WAEC SYLLABUS 2019

PHYSICS

PREAMBLE

The syllabus is evolved from the Senior Secondary School teaching syllabus and is intended to indicate the scope of the course for Physics examination.

It is structured with the conceptual approach. The broad concepts of matter, position, motion and time; energy; waves; fields; Atomic and Nuclear Physics, electronics are considered and each concept forms a part on which other sub-concepts are further based.

AIMS

The aims of the syllabus are to enable candidates

• acquire proper understanding of the basic principles and applications of Physics;

• develop scientific skills and attitudes as pre-requisites for further scientific activities;

• recognize the usefulness, and limitations of scientific method to appreciate its applicability ion other disciplines and in every life;

• develop abilities, attitudes and skills that encourage efficient and safe practice;

• develop scientific attitudes such as accuracy, precision, objectivity, integrity, initiative and inventiveness.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

The following activities appropriate to Physics will be tested:

• Acquisition of knowledge and understanding:

Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

• Scientific phenomena, facts laws, definitions, concepts and theories;

• Scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units);

• The use of scientific apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety;
• Scientific quantities and their determinations;

• Scientific and technological applications with their social economic and environmental implications.

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• Information Handling and Problem-solving

Candidates should be able, using visual, oral, aural and written (including symbolic, diagrammatic, graphical and numerical) information to

• locate select, organize and present information from a variety of sources including everyday experience;

• analyse and evaluate information and other data;

• use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw inferences;

• present reasonable explanations for natural occurrences, patterns and relationships;

• make predictions from data.

• Experimental and Problem-Solving Techniques Candidates should be able to

• follow instructions;

• carry out experimental procedures using apparatus;

• make and record observations, measurements and estimates with due regard to precision, accuracy and units;

• interpret, evaluate and report on observations and experimental data;

• identify problems, plan and carry out investigations, including the selection of techniques, apparatus, measuring devices and materials;

• evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements;

• state and explain the necessary precautions taken in experiments to obtain accurate results.

SCHEME OF EXAMINATION

There will be THREE papers, Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2 will be a composite paper to be taken at one sitting.

PAPER 1: Will consist of fifty multiple choice questions lasting 1¼ hours and carrying 50 marks.

PAPER 2: Will consist of two sections, Sections A and B lasting1½ hours and carrying 60 marks.

Section A – Will comprise seven short-structured questions. Candidates will be required to answer any five questions for a total of 15 marks. Section B – Will comprise five essay questions out of which candidates will be required to answer any three for 45 marks.

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PAPER 3: Will be a practical test for school candidates or an alternative to practical work paper for private candidates. Each version of the paper will comprise three questions out of which candidates will be required to answer any two in 2¾ hours for 50 marks.

DETAILED SYLLABUS

It is important that candidates are involved in practical activities in covering this syllabus. Candidates will be expected to answer questions on the topics set in the column headed ‘ TOPIC’. The ‘NOTES’ are intended to indicate the scope of the questions which will be set but they are not to be considered as an exhaustive list of limitations and illustrations.

NOTE: Questions will be set in S.I. units. However, multiples or sub-multiples of the units may be used.

PART 1

INTERACTION OF MATTER, SPACE & TIME

	TOPICS		NOTES
1. Concepts of matter			Simple structure of matter should be discussed.
			Three physics states of matter, namely solid,
			liquid and gas should be treated. Evidence of
			the particle nature of matter e.g. Brownian
			motion experiment, Kinetic theory of matter.
			Use of the theory to explain; states of matter
			(solid, liquid and gas), pressure in a gas,
			evaporation and boiling; cohesion, adhesion,
			capillarity. Crystalline and amorphous
			substances to be compared (Arrangement of
			atoms in crystalline structure to be described e.g.
			face centred, body centred.
2. Fundamental and derived quantities and			Length, mass, time, electric current luminous
units			intensity, thermodynamic temperature, amount
(a)	Fundamental quantities and units		of substance as examples of fundamental
			quantities and m, kg, s, A, cd, K and mol as their
			respective units.
(b)	Derived quantities and units		Volume, density and speed as derived quantities
			and m3, kgm-3 and ms-1 as their respective units.
3. Position, distance and displacement.
(a) Concept of position as a location of			Position of objects in space using the X,Y,Z
	point-rectangular coordinates.		axes should be mentioned.
(b)	Measurement of distance
			Use of string, metre rule, vernier calipers and
		3

• Concept of direction as a way of locating a point –bearing

• Distinction between distance and displacement.

micrometer screw gauge. Degree of accuracy should be noted. Metre (m) as unit of distance.

Use of compass and a protractor.

Graphical location and directions by axes to be stressed.

			TOPICS		NOTES
4.	Mass and weight				Use of lever balance and chemical/beam balance
					to measure mass and spring balance to measure
					weight. Mention should be made of
					electronic/digital balance.
	Distinction between mass and weight				Kilogram (kg) as unit of mass and newton (N) as
					unit of weight.
5.	Time
	(a)	Concept of time as interval between			The use of heart-beat, sand-clock, ticker-timer,
		physical events			pendulum and stopwatch/clock.
	(b)	Measurement of time			Second(s) as unit of time.
6.	Fluid at rest
	(a)	Volume, density and relative density			Experimental determination for solids and
					liquids.
	(b)	Pressure in fluids			Concept and definition of pressure. Pascal’s
					principle, application of principle to hydraulic
					press and car brakes. Dependence of pressure
					on the depth of a point below a liquid surface.
					Atmospheric pressure. Simple barometer,
					manometer, siphon, syringe and pump.
					Determination of the relative density of liquids
					with U-tube and Hare’s apparatus.
	(c)	Equilibrium of bodies			Identification of the forces acting on a body
					partially or completely immersed in a fluid.
		(i)	Archimedes’ principle		Use of the principle to determine the relative
					densities of solids and liquids.
		(ii)	Law of flotation		Establishing the conditions for a body to float in
				4

			a fluid. Applications in hydrometer, balloons,
			boats, ships, submarines etc.
	TOPICS		NOTES
7. Motion
(a)	Types of motion:	Only qualitative treatment is required.
	Random, rectilinear, translational,	Illustration should be given for the various types of
	Rotational, circular, orbital, spin,	motion.
	Oscillatory.
(b)	Relative motion	Numerical problems on co-linear motion may be set.
(c)	Cause of motion	Force as cause of motion.

• Types of force:

(i)	Contact force	Push and pull
(ii) Non-contact force(field force)
		These are field forces namely; electric and magnetic
		attractions and repulsions; gravitational pull.
		Frictional force between two stationary bodies
(e)	Solid friction	(static) and between two bodies in relative motion
		(dynamic). Coefficients of limiting friction and their
		determinations. Advantages of friction e.g. in
		locomotion, friction belt, grindstone. Disadvantages
		of friction e.g reduction of efficiency, wear and tear
		of machines. Methods of reducing friction; e.g. use
		of ball bearings, rollers, streamlining and lubrication.
		Definition and effects. Simple explanation as
		extension of friction in fluids. Fluid friction and its
(f) Viscosity (friction in fluids)		application in lubrication should be treated
		qualitatively. Terminal velocity and its
		determination.
		Experiments with a string tied to a stone at one end
		and whirled around should be carried out to
(g) Simple ideas of circular motion		(i) demonstrate motion in a
		Vertical/horizontal circle.

TOPICS

NOTES

5

8. Speed and velocity

• Concept of speed as change of distance with time

• Concept of velocity as change of displacement with time

• Uniform/non-uniform speed/velocity

• Distance/displacement-time graph

9. Rectilinear acceleration

• Concept of Acceleration/deceleration as increase/decrease in velocity with time.

• Uniform/non-uniform acceleration

• Velocity-time graph

• Equations of motion with constant acceleration;

Motion under gravity as a special case.

• show the difference between angular speed and velocity.

• Draw a diagram to illustrate centripetal force. Banking of roads in reducing sideways friction should be qualitatively discussed.

Metre per second (ms^-1) as unit of speed/velocity.

Ticker-timer or similar devices should be used to determine speed/velocity. Definition of velocity as

• s ∆

Determination of instantaneous speed/velocity from distance/displacement-time graph and by calculation.

Unit of acceleration as ms^-2

Ticker timer or similar devices should be used to determine acceleration. Definition of acceleration as

• v ∆t .

Determination of acceleration and displacement from velocity-time graph

Use of equations to solve numerical problems.

TOPICS

NOTES

6

10. Scalars and vectors

• Concept of scalars as physical quantities with magnitude and no direction

• Concept of vectors as physical quantities with both magnitude and direction.

• Vector representation

• Addition of vectors

• Resolution of vectors

• Resultant velocity using vector representation.

11. Equilibrium of forces

• Principle of moments

• Conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of parallel and non-parallel forces.

• Centre of gravity and stability

12. Simple harmonic motion

• Illustration, explanation and definition of simple harmonic motion (S.H.M)

Mass, distance, speed and time as examples of scalars.

Weight, displacement, velocity and acceleration as examples of vectors.

Use of force board to determine the resultant of two forces.

Obtain the resultant of two velocities analytically and graphically.

Torque/Moment of force. Simple treatment of a couple, e.g. turning of water tap, corkscrew and steering wheel.)

Use of force board to determine resultant and equilibrant forces. Treatment should include resolution of forces into two perpendicular directions and composition of forces

Parallelogram of forces. Triangle of forces.

Should ne treated experimentally. Treatment should include stable, unstable and neutral equilibra.

Use of a loaded test-tube oscillating vertically in a liquid, simple pendulum, spiral spring and bifilar suspension to demonstrate simple harmonic motion.

TOPICS

NOTES

7

• Speed and acceleration of S.H.M.

• Period, frequency and amplitude of a body executing S.H.M.

• Energy of S.H.M

• Forced vibration and resonance

13. Newton’s laws of motion:

• First Law:

Inertia of rest and inertia of motion

(b) Second Law:

Force, acceleration, momentum and impulse

• Third Law: Action and reaction

Relate linear and angular speeds, linear and angular accelerations.

Experimental determination of ‘g’ with the simple pendulum and helical spring. The theory of the principles should be treated but derivation of the formula for ‘g’ is not required

Simple problems may be set on simple harmonic motion. Mathematical proof of simple harmonic motion in respect of spiral spring, bifilar suspension and loaded test-tube is not required.

Distinction between inertia mass and weight

Use of timing devices e.g. ticker-timer to determine the acceleration of a falling body and the relationship when the accelerating force is constant.

Linear momentum and its conservation.

Collision of elastic bodies in a straight line.

Applications: recoil of a gun, jet and rocket propulsions.

PART II

ENERGY: MECHANICAL AND HEAT

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		TOPICS	NOTES
14. Energy:
(a)	Forms of energy		Examples of various forms of energy should be
			mentioned e.g. mechanical (potential and kinetic),
			heat chemical, electrical, light, sound, nuclear.
(b)	World energy resources		Renewable (e.g. solar, wind, tides, hydro, ocean
			waves) and non-renewable (e.g. petroleum, coal,
			nuclear, biomass) sources of energy should be
			discussed briefly.
(c)	Conservation of energy.		Statement of the principle of conservation of energy
			and its use in explaining energy transformations.
15. Work, Energy and Power
(a) Concept of work as a measure of			Unit of energy as the joule (J)
	energy transfer
(b) Concept of energy as capability to			Unit of energy as the joule (J) while unit of electrical
	do work		consumption is KWh.
			Work done in lifting a body and by falling bodies
(c) Work done in a gravitational field.
			Derivation of P.E and K.E are expected to be known.
			Identification of types of energy possessed by a body
(d) Types of mechanical energy			under given conditions.
	(i)	Potential energy (P.E.)
	(ii)	Kinetic energy (K.E)	Verification of the principle.

• Conservation of mechanical energy.

TOPICS	NOTES

9

• Concept of power as time rate of doing work.

• Application of mechanical energy-machines.

Levers, pulleys, inclined plane, wedge, screw, wheel and axle, gears.

16. Heat Energy

• Temperature and its measurement

• Effects of heat on matter e.g

• Rise in temperature
• Change of phase state
• Expansion
• Change of resistance

• Thermal expansion – Linear, area and volume expansivities

Unit of power as the watt (W)

The force ratio (F.R), mechanical advantage (M.A), velocity ratio (V.R) and efficiency of each machine should be treated.

Identification of simple machines that make up a given complicated machine e.g. bicycle.

Effects of friction on Machines. Reduction of friction in machines.

Concept of temperature as degree of hotness or coldness of a body. Construction and graduation of a simple thermometer.

Properties of thermometric liquids. The following thermometer, should be treated:

Constant – volume gas thermometer, resistance thermometer, thermocouple, liquid-in-glass thermometer including maximum and minimum thermometer and clinical thermometer, pyrometer should be mentioned. Celsius and Absolute scales of temperature. Kelvin and degree Celsius as units of temperature.

Use of the Kinetic theory to explain effects of heat.

Mention should be made of the following effects:

Change of colour

Thermionic emission

Change in chemical properties

Qualitative and quantitative treatment Consequences and application of expansions. Expansion in buildings and bridges, bimetallic strips, thermostat, over-head cables causing sagging nd in railway lines causing buckling. Real and apparent expansion of liquids. Anomalous expansion of water.

TOPICS	NOTES

10

• Heat transfer –

Condition, convention and radiation.

• The gas laws-Boyle’s law Charles’ law, pressure law and general gas law

• Measurement of heat energy:
  • Concept of heat capacity
  • Specific heat capacity.

• Latent heat
  • Concept of latent heat

• Melting point and boiling Point

• Specific latent heat of fusion and of vaporization

Per Kelvin (K^-1) as the unit of expansivity.

Use of the kinetic theory to explain the modes of heat transfer. Simple experimental illustrations. Treatment should include the explanation of land and sea breezes, ventilation and application s in cooling devices. The vacuum flask.

The laws should be verified using simple apparatus. Use of the kinetic theory to explain the laws. Simple problems may be set. Mention should be made of the operation of safety air bags in vehicles.

Use of the method of mixtures and the electrical method to determine the specific heat capacities of solids and liquids. Land and sea breezes related to the specific heat capacity of water and land, Jkg^-1 K^-1 as unit of specific heat capacity.

Explanation and types of latent heat.

Determination of the melting point of solid and the boiling point of a liquid. Effects of impurities and pressure on melting and boiling points. Application in pressure cooker.

Use of the method of mixtures and the electrical method to determine the specific latent heats of fusion of ice and of vaporization of steam. Applications in refrigerators and air conditioners.

Jkg^-1 as unit of specific latent heat

TOPICS	NOTES

11

(h)	Evaporation and boiling		Effect of temperature, humidity, surface area and
			draught on evaporation to be discussed.
(i) Vapour and vapour pressure			Explanation of vapour and vapour pressure.
			Demonstration of vapour pressure using simple
			experiments. Saturated vapour pressure and its
			relation to boiling.
			Measurement of dew point and relative humidity.
(j)	Humidity, relative humidity and		Estimation of humidity of the atmosphere using wet
	dew point		and dry-bulb hygrometer.
			Formation of dew, fog and rain.
(k) Humidity and the weather
		PART III
		WAVES
	TOPICS				NOTES
17. Production and propagation of waves
(a) Production and propagation of			Use of ropes and springs (slinky) to generate
	mechanical waves		mechanical waves
(b) Pulsating system:			Use of ripple tank to show water waves and to
	Energy transmitted with definite		demonstrate energy propagation by waves.
	speed, frequency and wavelength.		Hertz(Hz) as unit of frequency.
(c)	Waveform		Description and graphical representation.
			Amplitude, wave length, frequency and period.
			Sound and light as wave phenomena.
(d)	Mathematical relationship
			V= f and T =		simple problems may be set.
	connecting frequency (f),
	wavelength( ), period (T) and
	velocity (v)
18. Types of waves			Examples to be given
(a)	Transverse and longitudinal
			Equation y = A sin (wt±				) to be explained
(b)	Mathematical representation of
			Questions on phase difference will not be set.
		12

	wave motion.
		Ripple tank should be extensively used to
		demonstrate these properties with plane and circular
19.	Properties of waves:	waves. Explanation of the properties.
	Reflection, refraction, diffraction,
	Interference, superposition of
	progressive waves producing standing
	stationary waves
20.	Light waves	Natural and artificial. Luminous and non-luminous
		bodies.
	(a) Sources of light

TOPICS

NOTES

(b) Rectilinear propagation of light

Formation of shadows and eclipse. Pinhole camera.

Simple numerical problems may be set.

(c) Reflection of light at plane surface:

Regular and irregular reflections. Verification of

plane mirror

laws of reflection. Formation of images.

Inclined plane mirrors. Rotation of mirrors.

Applications in periscope, sextant and kaleidoscope.

(d) Reflection of light at curved

Laws of reflection. Formation of images.

surfaces: concave and convex

Characteristics of images. Use of mirror formulae:

mirrors

+

=

and magnification m =

to solve

numerical problems.

(Derivation of formulae is not required)

Experimental determination of the focal length of

concave mirror.

Applications in searchlight, parabolic and driving

mirrors, car headlamps etc.

(e) Refraction of light at plane surfaces:

Laws of refraction. Formation of images, real and

Apparent depths. Critical angle and total internal

rectangular glass prism (block) and

reflection. Lateral displacement and angle of

triangular prism.

deviation. Use of minimum deviation equation:

(f) Refraction of light at curved

Sin

(A + Dm)

=

2

13

surfaces:
								Sin A/2
Converging and diverging lenses		(Derivation of the formula is not required)
		Applications: periscope, prism binoculars, optical
		fibres. The mirage.
		Formation of images. Use of lens formulae
			+		=		and magnification				tp solve numerical
		problems.

		TOPICS	NOTES
			(derivation of the formulae not required).
			Experimental determination of the focal length of
			converging lens. Power of lens in dioptres (D)
	(g) Application of lenses in optical		Simple camera, the human eye, film projector,
	instruments.		simple and compound microscopes, terrestrial and
			astronomical telescopes. Angular magnification.
			Prism binoculars. The structure and function of the
			camera and the human eye should be compared.
			Defects of the human eye and their corrections.
	(h) Dispersion of white light by a		Production of pure spectrum of a white light.
	triangular glass prism.		Recombination of the components of the spectrum.
			Colours of objects. Mixing coloured lights.
21.	Electromagnetic waves:		Elementary description and uses of various types of
	Types of radiation in electromagnetic		radiation: Radio, infrared, visible light, ultra-violet,
	Spectrum		X-rays, gamma rays.
22.	Sound Waves
	(a)	Sources of sound
	(b)	Transmission of sound waves	Experiment to show that a material medium is
			required.
	(c) Speed of sound in solid, liquid and		To be compared. Dependence of velocity of sound
			14

	air		on temperature and pressure to be considered.
(d) Echoes and reverberation			Use of echoes in mineral exploration, and
			determination of ocean depth. Thunder and multiple
			reflections in a large room as examples of
			reverberation.
(e)	Noise and music		Pitch, loudness and quality.
(f)	Characteristics of sound
		TOPICS						NOTES
(g)	Vibration in strings		The use of sonometer to demonstrate the dependence
			of frequency (f) on length (1), tension (T) and mass
			per unit length (liner density) (m) of string should be
			treated. Use of the formula:
			o =
			In solving simple numerical problems.
			Applications in stringed instruments: e.g. guitar,
			piano, harp and violin.
(h)	Forced vibration		Use of resonance boxes and sonometer to illustrate
			forced vibration.
	(i)	Resonance	Use of overtones to explain the quality of a musical
			note. Applications in percussion instruments: e.g
	(ii)	Harmonies and overtones
			drum, bell, cymbals, xylophone.

Measurement of velocity of sound in air or

(i) Vibration of air in pipe – open

frequency of tuning fork using the resonance tube.

and closed pipes

Use of the relationship v = in solving numerical

problems. End correction is expected to be

mentioned. Applications in wind instruments e.g.

organ, flute, trumpet, horn, clarinet and saxophone.

15

	PART IV
	FIELDS
TOPICS	NOTES
23. Description property of fields.
(a) Concept of fields:
Gravitational, electric and
Magnetic
(b) Properties of a force field	Use of compass needle and iron filings to show
	magnetic field lines.

24. Gravitational field

• Acceleration due to gravity, (g)G as gravitational field intensity should be mentioned, g = F/m.
• Gravitational force between two

masses:

Masses include protons, electrons and planets

Newton’s law of gravitation

Universal gravitational constant (G)

Relationship between ‘G’ and ‘g’

(c) Gravitational potential and escape velocity.

Calculation of the escape velocity of a rocket from the earth’s gravitational field.

25. Electric Field

(1) Electrostatics

(a) Production of electric charges

Production by friction, induction and contact.

(b) Types of distribution of charges

A simple electroscope should be used to detect and compare charges on differently-shaped bodies.

(c) Storage of charges

Application in light conductors.

(d) Electric lines of force

Determination, properties and field patterns of charges.

TOPICS	NOTES

16

• Electric force between point charges: Coulomb’s law

• Concepts of electric field, electric field intensity (potential gradient) and electric potential.

• Capacitance-

Definition, arrangement and application

• Current electricity

• Production of electric current from primary and secondary cells

• Potential difference and electric current

• Electric circuit

• Electric conduction through materials

• Electric energy and power

Permittivity of a medium.

Calculation of electric field intensity and electric potential of simple systems.

Factors affecting the capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor. The farad (F) as unit of capacitance. Capacitors in series and in parallel.

Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Uses of capacitors: e.g. in radio and Television. (Derivation of formulae for capacitance is not required)

Simple cell and its defects. Daniel cell, Lechanché

cell (wet and dry).

Lead-acid accumulator. Alkalne-cadium cell.

E.m.f. of a cell, the volt (V) as unit of e.m.f.

Ohm’s law and resistance. Verification of Ohm’s law. The volt (V), ampere (A) and ohm (Ω) as units of p.d., current and reisistance respectively.

Series and parallel arrangement of cells and resistors. Lost volt and internal resistance of batteries.

Ohmic and non ohmic conductors. Examples of ohmic conductors are metals, non-ohmic conductors are semiconductors.

Quantitative definition of electrical energy and power. Heating effect of an electric current and its application. Conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy e.g. electric motors. Conversion of solar energy to electrical and heat energies: e.g. solar cells, solar heaters.

TOPICS	NOTES

17

(f)	Shunt and multiplier	Use in conversion of a galvanometer into an
		ammeter and a voltmeter.
(g)	Resistivity and Conductivity	Factors affecting the electrical resistance of a
		material should be treated. Simple problems may be
		set.
(h) Measurement of electric		Principle of operation and use of ammeter,
	current, potential difference,	voltmeter, potentiometer. The wheatstone bridge
	resistance, e.m.f. and internal	and metre bridge.
	resistance of a cell.

26. Magnetic field

(a) Properties of magnets and		Practical examples such as soft iron, steel and alloys.
magnetic materials.
(b) Magnetization and		Temporary and permanent magnets. Comparison of
demagnetization.		iron and steel as magnetic materials.
(c) Concept of magnetic field		Magnetic flux and magnetic flux density.
		Magnetic field around a permanent magnet, a
		current-carrying conductor and a solenoid.
		Plotting of line of force to locate neutral points
		Units of magnetic flux and magnetic flux density as
		weber (Wb) and tesla (T) respectively.
(d) Magnetic force on:		Qualitative treatment only. Applications: electric
(i)	a current-carrying conductor	motor and moving-coil galvanometer.
	placed in a magnetic field;
(ii)	between two parallel
	current-carrying conductors	Examples in electric bell, telephone earpiece etc.
(e) Use of electromagnets
		Mariner’s compass. Angles of dip and declination.
(f) The earth’s magnetic field
		Solving simple problems involving the motion of a
(g) Magnetic force on a moving		charged particle in a magnetic field, using
charged particle		F=qvB sin
27. Electromagnetic field
		Identifying the directions of current, magnetic field
(a) Concept of electromagnetic field		and force in an electromagnetic field (Fleming’s left-
		hand rule).
	TOPICS	NOTES

18

• Shunt and multiplier

• Resistivity and Conductivity

• Measurement of electric current, potential difference, resistance, e.m.f. and internal resistance of a cell.

26. Magnetic field

• Properties of magnets and magnetic materials.

• Magnetization and demagnetization.

• Concept of magnetic field

• Magnetic force on:

• a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field;

• between two parallel current-carrying conductors

• Use of electromagnets

• The earth’s magnetic field

• Magnetic force on a moving charged particle

27. Electromagnetic field

• Concept of electromagnetic field

Use in conversion of a galvanometer into an ammeter and a voltmeter.

Factors affecting the electrical resistance of a material should be treated. Simple problems may be set.

Principle of operation and use of ammeter, voltmeter, potentiometer. The wheatstone bridge and metre bridge.

Practical examples such as soft iron, steel and alloys.

Temporary and permanent magnets. Comparison of iron and steel as magnetic materials.

Magnetic flux and magnetic flux density. Magnetic field around a permanent magnet, a current-carrying conductor and a solenoid. Plotting of line of force to locate neutral points Units of magnetic flux and magnetic flux density as weber (Wb) and tesla (T) respectively.

Qualitative treatment only. Applications: electric motor and moving-coil galvanometer.

Examples in electric bell, telephone earpiece etc.

Mariner’s compass. Angles of dip and declination.

Solving simple problems involving the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field, using F=qvB sin

Identifying the directions of current, magnetic field and force in an electromagnetic field (Fleming’s left-hand rule).

TOPIC

NOTES

19

(b) Electromagnetic induction

Faraday’s law ,Lenz’s law and motor-generator effect

(c) Inductance

• Eddy currents

• Power transmission and distribution

28. Simple a.c. circuits

• Graphical representation of e.m.f and current in an a.c. circult.

• Peak and r..m.s. values

TOPIC

Applications: Generator (d.c.and a.c.) induction coil and transformer. The principles underlying the production of direct and alternating currents should be treated. Equation E = E_o sinwt should be explained.

Qualitative explanation of self and mutual inductance. The unit of inductance is henry (H).

(E = LI²)

Application in radio,T.V., transformer.

(Derivation of formula is not required).

A method of reducing eddy current losses should be treated. Applications in induction furnace, speedometer, etc.

Reduction of power losses in high-tension transmission lines. Household wiring system should be discussed.

Graphs of equation I – Io sin wt and\E = E_o sinwt should be treated.

Phase relationship between voltage and current in the circuit elements; resistor, inductor and capacitor.

NOTE

20

(c)	Series circuit containing	Simple calculations involving a.c. circuit.
	resistor, inductor and capacitor	(Derivation of formulae is not required.)
(d)	Reactance and impedance	XL and Xc should be treated. Simple numerical
		problems may be set.
(e)	Vector diagrams
(f) Resonance in an a.c, circuit		Applications in tuning of radio and T.V. should be
		discussed.
(g) Power in an a.c. circuit.

		PART V
	ATOMIC AND NUCELAR PHYSICS
TOPICS		NOTES
.
29. Structure of the atom		Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr and electron-
		cloud (wave-mechanical) models should be
(a) Models of the atom		discussed qualitatively. Limitations of each
		model. Quantization of angular momentum
		(Bohr)
		Energy levels in the atom. Colour and light
		frequency. Treatment should include the
(b) Energy quantization		following: Frank-Hertz experiment, Line
		spectra from hot bodies, absorption spectra
		and spectra of discharge lamps.
		Explanation of photoelectric effect. Dual
		nature of light. Work function and threshold
(c) Photoelectric effect		frequency. Einstein’s photoelectric equation
		and its explanation. Application in T.V.,
		camera, etc.
		Simple problems may be set.
(d) Thermionic emission		Explanation and applications.
	21

(e) X-rays		Production of X-rays and structure of X-ray
		tube.
		Types, characteristics, properties, uses and
30. Structure of the nucleus		hazards of X-rays. Safety precautions
(a) Composition of the nucleus		Protons and neutrons. Nucleon number (A),
		proton number (Z), neutron number (N) and
		the equation: A-Z + N to be treated.
		Nuclides and their notation. Isotopes.
	TOPICS	NOTES
(a)	Radioactivity –	Radioactive elements, radioactive emissions
	Natural and artificial	(,β, )and their properties and uses.
		Detection of radiations by G – M counter,
		photographic plates, etc. should be
		mentioned. Radioactive decay, half-life and
		decay constant.
		Transformation of elements. Applications of
		radioactivity in agriculture, medicine,
		industry, archaeology, etc.
(b)	Nuclear reactions —	Distinction between fusion and fission.
	Fusion and Fission	Binding energy, mass defect and energy
		equation:
		E= ∆ mc2
		Nuclear reactors. Atomic bomb. Radiation
		hazards and safety precautions. Peaceful
		uses of nuclear reactions.

31. Wave-particle paradox
(a)	Electron diffraction	Simple illustration of the dual nature of
(b)	Duality of matter	light.

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HARMONISED TOPICS FOR SHORT STRUCTURED QUESTIONS FOR ALL MEMBER COUNTRIES

	TOPICS	NOTES
1. Derived quantities and dimensional		Fundamental quantities and units e.g. Length, mass,
	Analysis	time, electric current, luminous intensity e.t.c., m,
		kg,s, A, cd, e.t.c. as their respective units
		Derived quantities and units. e.g. volume, density,
		speed e.t.c. m3, kgm-3, ms-1 e.t.c. as their respective
		unit
		Explanation of dimensions in terms of fundamental
		and derived quantities. Uses of dimensions
		– to verity dimensional correctness of a given
		equation
		– to derive the relationship between quantities
		– to obtain derived units.
2. Projectile motion concept of		Applications of projectiles in warfare, sports etc.
	projectiles as an object thrown/release	Simple problems involving range, maximum height
	into space	and time of flight may be set.
3.	Satellites and rockets	Meaning of a satellite comparison of natural and
		artificial satellites parking orbits, Geostationary
		satellites and period of revolution and speed of a
		satellite.
		Uses of satellites and rockets
4. Elastic Properties of solid:		Behaviour of elastic materials under stress – features
	Hooke’s law, Young’s modules and	of load – extension graph
	work done in springs and string	Simple calculations on Hook’s law and Young’s
		modulus.
	Thermal conductivity:	Solar energy; solar panel for heat energy supply.
	Solar energy collector and Black body	Explanation of a blackbody. Variation of intensity
	Radiation.	of black body radiation with wavelength at different
		temperatures.
5.	Fibre Optics	Explanation of concept of fibre optics.
		Principle of transmission of light through an optical
		fibre
		Applications of fibre optics e.g. local area Networks
		(LAN) medicine, rensing devices, carrying laser
		beams e.t.c.
	TOPICS	NOTES
		23

6. Introduction to LASER	Meaning of LASER
	Types of LASERS
	(Solid state, gas, liquid and semi-conductor
	LASERS
	Application of LASERS
	(in Scientific research, communication, medicine
	military technology, Holograms e.t.c.
	Dangers involved in using LASERS.

7. Magnetic materials

Uses of magnets and ferromagnetic materials.

8.	Electrical Conduction through	Distinction between conductors, semiconductors and
	materials [Electronic]	insulators in term of band theory.
		Semi conductor materials (silicon and germanium)
		Meaning of intrinsic semiconductors. (Example of
		materials silicon and germanium). Charge carriers
		Doping production of p-type and n-type extrinsic
		semi conductors.
		Junction diode – forward and reverse biasing,
		voltage characteristics. Uses of diodes Half and full
		wave rectification.
9.	Structure of matter	Use of kinetic theory to explain diffusion.
10.	Wave – particle paradox	Electron diffraction
		Duality of matter
		Simple illustrations of dual nature of light.

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