JAMB Area of Concentration for Physics Subject 2027/2028

The JAMB Area of Concentration for Physics Subject 2027/2028 shows the main Physics topics you need to study and the skills you should develop for the examination.

Physics is not only about knowing definitions and laws. You should also be able to understand physical concepts, interpret information, use formulas correctly, read graphs and solve numerical problems.

The topics cover major areas such as measurements, motion, forces, energy, heat, waves, light, electricity, magnetism, modern Physics and electronics. Some areas mainly require a clear understanding of ideas, while others need regular calculation and practical problem-solving.

As you study each topic, pay attention to what you should know and what you should be able to do. This will help you use the JAMB Physics topics as a clear guide for your revision.

Read also: Physics JAMB Syllabus 2026/2027 Downlaod PDF

Measurements, Vectors and Mechanics

Measurements and mechanics form a large part of Physics. In this area, you need to understand how physical quantities are measured, how objects move, how forces act and how energy is transferred.

Many of these topics also involve calculations, graphs, units and practical measurement skills.

Measurements and Units

Physics measurements include length, area, volume, mass and time.

For length, area and volume, you should know how to use instruments such as:

• metre rule;
• Vernier calipers;
• micrometer screw gauge;
• measuring cylinder.

You should be able to choose a suitable measuring instrument and use it to determine the dimensions of regular and irregular objects.

For mass, know the correct unit and how a simple beam balance is used. You should also understand the basic idea behind the operation of a beam balance.

For time, know the unit of time and the different devices used for measuring it.

You also need to distinguish between fundamental physical quantities and derived physical quantities. Fundamental quantities have basic units, while derived quantities are obtained by combining fundamental quantities.

Dimensions are also important. You should be able to determine the dimensions of physical quantities, use dimensions to find units and test whether an equation is dimensionally consistent.

Measurement is never perfectly exact. You should understand:

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

You also need to understand position, distance and displacement. Distance tells you how far an object has travelled, while displacement includes both distance and direction.

You should know how to use coordinates to describe positions, locate points using a compass and protractor, work with an x-y coordinate system and draw or interpret simple graphs.

Scalars and Vectors

Physical quantities can be divided into scalars and vectors.

A scalar quantity has magnitude only. A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.

You should be able to identify examples of both and distinguish between them.

You also need to know how to:

• determine the resultant of two or more vectors;
• calculate relative velocity;
• resolve a vector into two perpendicular components;
• solve simple vector problems using graphical methods.

Vector knowledge becomes useful when you study forces, motion and equilibrium.

Motion

Motion describes the change in position of an object.

You should recognize different types of motion, including:

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

You should also understand relative motion and the role of force in producing or changing motion.

Forces may be contact forces or field forces. Push and pull are examples of contact actions, while gravitational, electric and magnetic attractions are examples of field forces.

In linear motion, you need a clear understanding of speed, velocity and acceleration.

You should be able to use the equations of uniformly accelerated motion and solve numerical problems involving motion under gravity.

Graphs are also important. Practise how to interpret:

• distance-time graphs;
• velocity-time graphs.

You should be able to obtain useful information from these graphs and work with instantaneous velocity and acceleration.

Projectile Motion

Projectile motion involves an object moving through the air under gravity.

You should be able to work with:

• range;
• maximum height;
• time of flight.

You need to understand the expressions used for these quantities and solve numerical problems involving projectiles launched from the ground or from a height.

Newton’s Laws, Impulse and Momentum

Newton’s laws explain how forces affect the motion of objects.

You should understand the relationship between inertia, mass, force and acceleration.

Impulse and momentum are also important. You should be able to solve problems involving momentum and understand the law of conservation of linear momentum.

Force-time graphs may also be used. You should know how to interpret the area under such a graph.

Circular Motion

For motion in a circle, study:

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

You should be able to establish the main relationships and solve numerical problems.

Simple Harmonic Motion

Simple Harmonic Motion, or S.H.M., is a repeated type of motion about an equilibrium position.

You should know examples of systems that perform S.H.M. and understand:

• period;
• frequency;
• amplitude;
• velocity;
• acceleration;
• energy changes.

You should also study forced vibration and resonance, including examples and applications of resonance.

Gravitational Field

A gravitational field exists around a body with mass.

You should understand Newton’s law of universal gravitation and apply it to problems involving the gravitational force between bodies.

Other areas to study include:

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

Be careful not to treat mass and weight as the same quantity. You should be able to distinguish between them clearly.

Equilibrium of Forces

An object is in equilibrium when the forces acting on it are balanced.

For particles, study the equilibrium of coplanar forces and learn how to solve problems using:

• triangle law of forces;
• polygon law of forces;
• Lami’s theorem.

You also need to understand the principle of moments.

Study moment of a force, moment of a couple and their applications. You should be able to calculate moments and apply the conditions required for a rigid body to remain in equilibrium.

For forces acting in different directions, practise resolving them into perpendicular components and finding the resultant and equilibrant.

Centre of gravity and stability are also part of this area. You should distinguish between:

• stable equilibrium;
• unstable equilibrium;
• neutral equilibrium.

Work, Energy and Power

Work, energy and power are closely related.

You should be able to distinguish between them and identify different forms of energy.

Study the principle of conservation of energy and how energy can change from one form to another.

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

Energy and Society

Energy is also studied in relation to its use in society.

You should know different energy sources and distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy.

Areas to cover include:

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

You should understand environmental issues connected with energy, including global warming, greenhouse effects and oil spillage.

Dams, nuclear energy and solar energy are also included. For solar energy, know the uses of solar collectors and solar panels.

Friction

Friction is a force that opposes relative motion between surfaces.

You should distinguish between static friction and dynamic friction.

Study the coefficient of limiting friction and how it can be determined. You should also understand the advantages and disadvantages of friction and ways of reducing it.

Viscosity and terminal velocity are connected with the resistance experienced by objects moving through fluids. You should know the factors that affect them and be able to apply Stoke’s law where required.

Simple Machines

Simple machines make it easier to perform work.

You should identify different types of simple machines and understand:

• mechanical advantage;
• velocity ratio;
• efficiency.

Numerical problems involving these quantities are important, so you should know how they are related and how to use them correctly.

Elasticity

Elasticity deals with how materials respond when forces stretch or compress them.

You should understand:

• elastic limit;
• yield point;
• breaking point;
• Hooke’s law;
• Young’s modulus.

You should also be able to interpret a force-extension curve.

A spring balance can be used for measuring force, and you should understand how it works. You also need to determine work done in springs and elastic strings where required.

Fluids and Thermal Physics

Fluids and thermal Physics deal with pressure, liquids, temperature, heat and the behaviour of matter when temperature changes.

Some topics in this section are mainly conceptual, while others involve formulas, measurements and numerical calculations.

Pressure

Pressure describes how force acts over an area.

You should know the SI unit of pressure, the pascal (Pa), and be able to identify instruments used for measuring pressure.

For atmospheric pressure, study:

• simple mercury barometer;
• aneroid barometer;
• manometer;
• variation of pressure with height;
• use of a barometer as an altimeter.

You should understand that atmospheric pressure changes with height and know how a barometer can be used to estimate altitude.

For pressure in liquids, pay attention to the relationship:

P = ρgh

This relates pressure to the density of the liquid, depth and acceleration due to gravity.

You should also understand Pascal’s principle, which explains the transmission of pressure in liquids, and be able to apply it when solving problems.

Liquids at Rest

In this area, you need to understand density, relative density and upthrust.

Density describes the amount of mass contained in a given volume, while relative density compares the density of a substance with the density of a reference substance.

You should be able to determine the density of solids and liquids and distinguish density from relative density.

When a body is immersed in a liquid, it experiences an upward force called upthrust.

Study Archimedes’ principle and the law of floatation. You should be able to apply these ideas to situations involving floating objects, ships and hydrometers.

Numerical problems may require you to determine upthrust or apply the conditions for floatation.

Temperature and Its Measurement

Temperature tells us how hot or cold a body is.

You should understand thermometric properties, which are physical properties that change with temperature and can be used in thermometers.

You also need to know how thermometers are calibrated.

The main temperature scales covered here are:

• Celsius;
• Kelvin.

You should be able to distinguish between these scales and convert temperature values from one scale to another.

Different thermometers are designed for different purposes, so you should also be able to compare their types and the thermometric properties they use.

Thermal Expansion

Most substances expand when heated and contract when cooled.

For solids, study:

• linear expansivity;
• area expansivity;
• volume expansivity.

You should understand how these quantities are determined and how they are related.

Thermal expansion has practical effects. For example, expansion must be considered in structures such as buildings and railway lines.

For liquids, you should understand:

• volume expansivity;
• real expansivity;
• apparent expansivity.

You should know the difference between real and apparent expansion and be able to work with the relationships between them.

Another important area is the anomalous expansion of water. You should understand how the behaviour of water differs from the usual expansion pattern of many liquids.

Gas Laws

Gas laws describe how the pressure, volume and temperature of a gas are related.

You should study:

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

You should know the conditions under which the main gas laws apply and be able to use their expressions correctly.

This is an important calculation area. Practise solving numerical problems involving changes in pressure, volume and temperature.

You should also understand the ideal gas equation and the basic meaning of the Van der Waals equation for a real gas.

Quantity of Heat

Heat is a form of energy.

You should distinguish between heat capacity and specific heat capacity.

Heat capacity refers to the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a body by a given amount, while specific heat capacity relates this heating effect to a unit mass of the substance.

You should know simple methods used to determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity, including:

• method of mixtures;
• electrical method.

You should also understand the basic idea of Newton’s law of cooling.

This topic includes calculations, so you should be able to solve numerical problems involving heat capacity and specific heat capacity.

Change of State

Matter can change from one physical state to another.

You should understand:

• melting;
• evaporation;
• boiling;
• fusion;
• vaporization.

You also need to distinguish latent heat from specific latent heat.

Specific latent heat may be considered for fusion or vaporization, depending on the change of state involved.

You should understand how pressure and dissolved substances can affect melting and boiling points.

This area can involve numerical problems, especially where heat is absorbed or released during a change of state.

Vapours and Humidity

A vapour may be saturated or unsaturated.

You should be able to distinguish between the two and understand the relationship between saturated vapour pressure and boiling point.

Study how saturated vapour pressure can be determined using the barometer tube method.

You also need to understand the formation of:

• dew;
• mist;
• fog;
• rain.

Important terms in this area include dew point, humidity and relative humidity.

You should know the difference between them and understand how the humidity of the atmosphere can be estimated using wet and dry bulb hygrometers.

Numerical problems may also involve humidity and related quantities.

Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory

Matter is made up of very small particles.

You should distinguish between atoms and molecules and understand how molecular theory explains the behaviour of matter.

Important ideas include:

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

You should understand these ideas well enough to explain them using the molecular nature of matter.

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

You should know the main assumptions of the kinetic theory and use them to explain physical changes and gas behaviour.

This includes explanations of:

• pressure exerted by gases;
• Boyle’s law;
• Charles’ law;
• melting;
• boiling;
• vaporization;
• evaporation;
• changes in temperature.

Heat Transfer

Heat can be transferred in three main ways:

• conduction;
• convection;
• radiation.

You should clearly distinguish between these three modes of heat transfer.

For conduction, you should understand:

• temperature gradient;
• thermal conductivity;
• heat flux.

You should be able to compare the thermal conductivities of common materials and solve problems involving these quantities where required.

For radiation, understand how the nature of a surface affects the amount of energy it absorbs and emits.

You should also study how the different methods of heat transfer are applied in everyday situations.

The thermos flask is an important example. You should be able to relate its different parts to the methods used to reduce heat transfer.

Land and sea breezes are another application of heat transfer. You should understand how heating differences between land and water produce these movements of air.

You should also understand the basic principles involved in the operation of internal combustion engines, jet engines and rockets.

Waves, Sound and Light

Waves, sound and light are important areas of Physics because they explain how energy travels from one place to another.

You need to understand the basic properties of waves, how sound behaves, and how light is reflected, refracted and used in optical instruments.

Waves

A wave is a way of transferring energy without transferring matter from one place to another.

You should understand how waves are produced and how they move.

Important areas include:

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

You should be able to use the relationship:

v = fλ

where wave velocity depends on frequency and wavelength.

You should also understand the progressive wave equation and use it to determine basic wave quantities.

Types of Waves

Waves can be classified in different ways.

You should distinguish between:

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

You should also recognize examples of waves produced by springs, ropes, stretched strings and ripple tanks.

Properties of Waves

Important wave properties include:

• reflection;
• refraction;
• diffraction;
• plane polarization;
• superposition;
• interference.

You should be able to distinguish between these properties and explain how they affect wave behaviour.

You should also study beats and understand beat frequency and its uses.

The Doppler effect should be understood qualitatively, including how an observed sound frequency can change when there is relative motion between a source and an observer.

Propagation of Sound Waves

Sound requires a material medium to travel.

You should understand why sound cannot travel without a medium and compare how fast sound travels in:

• solids;
• liquids;
• air.

You should also know how temperature and pressure can affect the speed of sound in air.

Reflection of Sound

Sound can be reflected.

Two important effects of reflected sound are:

• echo;
• reverberation.

You should understand their meanings, applications, advantages and disadvantages.

You should also be able to solve numerical problems involving echoes, reverberation and the speed of sound.

Characteristics of Sound

Sound can be described using several properties.

You should distinguish between noise and musical notes.

You should also understand:

• quality;
• pitch;
• intensity;
• loudness.

These properties help explain how musical instruments produce different sounds.

You should understand simple ideas about overtones produced by vibrating strings and air columns.

Resonance is also important in sound. You should recognize examples of acoustic resonance and understand how it occurs.

For air columns, study the frequencies produced in open and closed pipes and how those frequencies depend on the length of the air column.

Light Energy

Light may come from natural or artificial sources.

You should distinguish between:

• natural and artificial sources of light;
• luminous and non-luminous objects.

You should also understand the relationship between the speed, frequency and wavelength of light.

Other important areas include:

• formation of shadows;
• eclipses;
• operation of a pinhole camera.

You should be able to solve simple problems connected with the operation of a pinhole camera.

Reflection of Light

Reflection occurs when light strikes a surface and returns into the same medium.

You should understand the laws of reflection.

You also need to study image formation by:

• plane mirrors;
• concave mirrors;
• convex mirrors.

Ray diagrams are important here.

You should be able to draw or interpret them and use them to understand how images are formed.

You should also know how to use the mirror formula to solve numerical problems and determine linear magnification.

Applications of reflection include devices such as:

• periscope;
• kaleidoscope;
• sextant.

Refraction of Light

Refraction happens when light passes from one medium into another and changes direction because its speed changes.

You should understand the laws of refraction and the meaning of refractive index.

You should be able to determine refractive index using Snell’s law.

Other areas include:

• real and apparent depth;
• lateral displacement;
• critical angle;
• total internal reflection.

You should understand the conditions required for total internal reflection and how the idea is applied in optical devices.

Examples include:

• prisms;
• binoculars;
• optical fibres.

You should also understand how total internal reflection can help explain the formation of a mirage.

Glass Prisms and Lenses

For prisms, study the relationship involving minimum deviation and refractive index.

You should be able to calculate the refractive index of a glass prism using the appropriate expression.

For lenses, understand different types of lenses and image formation.

You should be able to use:

• lens formula;
• ray diagrams;
• magnification relationships.

Numerical problems involving lenses are an important part of this area.

Optical Instruments

Optical instruments use lenses or mirrors to form images.

You should understand the basic principles of:

• microscopes;
• telescopes;
• projectors;
• cameras;
• the human eye.

You should also understand power of a lens and be able to calculate it.

Other areas include:

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

You should be able to distinguish between the human eye and a camera in terms of how they form images.

Dispersion and Colours

White light can be separated into different colours.

You should understand the dispersion of white light by a triangular prism and how a pure spectrum is produced.

You should also study:

• primary colours;
• secondary colours;
• colour mixing by addition;
• colour mixing by subtraction;
• colour of objects;
• colour filters;
• formation of a rainbow.

You should be able to explain why objects appear in different colours and how colour filters affect the light that passes through them.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum contains different types of electromagnetic radiation.

You should understand how the different parts of the spectrum relate to:

• wavelength;
• source;
• detection;
• use.

You should be able to compare the different types of electromagnetic radiation and recognize their common applications.

Electricity and Magnetism

Electricity and magnetism cover electric charges, electric circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic effects and alternating current.

This part of Physics involves both theory and calculations. You should understand the meaning of the main quantities and also know how to apply the correct relationships when solving problems.

Electrostatics

Electrostatics deals with electric charges at rest.

You should understand the existence of positive and negative charges in matter and know how a body can be charged by:

• friction;
• contact;
• induction.

You should also understand the use of an electroscope and how it can help detect electric charge.

Another important area is Coulomb’s inverse square law. You should know how to apply it when solving problems involving forces between electric charges.

You also need to understand:

• electric field;
• electric field intensity;
• electric potential;
• potential difference;
• electric field patterns.

You should be able to recognize the field patterns around isolated and interacting charges.

Electric discharge and lightning are also included. You should understand how charges are distributed on conductors and how this idea is applied in lightning conductors.

Capacitors

A capacitor is used to store electric charge and electrical energy.

You should know the different types and functions of capacitors.

For a parallel plate capacitor, study the factors that affect capacitance, including:

• area of the plates;
• distance between the plates;
• material between the plates.

You should understand the meaning of capacitance and know how to determine it.

Capacitors may also be connected:

• in series;
• in parallel.

You should be able to solve problems involving these arrangements and determine the energy stored in a capacitor.

Electric Cells

Electric cells provide electrical energy in a circuit.

You should study the simple voltaic cell, including its defects and how those defects can be corrected.

Other cells include:

• Daniel cell;
• Leclanche cell;
• lead-acid accumulator;
• Nickel-Iron accumulator;
• Lithium-Iron cell;
• Mercury-Cadmium cell.

You should be able to compare different types of cells and understand their main uses and advantages.

You should also study:

• maintenance of cells and batteries;
• arrangement of cells;
• efficiency of a cell.

Cells may be connected in different arrangements, and you should be able to solve problems involving series and parallel combinations.

Current Electricity

Current electricity deals with the movement of electric charge through a conductor.

Important quantities include:

• electromotive force, or EMF;
• potential difference;
• electric current;
• internal resistance;
• lost volts.

You should clearly distinguish between these quantities.

Ohm’s Law and Resistance

Ohm’s law describes the relationship between current, potential difference and resistance under suitable conditions.

You should be able to apply Ohm’s law to numerical problems.

You should also understand how resistance can be measured.

Important areas include:

• metre bridge;
• resistors in series;
• resistors in parallel;
• combinations of resistors;
• resistivity;
• conductivity.

You should be able to determine the effective resistance of series and parallel arrangements.

The potentiometer is also important. You should understand how it can be used to measure EMF, current and the internal resistance of a cell.

You should also know the advantages of using a potentiometer.

Electrical networks may involve Kirchhoff’s law, so you should understand how the law is applied when analysing circuits.

Electrical Energy and Power

Electrical energy is the energy supplied or used in an electrical system.

You should understand electrical power and be able to use the relevant expressions to solve problems involving electrical energy and power.

You also need to study:

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

You should understand how electrical power is transmitted from a power station to consumers.

The heating effect of current has several uses, and you should be able to identify them.

For domestic wiring, understand why appliances are commonly connected in parallel rather than in series.

You should also know how to determine an appropriate fuse rating.

Magnets and Magnetic Fields

You should distinguish between natural and artificial magnets.

Study the magnetic properties of soft iron and steel and understand why they behave differently.

You also need to know the methods used to:

• make magnets;
• demagnetize magnets;
• protect magnets from losing their magnetism.

A magnetic field is the region in which magnetic effects can be detected.

You should study the magnetic fields produced by:

• permanent magnets;
• straight current-carrying conductors;
• circular current-carrying wires;
• solenoids.

You should be able to recognize and interpret magnetic field patterns.

Earth’s Magnetic Field

The Earth behaves as though it has a magnetic field.

You should understand:

• north and south magnetic poles;
• magnetic meridian;
• angle of dip;
• magnetic declination;
• magnetic flux;
• flux density.

You should also understand how the Earth’s magnetic field varies over its surface.

Applications include navigation and mineral exploration.

Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

A current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field can experience a force.

You should know how to determine the direction of this force using Fleming’s left-hand rule.

You should also understand the forces between two parallel current-carrying conductors.

For a charged particle moving through a magnetic field, you should understand the relationship between:

• force;
• magnetic field strength;
• velocity of the charge;
• angle at which the charge enters the field.

DC Motor and Electromagnets

The DC motor operates using the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.

You should understand its basic working principle.

Electromagnets are also important. You should understand how they work and recognize examples of their applications.

Other devices and instruments in this area include:

• carbon microphone;
• moving-coil instruments;
• moving-iron instruments;
• galvanometer.

You should be able to compare moving-coil and moving-iron instruments.

You should also understand how a galvanometer can be converted into:

• an ammeter;
• a voltmeter.

The factors that affect the sensitivity of a galvanometer should also be studied.

Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction occurs when a changing magnetic field produces an induced EMF.

You should understand Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction and identify the factors that affect the size of the induced EMF.

You should also study Lenz’s law and understand how it agrees with the principle of conservation of energy.

Important devices based on electromagnetic induction include:

• AC generators;
• DC generators;
• transformers;
• induction coils.

You should understand the basic operating principles of these devices.

Transformers

You should identify different types of transformers and understand how they operate.

The basic relationship between the input and output sides of a transformer should be understood.

You should also be able to relate transformer action to electromagnetic induction.

Inductance

Inductance describes the ability of a conductor or coil to oppose changes in current through electromagnetic effects.

You should understand:

• meaning of inductance;
• unit of inductance;
• energy stored in an inductor;
• uses of inductors.

You should also be able to calculate the effective total inductance for inductors connected in series or parallel where required.

Eddy Currents

Eddy currents are currents induced inside conductors when the magnetic environment changes.

You should understand how eddy-current losses can be reduced and identify situations where eddy currents are useful.

Simple AC Circuits

Alternating current, or AC, changes direction with time.

You should understand the difference between AC and DC and know the meaning of AC voltage and current.

Important quantities include:

• peak value;
• RMS value;
• phase difference.

You should be able to distinguish between peak and RMS values.

Resistance, Reactance and Impedance

In AC circuits, you may have a resistor, capacitor or inductor connected to the source.

You should understand:

• resistance;
• capacitive reactance;
• inductive reactance;
• impedance.

You should also study series R-L-C circuits.

Vector diagrams may be used to show the relationships between voltage and current, so you should know how to interpret them.

Other areas include:

• phase angle;
• effective voltage;
• power factor;
• instantaneous power;
• average power.

Resonance in AC Circuits

Resonance occurs under a particular condition in an R-L-C circuit.

You should understand the condition for resonance and be able to determine the resonant frequency.

This area requires careful use of formulas and relationships between resistance, capacitance, inductance and frequency.

Conduction of Electricity Through Liquids

You should distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes.

Study the basic idea of electrolysis and understand Faraday’s laws of electrolysis.

You should be able to apply these laws when solving problems.

Applications of electrolysis include:

• electroplating;
• calibration of an ammeter.

Conduction of Electricity Through Gases

You should understand the basic idea of electrical discharge through gases.

Detailed treatment is not required, but you should be able to identify and explain some applications of conduction through gases.

Elementary Modern Physics and Electronics

Modern Physics introduces ideas about atoms, radiation, nuclear energy and the behaviour of very small particles. Electronics then looks at how materials such as semiconductors are used in devices like diodes and transistors.

You should understand the main ideas clearly and be ready to apply the relevant relationships in numerical problems.

Models and Structure of the Atom

You should study the main models of the atom and understand the limitations of each model.

You also need to understand the basic structure of the atom, including the particles found inside it.

Another important area is the arrangement of electrons in energy levels and the connection between energy levels and atomic spectra.

You should be able to distinguish between energy levels and spectra and explain how they relate to the behaviour of atoms.

Thermionic and Photoelectric Emission

Thermionic emission and photoelectric emission are two different ways in which electrons can be released.

You should be able to compare them.

For the photoelectric effect, study:

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

You should be able to use Einstein’s equation to solve numerical problems and determine stopping potential where required.

You should also understand some applications of both thermionic and photoelectric emissions.

X-Rays

You should understand the simple method used to produce X-rays.

You also need to know their main properties and applications.

Be able to explain the basic steps involved in X-ray production and identify situations where X-rays are used.

Radioactivity

Radioactivity involves changes in unstable atomic nuclei.

You should understand the difference between stable and unstable nuclei and know the meaning of isotopes.

The main types of radioactive radiation are:

• alpha;
• beta;
• gamma.

You should be able to compare their properties and applications.

Another important area is half-life.

You should understand the relationship between half-life and decay constant and be able to solve numerical problems involving radioactive decay.

Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Nuclear energy can be produced through fission and fusion.

You should understand the basic idea behind each one and be able to distinguish between them.

You should also study:

• binding energy;
• mass defect;
• Einstein’s energy equation.

The relationship:

ΔE = ΔMc²

connects a change in mass with the corresponding change in energy.

You should be able to apply this relationship when solving suitable numerical problems.

Wave-Particle Duality

Modern Physics shows that matter can display both particle-like and wave-like behaviour.

This is known as wave-particle duality.

You should understand the idea and how electron diffraction supports the wave behaviour of particles.

You should also study the uncertainty principle and be able to solve simple numerical problems connected with it.

Introductory Electronics

Electronics begins with the electrical behaviour of different materials.

You should distinguish between:

• conductors;
• semiconductors;
• insulators.

A simple knowledge of the band gap is required to help explain these differences.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors

A semiconductor may be intrinsic or extrinsic.

You should understand the difference between them.

You should also distinguish between:

• electron carriers;
• hole carriers.

Extrinsic semiconductors may be:

• N-type;
• P-type.

You should know how these two types differ.

Diodes and Transistors

You should understand the basic operation of diodes and transistors.

A diode is connected with rectification, while a transistor is connected with amplification.

You should be able to explain these uses and relate them to the behaviour of semiconductor materials.

How to Use the JAMB Physics Topics for Revision

Physics revision works best when you combine understanding with regular practice. Some topics require you to explain ideas, while others require calculations, graphs, measurements or interpretation.

Do not study the topic names alone. For each area, make sure you understand what you should be able to identify, explain, compare, calculate or apply.

Separate Theory from Calculation Topics

Some Physics topics are mainly based on understanding concepts and laws. Others require repeated numerical practice.

Calculation-heavy areas include:

• motion;
• projectiles;
• momentum;
• circular motion;
• gravitation;
• equilibrium;
• work, energy and power;
• pressure;
• gas laws;
• heat;
• waves;
• sound;
• mirrors and lenses;
• refraction;
• capacitors;
• current electricity;
• electrical power;
• electromagnetic induction;
• AC circuits;
• electrolysis;
• modern Physics.

For these areas, do not stop after reading the formulas. Practise using them in different problems and make sure you understand what each quantity represents.

Practise Measurement and Practical Skills

Physics also includes practical skills.

You should know how instruments such as the metre rule, Vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauge, measuring cylinder and beam balance are used.

Pay attention to:

• correct units;
• accuracy;
• measurement errors;
• significant figures;
• standard form.

You should also understand practical ideas connected with pressure instruments, thermometers, electrical measuring devices and optical systems.

Work on Graphs and Interpretation

Graphs appear in several Physics topics.

You should be comfortable interpreting:

• distance-time graphs;
• velocity-time graphs;
• force-time graphs;
• force-distance graphs;
• force-extension curves.

Do not only look at the shape of a graph. Practise identifying what its slope, area or other features represent where required.

Learn the Important Laws and Principles

Several Physics topics are built around laws and principles.

Examples include:

• Newton’s laws of motion;
• conservation of linear momentum;
• Newton’s law of universal gravitation;
• principle of moments;
• conservation of energy;
• Hooke’s law;
• Pascal’s principle;
• Archimedes’ principle;
• gas laws;
• laws of reflection and refraction;
• Coulomb’s law;
• Ohm’s law;
• Faraday’s laws;
• Lenz’s law;
• Faraday’s laws of electrolysis.

For each one, understand its meaning and know how to apply it where calculations are required.

Connect Related Topics

Many Physics topics are easier to understand when you study related areas together.

For example:

• study speed, velocity and acceleration with motion graphs;
• study forces with Newton’s laws, momentum and equilibrium;
• connect heat, temperature, expansion and gas laws;
• study waves, sound and light together;
• connect electrostatics, current electricity and capacitors;
• study magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and AC circuits as related areas.

Connecting topics can help you see how one idea is used in another part of Physics.

Pay Attention to Units and Formulas

Always check the units of the quantities in a calculation.

A correct method can still give a wrong answer if the units are not handled properly.

You should also understand dimensions and how they can be used to check whether a physical equation is consistent.

When revising formulas, focus on:

• the quantities involved;
• their units;
• the conditions under which the formula applies;
• how to rearrange the formula correctly.

Combine Reading with Problem Solving

Reading alone is not enough for calculation-based Physics.

After studying a topic, practise questions that require you to:

• identify quantities;
• choose the correct relationship;
• substitute values correctly;
• calculate accurately;
• state the correct unit;
• interpret the final answer.

For theory areas, practise explaining ideas in simple words and distinguishing between closely related terms.

Using this approach will help you cover both the conceptual and numerical parts of the JAMB Physics topics without treating revision as memorization alone.

Recommended Texts for JAMB Physics

The following books can support your JAMB Physics revision:

• Ike E. E. (2014), Essential Principles of Physics, ENIC Publishers.
• Ike E. E. (2014), Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, ENIC Publishers.
• Nelson M. (1977), Fundamentals of Physics, Hart Davis Education.

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

You can use these texts to support your understanding of the main topics and to practise numerical Physics problems.

Key Points to Remember

• Measurements and mechanics cover units, dimensions, vectors, motion, forces, gravitation, equilibrium, energy, friction, machines and elasticity.
• Fluids and thermal Physics include pressure, density, temperature, expansion, gas laws, heat, vapours, kinetic theory and heat transfer.
• Waves and sound require you to understand wave properties, sound propagation, echoes, resonance, frequency and related calculations.
• Light and optics cover reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses, optical instruments, colours and the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Electricity and magnetism include electrostatics, capacitors, cells, current electricity, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and AC circuits.
• Modern Physics and electronics cover atomic structure, radioactivity, nuclear energy, wave-particle duality, semiconductors, diodes and transistors.
• Give enough attention to numerical problems, especially in motion, energy, pressure, gas laws, waves, optics and electricity.
• Practise graphs, measurements and interpretation, not only definitions and formulas.
• Know the important laws, principles, units and relationships and understand when they should be applied.
• Physics revision should combine clear understanding with regular problem solving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The JAMB Area of Concentration for Physics Subject 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 well, make sure you understand the main concepts, laws and relationships under each topic. You should also practise numerical problems, graphs, measurements, formulas and interpretation, because Physics requires both knowledge and application.

Use the topics as a guide for your revision and give more practice time to areas that involve calculations or practical skills.

If you have any questions about the JAMB Physics topics, you can ask in the comment section. You can also share this guide with other students who may find it useful.