
• spin motion;
• random motion.

You should also understand relative motion and recognize force as a cause of motion.

Forces may be grouped into:

• contact forces;
• field forces.

Examples of field forces include gravitational, electric and magnetic forces.

Linear Motion

Under linear motion, focus on:

• speed;
• velocity;
• acceleration;
• uniformly accelerated motion;
• motion under gravity;
• distance-time graphs;
• velocity-time graphs;
• instantaneous velocity;
• instantaneous acceleration.

You should be able to distinguish between speed, velocity and acceleration, use the equations of uniformly accelerated motion and interpret motion graphs correctly.

Projectile Motion

Projectile motion covers:

• range;
• maximum height;
• time of flight;
• projectiles launched from the ground;
• projectiles launched from a height;
• applications of projectile motion.

Practise solving numerical problems involving these quantities.

Newton’s Laws, Impulse and Momentum

Study:

• Newton’s laws of motion;
• inertia;
• mass;
• force;
• impulse;
• momentum;
• force-time graphs;
• conservation of linear momentum.

You should understand the relationship between mass, force and acceleration and be able to apply the conservation of linear momentum to problems.

Motion in a Circle

This area includes:

• angular velocity;
• angular acceleration;
• centripetal force;
• centrifugal force;
• applications of circular motion.

Focus on the relationships between these quantities and how they are used in numerical problems.

Simple Harmonic Motion

Simple Harmonic Motion, or S.H.M, covers:

• meaning of simple harmonic motion;
• examples of systems that execute S.H.M;
• period;
• frequency;
• amplitude;
• velocity and acceleration;
• energy changes in S.H.M;
• forced vibration;
• resonance.

Understand the relationship between period and frequency and how energy changes during simple harmonic motion.

Gravitational Field

The gravitational field section includes:

• Newton’s law of universal gravitation;
• gravitational potential;
• conservative and non-conservative fields;
• acceleration due to gravity;
• variation of gravitational acceleration on the Earth’s surface;
• difference between mass and weight;
• escape velocity;
• parking orbit;
• weightlessness.

You should be able to apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation, explain variations in gravitational acceleration and distinguish clearly between mass and weight.

3: Equilibrium, Work, Energy and Power

This section covers equilibrium of forces, moments, centre of gravity, work, energy, power and energy resources.

Equilibrium of Forces

For particles in equilibrium, study:

• equilibrium of coplanar forces;
• triangle of forces;
• polygon of forces;
• Lami’s theorem.

You should understand how these principles are used to solve problems involving forces acting on a body.

Moments and Couples

Important areas include:

• moment of a force;
• moment of a couple or torque;
• applications of moments.

Focus on how to calculate moments and apply the principle of moments in practical and numerical problems.

Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies

For rigid bodies, study the conditions for equilibrium under:

• parallel forces;
• non-parallel forces.

You should also understand:

• resolution of forces into two perpendicular directions;
• composition of forces;
• resultant force;
• equilibrant force.

Centre of Gravity and Stability

This area covers:

• centre of gravity;
• stable equilibrium;
• unstable equilibrium;
• neutral equilibrium.

Know how to distinguish the three types of equilibrium and relate them to the stability of bodies.

Work, Energy and Power

Study the definitions and relationships involving:

• work;
• energy;
• power;
• different forms of energy;
• conservation of energy;
• transformation between different forms of energy.

You should also be able to interpret the area under a force-distance graph and solve numerical problems involving work, energy and power.

Energy and Society

The syllabus also covers the importance and use of energy in society.

Important areas include:

• sources of energy;
• renewable energy;
• non-renewable energy;
• uses of energy;
• energy and development;
• energy diversification;
• environmental effects of energy use;
• energy crises;
• energy conversion;
• devices used in energy production.

Environmental effects mentioned include global warming, greenhouse effect and oil spillage.

You should be able to distinguish renewable from non-renewable energy sources and understand how energy use can affect the environment.

Dams, Nuclear Energy and Solar Energy

Energy production also includes:

• location of dams;
• energy production from dams;
• nuclear energy;
• solar energy;
• solar collectors;
• solar panels for energy supply.

Focus on the different ways energy can be produced, converted and used safely in society.

4: Friction, Machines, Elasticity and Fluid Mechanics

This section covers friction, simple machines, elasticity, pressure in fluids, density, upthrust and floatation.

Friction

Study the two main types of friction:

• static friction;
• dynamic friction.

Also focus on:

• coefficient of limiting friction;
• determination of the coefficient of limiting friction;
• advantages of friction;
• disadvantages of friction;
• methods of reducing friction;
• viscosity;
• terminal velocity;
• Stoke’s law.

You should understand the factors that affect viscosity and terminal velocity and be able to apply Stoke’s law where required.

Simple Machines

A simple machine makes work easier by changing the size or direction of an applied force.

Important areas include:

• definition of simple machines;
• types of simple machines;
• mechanical advantage;
• velocity ratio;
• efficiency.

Practise solving numerical problems involving mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency.

Elasticity

Elasticity covers the behaviour of materials when forces are applied to them.

Study:

• elastic limit;
• yield point;
• breaking point;
• Hooke’s law;
• Young’s modulus;
• force-extension curves;
• spring balance;
• work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings.

You should be able to interpret force-extension graphs, apply Hooke’s law and understand how a spring balance is used to measure force.

Atmospheric Pressure

This area covers:

• meaning of atmospheric pressure;
• SI unit of pressure, the pascal;
• measurement of pressure;
• simple mercury barometer;
• aneroid barometer;
• manometer;
• variation of pressure with height;
• use of a barometer as an altimeter.

Know the different pressure-measuring instruments and how atmospheric pressure changes with height.

Pressure in Liquids

For pressure in liquids, study the relationship between pressure, depth and density:

P = ρgh

Also cover:

• transmission of pressure in liquids;
• Pascal’s principle;
• applications of pressure in liquids.

You should be able to apply these principles when solving numerical and practical problems.

Liquids at Rest

This section includes:

• density of solids and liquids;
• relative density;
• upthrust on an immersed body;
• Archimedes’ principle;
• law of floatation;
• applications involving ships and hydrometers.

Focus on distinguishing density from relative density, calculating upthrust and applying Archimedes’ principle and the law of floatation to problems.

5: Temperature and Thermal Physics

This section covers temperature measurement, thermal expansion, gas laws, heat, changes of state and vapours.

Temperature and Its Measurement

Study:

• the concept of temperature;
• thermometric properties;
• calibration of thermometers;
• Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales;
• different types of thermometers;
• conversion from one temperature scale to another.

Focus on identifying suitable thermometric properties and understanding how thermometers are calibrated and compared.

Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion covers both solids and liquids.

For solids, study:

• linear expansivity;
• area expansivity;
• volume expansivity;
• effects and applications of expansion;
• expansion gaps in structures such as railway lines;
• relationships between different expansivities.

For liquids, focus on:

• volume expansivity;
• real expansivity;
• apparent expansivity;
• determination of volume expansivity;
• anomalous expansion of water.

You should be able to interpret the effects of thermal expansion and solve related problems.

Gas Laws

Important gas laws and concepts include:

• Boyle’s law;
• Charles’ law;
• pressure law;
• absolute zero of temperature;
• general gas equation;
• ideal gas equation;
• Van der Waals equation for a real gas.

Practise interpreting these laws and using the relevant expressions in numerical problems.

Quantity of Heat

This area covers:

• heat as a form of energy;
• heat capacity;
• specific heat capacity of solids and liquids;
• determination of heat capacity and specific heat capacity;
• method of mixtures;
• electrical method;
• Newton’s law of cooling.

Make sure you can distinguish heat capacity from specific heat capacity and apply both in calculations.

Change of State

Study:

• latent heat;
• specific latent heat of fusion;
• specific latent heat of vaporization;
• melting;
• evaporation;
• boiling;
• effects of pressure on boiling and melting points;
• effects of dissolved substances on boiling and melting points;
• applications of change of state in appliances.

Focus on distinguishing the different changes of state and solving numerical problems involving latent heat.

Vapours, Dew Point and Humidity

This part covers:

• saturated vapour;
• unsaturated vapour;
• saturated vapour pressure;
• relationship between saturated vapour pressure and boiling;
• determination of saturated vapour pressure using a barometer tube;
• formation of dew;
• mist;
• fog;
• rain;
• dew point;
• humidity;
• relative humidity;
• hygrometry;
• wet and dry bulb hygrometers.

You should understand how atmospheric humidity is measured and how dew point, humidity and relative humidity differ.

6: Structure of Matter and Heat Transfer

This section covers the molecular nature of matter, kinetic theory and the three main methods of heat transfer.

Molecular Nature of Matter

Study the basic structure of matter in terms of:

• atoms;
• molecules.

You should also understand how molecular theory explains:

• Brownian motion;
• diffusion;
• surface tension;
• capillarity;
• adhesion;
• cohesion;
• angle of contact.

Focus on identifying these phenomena and relating them to the behaviour of particles in matter.

Kinetic Theory

The kinetic theory explains the behaviour of matter by considering the motion of its particles.

Important areas include:

• assumptions of the kinetic theory;
• pressure exerted by gases;
• Boyle’s law;
• Charles’ law;
• melting;
• boiling;
• vaporization;
• changes in temperature;
• evaporation.

You should understand how the kinetic theory can be used to explain these physical processes.

Heat Transfer

Heat can be transferred through:

• conduction;
• convection;
• radiation.

Know the differences between these three modes of heat transfer and the conditions under which each occurs.

Thermal Conductivity and Heat Flux

This area includes:

• temperature gradient;
• thermal conductivity;
• heat flux;
• conductivity of common materials.

Practise solving problems involving temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux.

Radiation and Surface Properties

The amount of energy a surface absorbs or radiates depends partly on the nature of that surface.

Study how different surfaces affect:

• absorption of thermal radiation;
• emission of thermal radiation.

Applications of Heat Transfer

Important applications include:

• thermos flask;
• land breeze;
• sea breeze;
• engines.

For the thermos flask, understand how its different parts reduce heat transfer.

You should also be able to explain land and sea breezes using convection and understand the basic principles involved in the operation of internal combustion engines, jet engines and rockets.

7: Waves and Sound

This section covers wave motion, wave properties, sound propagation and the characteristics of sound.

Production and Propagation of Waves

Study the basic ideas of wave motion, including:

• vibrating systems as sources of waves;
• waves as a means of transferring energy;
• difference between particle motion and wave motion;
• frequency;
• wavelength;
• wave velocity;
• phase difference;
• wave number;
• wave vector;
• progressive wave equation.

The relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength is:

V = fλ

You should understand how these quantities are related and how to use them in numerical problems.

Classification of Waves

Waves may be classified as:

• mechanical waves;
• electromagnetic waves;
• longitudinal waves;
• transverse waves;
• stationary waves;
• progressive waves.

Examples may be studied using:

• springs;
• ropes;
• stretched strings;
• ripple tanks.

Focus on identifying the features that distinguish one type of wave from another.

Properties of Waves

Important wave properties include:

• reflection;
• refraction;
• diffraction;
• plane polarization;
• superposition;
• interference;
• beats;
• Doppler effect.

You should understand the principle of superposition and how it can produce interference.

For beats, study beat frequency and its uses.

The Doppler effect requires a qualitative understanding of how the observed frequency changes because of relative motion.

Propagation of Sound Waves

Sound requires a material medium for propagation.

Study:

• speed of sound in solids;
• speed of sound in liquids;
• speed of sound in air;
• effects of temperature and pressure on the speed of sound in air;
• reflection of sound;
• echoes;
• reverberation;
• applications of echoes and reverberation;
• disadvantages of echoes and reverberation.

Practise problems involving echoes, reverberation and the speed of sound.

Characteristics of Sound

Important sound characteristics include:

• noise;
• musical notes;
• quality;
• pitch;
• intensity;
• loudness.

You should understand how these properties are applied in musical instruments.

Overtones and Resonance

This area also covers:

• overtones produced by vibrating strings;
• overtones produced by air columns;
• acoustic examples of resonance;
• frequencies of notes produced by open pipes;
• frequencies of notes produced by closed pipes.

Focus on the relationship between the length of an air column and the frequency of the note produced.

8: Light and Optical Systems

This section covers sources and propagation of light, reflection, refraction, lenses, optical instruments, colours and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Sources and Propagation of Light

Study:

• natural sources of light;
• artificial sources of light;
• luminous objects;
• non-luminous objects;
• speed, frequency and wavelength of light;
• formation of shadows;
• eclipses;
• pinhole camera.

Focus on distinguishing luminous from non-luminous objects and understanding how shadows and eclipses are formed.

Reflection of Light

Reflection at plane and curved surfaces includes:

• laws of reflection;
• plane mirrors;
• concave mirrors;
• convex mirrors;
• formation of images;
• ray diagrams;
• mirror formula;
• linear magnification.

You should be able to use ray diagrams and the mirror formula to solve optical problems.

Applications of reflection include devices such as:

• periscope;
• kaleidoscope;
• sextant.

Refraction of Light

Refraction covers:

• change in the velocity of light between media;
• laws of refraction;
• refractive index;
• Snell’s law;
• real depth;
• apparent depth;
• lateral displacement;
• critical angle;
• total internal reflection.

You should be able to determine refractive index and apply the principles of refraction and total internal reflection to numerical problems.

Applications include:

• prisms;
• binoculars;
• optical fibres;
• mirages.

Glass Prisms and Lenses

For glass prisms, study the use of the minimum deviation formula in determining refractive index.

For lenses, focus on:

• types of lenses;
• lens formula;
• Newton’s formula;
• magnification.

Practise using lens equations and ray diagrams to determine image position and magnification.

Optical Instruments

Important optical instruments include:

• microscope;
• telescope;
• projector;
• camera;
• human eye.

Study their basic operating principles as well as:

• power of a lens;
• angular magnification;
• near point;
• far point;
• sight defects;
• correction of sight defects.

You should also understand the differences between the human eye and a camera.

Dispersion and Colours

This area covers:

• dispersion of white light by a triangular prism;
• production of a pure spectrum;
• colour mixing by addition;
• colour mixing by subtraction;
• colours of objects;
• colour filters;
• formation of a rainbow.

Focus on identifying primary colours, obtaining secondary colours and explaining why objects appear in different colours.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Study the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to:

• wavelength;
• sources;
• detection;
• uses.

You should understand how the different forms of electromagnetic radiation are arranged and how their properties relate to their practical uses.

9: Electrostatics and Current Electricity

This section covers electric charges, electric fields, capacitors, electric cells, current electricity, electrical energy and power.

Electrostatics

Study:

• positive and negative charges in matter;
• charging by friction;
• charging by contact;
• charging by induction;
• electroscope;
• Coulomb’s inverse square law;
• electric field;
• electric potential;
• electric field intensity;
• potential difference;
• electric discharge;
• lightning.

You should understand how charges interact and how an electroscope can be used to detect electric charge.

Also practise applying Coulomb’s law and working with electric field intensity and potential difference.

Capacitors

Important areas include:

• types and functions of capacitors;
• parallel-plate capacitors;
• capacitance;
• factors affecting capacitance;
• capacitors connected in series;
• capacitors connected in parallel;
• energy stored in a capacitor.

For a parallel-plate capacitor, study how capacitance depends on the area of the plates, their separation and the medium between them.

Practise solving numerical problems involving capacitor combinations and stored energy.

Electric Cells

The syllabus covers different types of cells and accumulators, including:

• simple voltaic cell;
• Daniel cell;
• Leclanché cell;
• dry cell;
• lead-acid accumulator;
• Nickel-Iron cell;
• Lithium-Iron cell;
• Mercury-Cadmium cell.

Study the defects of the simple voltaic cell and how they can be corrected.

Also focus on:

• maintenance of cells and batteries;
• arrangement of cells;
• cells connected in series and parallel;
• efficiency of a cell.

Detailed treatment of the chemistry of the cells is not required.

Current Electricity

Important quantities and concepts include:

• electromotive force, or emf;
• potential difference;
• electric current;
• internal resistance of a cell;
• lost volts;
• Ohm’s law;
• electrical resistance;
• resistivity;
• conductivity.

You should be able to distinguish between emf, potential difference, current and internal resistance and apply Ohm’s law in numerical problems.

Resistance and Electrical Measurements

Study:

• resistance in series;
• resistance in parallel;
• combinations of resistors;
• metre bridge;
• potentiometer.

The potentiometer is used in measuring quantities such as:

• emf;
• current;
• internal resistance of a cell.

Focus on calculating effective resistance and understanding the advantages of the potentiometer.

Electrical Networks

Electrical networks include the application of Kirchhoff’s laws.

Practise using these laws to analyse circuits where current passes through different branches.

Electrical Energy and Power

This area covers:

• electrical energy;
• electrical power;
• commercial unit of electrical energy;
• electric power transmission;
• heating effect of electric current;
• electrical wiring of houses;
• fuses.

You should be able to apply expressions for electrical energy and power to numerical problems.

Also understand how electrical power is transmitted from a power station to consumers and how the heating effect of current is used in electrical devices.

House Wiring and Fuses

For domestic electrical systems, focus on:

• electrical wiring in houses;
• advantages of parallel connections;
• use of fuses;
• determination of suitable fuse ratings.

A clear understanding of circuit connections, electrical quantities and numerical calculations is important throughout this section.

10: Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and A.C. Circuits

This section covers magnets, magnetic fields, forces on current-carrying conductors, electromagnetic induction, inductance and simple alternating-current circuits.

Magnets and Magnetic Fields

Study:

• natural and artificial magnets;
• magnetic properties of soft iron and steel;
• methods of making magnets;
• demagnetization;
• magnetic field;
• magnetic field of a permanent magnet;
• magnetic field around a straight current-carrying conductor;
• magnetic field around a circular wire;
• magnetic field of a solenoid;
• magnetic flux;
• magnetic flux density.

You should also understand the Earth’s magnetic field, including:

• north and south magnetic poles;
• magnetic meridian;
• angle of dip;
• declination;
• variation of magnetic field intensity over the Earth’s surface;
• applications in navigation and mineral exploration.

Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

This area covers the force experienced by a conductor carrying current in a magnetic field.

Focus on:

• force between two parallel current-carrying conductors;
• force on a moving charge in a magnetic field;
• direction of force using Fleming’s left-hand rule;
• relationship between force, magnetic field strength, velocity and angle.

You should be able to interpret attractive and repulsive forces between parallel conductors and solve related problems.

D.C. Motor and Electromagnets

Study the operating principles and applications of:

• D.C. motor;
• electromagnets;
• carbon microphone.

Understand how magnetic effects of electric current are used in these devices.

Electrical Measuring Instruments

Important instruments include:

• moving-coil instruments;
• moving-iron instruments;
• galvanometers;
• ammeters;
• voltmeters.

Study how to:

• compare moving-coil and moving-iron instruments;
• convert a galvanometer into an ammeter using a shunt;
• convert a galvanometer into a voltmeter using a multiplier;
• identify factors affecting galvanometer sensitivity.

Electromagnetic Induction

Study:

• Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction;
• factors affecting induced emf;
• Lenz’s law;
• A.C. generators;
• D.C. generators;
• transformers;
• induction coil.

Understand how Lenz’s law illustrates the principle of conservation of energy and how generators and transformers operate.

Inductance and Eddy Currents

This area includes:

• meaning of inductance;
• unit of inductance;
• inductors in series and parallel;
• energy stored in an inductor;
• uses of inductors;
• eddy currents;
• reduction of eddy-current losses;
• applications of eddy currents.

Practise calculations involving total inductance and energy stored in inductors where required.

Simple A.C. Circuits

Study:

• alternating current and voltage;
• peak values;
• RMS values;
• A.C. source connected to a resistor;
• capacitive reactance;
• inductive reactance;
• series R-L-C circuits;
• vector diagrams;
• phase angle;
• power factor;
• resistance;
• impedance;
• effective voltage;
• resonance;
• resonant frequency.

You should understand the phase relationship between current and voltage and be able to calculate quantities such as reactance, impedance, effective voltage, resonant frequency and power factor in A.C. circuits.

11: Electricity Through Matter, Modern Physics and Electronics

This section covers electrolysis, conduction through gases, atomic structure, radioactivity, nuclear physics, wave-particle duality and semiconductor electronics.

Conduction of Electricity Through Liquids

Study:

• electrolytes;
• non-electrolytes;
• concept of electrolysis;
• Faraday’s laws of electrolysis;
• applications of electrolysis.

Applications include:

• electroplating;
• calibration of ammeters.

Focus on distinguishing electrolytes from non-electrolytes and applying Faraday’s laws to numerical problems.

Conduction of Electricity Through Gases

This area covers:

• discharge through gases;
• applications of conduction of electricity through gases.

Only a qualitative treatment of discharge through gases is required.

Atomic Models and Structure

Modern Physics begins with the study of the atom.

Important areas include:

• models of the atom;
• limitations of atomic models;
• elementary structure of the atom;
• atomic energy levels;
• atomic spectra.

You should understand the differences between atomic models and identify their limitations.

Thermionic and Photoelectric Emission

Study:

• thermionic emission;
• photoelectric emission;
• Einstein’s photoelectric equation;
• stopping potential;
• applications of thermionic emission;
• applications of the photoelectric effect.

Focus on distinguishing thermionic emission from photoelectric emission and solving numerical problems involving Einstein’s equation and stopping potential.

X-Rays

This section covers:

• simple production of X-rays;
• properties of X-rays;
• applications of X-rays.

You should understand the basic process involved in producing X-rays and recognize their major properties and uses.

Radioactivity

Important areas include:

• elementary radioactivity;
• stable and unstable nuclei;
• isotopes;
• alpha radiation;
• beta radiation;
• gamma radiation;
• half-life;
• decay constant.

Focus on comparing the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation and understanding the relationship between half-life and decay constant.

Nuclear Energy

Study:

• nuclear fusion;
• nuclear fission;
• binding energy;
• mass defect;
• Einstein’s energy equation.

The relationship between mass and energy is expressed as:

ΔE = ΔMc²

You should be able to determine quantities such as binding energy and mass defect where required.

Wave-Particle Duality

This area covers:

• wave-particle duality of matter;
• electron diffraction;
• uncertainty principle.

Focus on understanding how matter can show both wave-like and particle-like behaviour and practise the required numerical applications of the uncertainty principle.

Introductory Electronics

Electronics covers the electrical behaviour of different materials.

Study the differences between:

• conductors;
• semiconductors;
• insulators.

You should also understand:

• intrinsic semiconductors;
• extrinsic semiconductors;
• electron carriers;
• hole carriers;
• N-type semiconductors;
• P-type semiconductors;
• diodes;
• transistors.

Important applications include:

• diodes in rectification;
• transistors in amplification.

Focus on identifying the properties of semiconductor materials and understanding the basic functions of diodes and transistors.

How to Use the JAMB Physics Syllabus for Revision

Use the JAMB Physics syllabus as a checklist and revise one major section at a time.

Read also: JAMB Area of Concentration for Physics Subject 2027/2028

Start with areas such as:

• measurements and units;
• motion and forces;
• work, energy and power;
• thermal physics;
• waves and sound;
• light and optics;
• electricity and magnetism;
• modern Physics;
• electronics.

For each topic, make sure you understand the concepts, laws, definitions, equations and applications involved.

Physics also requires regular numerical practice. After studying a topic, solve questions involving the relevant quantities and equations instead of only reading the theory.

Pay special attention to areas that require you to:

• interpret graphs;
• identify relationships between physical quantities;
• apply physical laws;
• convert units correctly;
• use equations accurately;
• solve numerical problems;
• explain practical applications of Physics concepts.

For topics such as motion, work and energy, pressure, heat, waves, optics, electricity and modern Physics, combine your theoretical understanding with calculation practice.

You should also revise the use of measuring instruments and understand the level of accuracy associated with different measurements.

When studying vectors, forces, motion, optics and electricity, practise diagrams and graphical methods where required.

Use the objectives under each syllabus topic to check whether you can identify, distinguish, explain, calculate, interpret and apply the concepts you have studied.

Regular revision across all sections will help you build the accuracy, precision and problem-solving ability needed in Physics.

Recommended Texts for JAMB Physics

The recommended textbooks for Physics include:

1. Ike, E. E. (2014), Essential Principles of Physics. Jos: ENIC Publishers.
2. Ike, E. E. (2014), Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics. Jos: ENIC Publishers.
3. Nelson, M. (1977), Fundamentals of Physics. Great Britain: Hart Davis Education.

Read also: Full List of JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Physics 2027/2028

These books can support your study of Physics concepts, calculations, laws, graphs, practical applications and numerical problem-solving across the major syllabus areas.

Key Points to Remember

• The JAMB Physics syllabus covers mechanics, heat, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, modern Physics and electronics.
• Measurement topics include length, area, volume, mass, time, units, dimensions, errors and significant figures.
• Understand the difference between scalar and vector quantities and how vectors are resolved into perpendicular components.
• Motion covers speed, velocity, acceleration, projectiles, Newton’s laws, momentum, circular motion and simple harmonic motion.
• Gravitational-field topics include universal gravitation, gravitational potential, acceleration due to gravity, mass, weight and escape velocity.
• Equilibrium requires knowledge of moments, Lami’s theorem, resultant forces, centre of gravity and stability.
• Work, energy and power involve both concepts and numerical calculations, including the principle of conservation of energy.
• Friction, simple machines and elasticity include coefficient of friction, mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, efficiency, Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus.
• Fluid mechanics covers pressure, density, upthrust, Archimedes’ principle and the law of floatation.
• Thermal Physics includes temperature, thermal expansion, gas laws, specific heat capacity, latent heat, vapours and humidity.
• The structure of matter section includes atoms, molecules, Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension and kinetic theory.
• Heat is transferred through conduction, convection and radiation.
• For waves, know the relationship V = fλ and understand reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, beats and the Doppler effect.
• Sound topics include echoes, reverberation, pitch, loudness, intensity, resonance and air columns.
• Optics covers reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses, prisms, optical instruments, colours and the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Electricity includes electrostatics, capacitors, cells, Ohm’s law, resistance, potentiometers, electrical networks, energy and power.
• Magnetism covers magnetic fields, Earth’s magnetic field, force on current-carrying conductors, motors and electromagnets.
• Electromagnetic induction includes Faraday’s laws, Lenz’s law, generators, transformers, inductance and eddy currents.
• A.C. circuits require understanding of RMS values, reactance, impedance, phase angle, power factor and resonance.
• Modern Physics covers atomic structure, photoelectric emission, X-rays, radioactivity, nuclear energy, wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle.
• Introductory electronics includes semiconductors, N-type and P-type materials, diodes, transistors, rectification and amplification.
• Do not rely on memorizing formulas alone. Understand what each quantity means and practise applying equations correctly in numerical problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The JAMB Physics syllabus 2027/2028 covers a wide range of topics, from measurements, motion and energy to heat, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, modern Physics and electronics.

To prepare effectively, study each topic together with its objectives and make sure you understand the important:

• concepts;
• laws;
• definitions;
• equations;
• graphs;
• diagrams;
• practical applications.

Physics also requires regular calculation practice. Do not only memorize formulas. Understand what each quantity means, know the correct units and practise applying the right equation to different problems.

You can use the JAMB Physics syllabus PDF as a revision checklist and mark each topic after you have studied the theory and practised the related numerical questions.

With steady revision across all the major sections, you can build the accuracy, understanding and problem-solving skills required for Physics.