GENERAL OBJECTIVE

The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Physics is to prepare the
candidates for the Board's examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives,
which are to:

(1) sustain their interest in physics;

(2) develop attitude relevant to physics that encourage accuracy, precision and objectivity;

(3) interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions, concepts and other theories;

(4) demonstrate the ability to solve correctly physics problems using relevant theories and concepts.

1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS

Topics:

(a) Length, area and volume: Metre rule, Venier calipers Micrometer Screw-guage, measuring cylinder

(b) Mass

(i) unit of mass

(ii) use of simple beam balance

(iii) concept of beam balance

(c) Time

(i) unit of time

(ii) time-measuring devices

(d) Fundamental physical quantities

(e) Derived physical quantities and their units

(i) Combinations of fundamental quantities and determination of their units

(f) Dimensions

(i) definition of dimensions

(ii) simple examples

(g) Limitations of experimental measurements

(i) accuracy of measuring instruments

(ii) simple estimation of errors.

(iii) significant figures.

(iv) standard form.

(h) Measurement, position, distance and displacement

(i) concept of displacement

(ii) distinction between distance and displacement

(iii) concept of position and coordinates

(iv) frame of reference

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify the units of length, area and volume;

ii. use different measuring instruments;

iii. determine the lengths, surface areas and volume of regular and irregular bodies;
iv. identify the unit of mass;

v. use simple beam balance, e.g Buchart's balance and chemical balance;

vi. identify the unit of time;

vii. use different time-measuring devices;

viii. relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units;

ix. deduce the units of derived physical quantities;

x. determine the dimensions of physical quantities;

xi. use the dimensions to determine the units of physical quantities;

xii. test the homogeneity of an equation;

xiii. determine the accuracy of measuring instruments;

xiv. estimate simple errors;

xv. express measurements in standard form.

Candidates should be able to:

i. use strings, meter ruler and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer, screw guage

ii. note the degree of accuracy

iii. identify distance travel in a specified direction

iv. use compass and protractor to locate points/directions

v. use Cartesians systems to locate positions in x-y plane

vi. plot graph and draw inference from the graph.

2. Scalars and Vectors

Topics:
(i) definition of scalar and vector quantities

(ii) examples of scalar and vector quantities

(iii) relative velocity

(iv) resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions including graphical methods of solution.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. distinguish between scalar and vector quantities;

ii. give examples of scalar and vector quantities;

iii. determine the resultant of two or more vectors;

iv. determine relative velocity;

v. resolve vectors into two perpendicular components;

vi. use graphical methods to solve vector problems;

3. Motion

Topics:

(a) Types of motion: translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random

(b) Relative motion

(c) causes of motion

(d) Types of force

(i) contact

(ii) force field

(e) linear motion

(i) speed, velocity and acceleration

(ii) equations of uniformly accelerated motion

(iii) motion under gravity

(iv) distance-time graph and velocity time graph

(v) instantaneous velocity and acceleration.

(f) Projectiles:

(i) calculation of range, maximum height and time of flight from the ground and a height

(ii) applications of projectile motion

(g) Newton's laws of motion:

(i) inertia, mass and force

(ii) relationship between mass and acceleration

(iii) impulse and momentum

(iv) force - time graph

(v) conservation of linear momentum (Coefficient of restitution not necessary)

(h) Motion in a circle:

(i) angular velocity and angular acceleration

(ii) centripetal and centrifugal forces.

(iii) applications

(i) Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M):

(i) definition and explanation of simple harmonic motion

(ii) examples of systems that execute S.H.M

(iii) period, frequency and amplitude of S.H.M

(iv) velocity and acceleration of S.H.M

(v) simple treatment of energy change in S.H.M

(vi) force vibration and resonance (simple treatment)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to :

i. identify different types of motion ;

ii. solve numerical problem on collinear motion;

iii. identify force as cause of motion;

iv. identify push and pull as form of force

v. identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces;

vi. differentiate between speed, velocity and acceleration;

vii.deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion;

viii. solve problems of motion under gravity;

ix. interpret distance-time graph and velocity-time graph;

x. compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration

xi. establish expressions for the range, maximum height and time of flight of projectiles;

xii. solve problems involving projectile motion;

xiii. solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum;

xiv. interpretation of area under force - time graph

xv. interpret Newton's laws of motion;

xvi. compare inertia, mass and force;

xvii. deduce the relationship between mass and acceleration;

xviii. interpret the law of conservation of linear momentum and application

xix. establish expression for angular velocity, angular acceleration and centripetal force;

xx. solve numerical problems involving motion in a circle;

xxi. establish the relationship between period and frequency;

xxii. analyse the energy changes occurring during S.H.M

xxiii. identify different types of forced vibration

xxiv. enumerate applications of resonance.

4. Gravitational field

(i) Newton’s law of universal gravitation;

(ii) gravitational potential;

(iii)conservative and non-conservative fields;

(iv) acceleration due to gravity;

(v) variation of g on the earth’s surface;

(vi) distinction between mass and weight; escape velocity;

(vii) parking orbit and weightlessness.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies;

ii. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation;

iii. give examples of conservative and non-conservative fields;

iv. deduce the expression for gravitational field potentials;

v. identify the causes of variation of g on the earth’s surface;

vi. differentiate between mass and weight;

vii. determine escape velocity

5. Equilibrium of Forces

Topics:
(a) equilibrium of particles:

(i) equilibrium of coplanar forces

(ii) triangles and polygon of forces

(iii) Lami's theorem

(b) principles of moments

(i) moment of a force

(ii) simple treatment and moment of a couple (torque)

(iii) applications

(c) conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of parallel and non-parallel forces

(i) resolution and composition of forces in two perpendicular directions,

(ii) resultant and equilibrant

(d) centre of gravity and stability

(i) stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of coplanar forces to solve problems;

ii. use triangle and polygon laws of forces to solve equilibrium problems;

iii. use Lami's theorem to solve problems;

iv. analyse the principle of moment of a force;

v. determine moment of a force and couple;

vi. describe some applications of moment of a force and couple;

vii. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of rigid bodies to solve problems;

viii. resolve forces into two perpendicular directions;

ix. determine the resultant and equilibrant of forces;

x. differentiate between stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium.

6. (a) Work, Energy and Power

Topics:

(i) definition of work, energy and power

(ii) forms of energy

(vii) conservation of energy

(iv) qualitative treatment between different forms of energy

(viii) interpretation of area under the force-distance curve

(b) Energy and society

(i) sources of energy

(ii) renewable and non-renewable energy eg coal, crude oil etc

(iii) uses of energy

(iv) energy and development

(v) energy diversification

(vi) environmental impact of energy eg global warming, green house effect and spillage

(vii) energy crises

(viii)conversion of energy

(ix) devices used in energy production.

(c) Dams and energy production

(i) location of dams

(ii) energy production

(d) nuclear energy

(e) solar energy

(i) solar collector

(ii) solar panel for energy supply.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. differentiate between work, energy and power;

ii. compare different forms of energy, giving examples;

iii. apply the principle of conservation of energy;

iv. examine the transformation between different forms of energy;

v. interpret the area under the force -distance curve.

vi. solve numerical problems in work, energy and power.

Candidates should be able to:

i. itemize the sources of energy

ii. distinguish between renewable and non- renewable energy, examples should be given

iii. identify methods of energy transition

iv. explain the importance of energy in the development of the society

v. analyze the effect of energy use to the environment

vi. identify the impact of energy on the environment

vii. identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment

viii. identify energy uses in their immediate environment

ix. suggests ways of safe energy use

x. state different forms of energy conversion.

7. Friction

Topics:

(i) static and dynamic friction

(ii) coefficient of limiting friction and its determination.

(iii) advantages and disadvantages of friction

(iv) reduction of friction

(v) qualitative treatment of viscosity and terminal velocity.

(vi) Stoke's law.

Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:

i. differentiate between static and dynamic friction

ii.determine the coefficient of limiting friction;

iii.compare the advantages and disadvantages of friction;

iv. suggest ways by which friction can be reduced;

v. analyse factors that affect viscosity and terminal velocity;

vi. apply Stoke's law.

8. Simple Machines

Topics:

(i) definition of simple machines

(ii) types of machines

(iii) mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of machines

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify different types of simple machines;

ii. solve problems involving simple machines.

9. Elasticity

Topics:

(i) elastic limit, yield point, breaking point, Hooke's law and Young's modulus

(ii) the spring balance as a device for measuring force

(iii.) work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings

(i) work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. interpret force-extension curves;

ii. interpret Hooke's law and Young's modulus of a material;

iii use spring balance to measure force;

iv. determine the work done in spring and elastic strings

10. Pressure
Topics:

(a) Atmospheric Pressure

(i) definition of atmospheric pressure

(ii) units of pressure (S.I) units (Pa)

(iii) measurement of pressure

(iv) simple mercury barometer, aneroid barometer and manometer.

(v) variation of pressure with height

(vi) the use of barometer as an altimeter.

(b) Pressure in liquids

(i) the relationship between pressure, depth and density (P = ρgh)

(ii) transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal's Principle)

(iii) application

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. recognize the S.I units of pressure; (Pa)

ii. identify pressure measuring instruments;

iii. relate the variation of pressure to height;

iv. use a barometer as an altimeter.

v. determine the relationship between pressure, depth and density;

vi apply the principle of transmission of pressure

in liquids to solve problems;

vii. determine and apply the principle of pressure in liquid;

11. Liquids At Rest

Topics:

(i) determination of density of solids and liquids

(ii) definition of relative density

(iii) upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid

(iv) Archimedes' principle and law of floatation and applications, e.g. ships and hydrometers.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. distinguish between density and relative density of substances;

ii. determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid

iii. apply Archimedes' principle and law of floatation to solve problems

12. Temperature and Its Measurement

Topics:

(i) concept of temperature

(ii) thermometric properties

(iii) calibration of thermometers

(iv) temperature scales -Celsius and Kelvin.

(v) types of thermometers

(vi) conversion from one scale of temperature to another

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify thermometric properties of materials that are used for different thermometers;

ii. calibrate thermometers;

iii. differentiate between temperature scales e.g Celsius and Kelvin.

iv. compare the types of thermometers;

vi. convert from one scale of temperature to another.

13. Thermal Expansion

Topics:

(a) Solids

(i) definition and determination of linear, volume and area expansivities

(ii) effects and applications, e.g. expansion in building strips and railway lines

(iii) relationship between different expansivities

(b) Liquids

(i) volume expansivity

(ii) real and apparent expansivities

(iii) determination of volume expansivity

(iv) anomalous expansion of water

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. determine linear and volume expansivities;

ii. assess the effects and applications of thermal expansivities

iii. determine the relationship between different expansivities.

iv. determine volume, apparent, and real expansivities of liquids;

v. analyse the anomalous expansion of water.

14. Gas Laws

Topics:

(i) Boyle's law (isothermal process)

(ii) Charles' law (isobaric process)

(iii) Pressure law (volumetric process

(iv) absolute zero of temperature

(v) general gas equation (PV⁄T = constant)

(vi) ideal gas equation Eg. Pv = nRT

(vii) Van der waal gas

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. interpret the gas laws;

ii. use expression of these laws to solve numerical problems.

iii. interpret Van der waal equation for one mole of a real gas

vii. to analyse the principles of operating internal combustion jet engines, rockets
20. Waves

Topics:

(a) Production and Propagation

(i) wave motion,

(ii) vibrating systems as source of waves

(iii) waves as mode of energy transfer

(iv) distinction between particle motion and wave motion

(v) relationship between frequency, wavelength and wave velocity V = f λ

(vi) phase difference, wave number and wave vector

(vii) progressive wave equation

e.g Y = A sin 2π⁄λ (vt±x)

(b) Classification

(i) types of waves; mechanical and electromagnetic waves

(ii) longitudinal and transverse waves

(iii) stationary and progressive waves

(iv) examples of waves from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank.

(c) Characteristics/Properties

(i) reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane Polarization

(ii) superposition of waves e.g interference

(iii) beats

(iv) Doppler effects (qualitative treatment only)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. interpret wave motion;

ii. identify vibrating systems as sources of waves;

iii use waves as a mode of energy transfer;

iv distinguish between particle motion and wave motion;

v. relate frequency and wave length to wave velocity;

vi. determine phase difference, wave number and wave vector

vii. use the progressive wave equation to compute basic wave parameters;

viii. differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves;

ix. differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves

x. distinguish between stationary and progressive waves;

xi. indicate the example of waves generated from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank;

vii. differentiate between reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization of waves;

viii. analyse the principle of superposition of waves.

ix. solve numerical problems on waves

x. explain the phenomenon of beat, beat frequency and uses

xi. explain Doppler effect of sound and application

ii. illustrate the formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors;

iii. apply the mirror formula to solve optical problems;

iv. determine the linear magnification;

v. apply the laws of reflection of light to the working of periscope, kaleidoscope and the sextant.

25. Refraction of Light Through at Plane and Curved Surfaces

Topics:

(i) explanation of refraction in terms of velocity of light in the media.

(ii) laws of refraction

(iii) definition of refractive index of a medium

(iv) determination of refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell's law

(v) real and apparent depth and lateral displacement

(vi) critical angle and total internal reflection

(b) Glass Prism

(i) use of the minimum deviation formula

U = sin(A + D⁄2)⁄sin(A⁄2)
(ii) type of lenses

(iii) use of lens formula 1⁄f = 1⁄u + 1⁄v and Newton's formula (F² = ab)

(iv) magnification

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. interpret the laws of reflection;

ii. illustrate the formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors;

iii. apply the mirror formula to solve optical problems;

iv. determine the linear magnification;

v. apply the laws of reflection of light to the working of periscope, kaleidoscope and the sextant.

Candidates should be able to:

i. interpret the laws of reflection;

ii. determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell's law;

iii. determine the refractive index using the principle of real and apparent depth;

iv. determine the conditions necessary for total internal reflection;

v. examine the use of periscope, prism, binoculars, optical fibre;

vi. apply the principles of total internal reflection to the formation of mirage;

vii. use of lens formula and ray diagrams to solve optical numerical problems;

viii. determine the magnification of an image;

ix. calculate the refractive index of a glass prism using minimum deviation formula.

ii. analyse parallel plate capacitors;

iii. determine the capacitance of a capacitor;

iv. analyse the factors that affect the capacitance of a capacitor;

v. solve problems involving the arrangement of capacitor;

vi. determine the energy stored in capacitors

30. Electric Cells

Topics:

(i) simple voltaic cell and its defects;

(ii) Daniel cell, Leclanche cell (wet and dry)

(iii) lead -acid accumulator and Nickel-Iron (Nife) Lithium lron and Mercury cadmium

(iv) maintenance of cells and batteries (detail treatment of the chemistry of a cell is not required)

(v) arrangement of cells

(vi) Efficiency of a cell

Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:

i. identify the defects of the simple voltaic cell and their correction

ii. compare different types of cells including solar cell;

iii. compare the advantages of lead-acid and Nickel iron accumulator;

iv. solve problems involving series and parallel combination of cells.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. determine the direction of force on a current carrying conductor using Fleming's left-hand rule;

ii. interpret the attractive and repulsive forces between two parallel current-carrying conductors using
diagrams;

iii. determine the relationship between the force, magnetic field strength, velocity and the angle
through which the charge enters the field;

iv. interpret the working of the d. c. motor;

v. analyse the principle of electromagnets and give examples of its application;

vi. compare moving iron and moving coil instruments;

vii. convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or a voltmeter.

viii. identify the factors affecting the sensitivity of a galvanometer

35. (a) Electromagnetic Induction

Topics:
(i) Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction

(ii) factors affecting induced emf

(iii) Lenz's law as an illustration of the principle of conservation of energy

(iv) A.C. and D.C generators

(v) transformers

(vi) the induction coil

(b) Inductance

(i) explanation of inductance

(ii) unit of inductance

(iii) energy stored in an inductor

E = 1⁄2 I²L

(iv) application/uses of inductors

(ix) Eddy Current

(i) reduction of eddy current

(ii) applications of eddy current

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. interpret the laws of electromagnetic induction;

ii. identify factors affecting induced emf;

iii. recognize how Lenz's law illustrates the principle of conservation of energy;
iv. interpret the diagrammatic set up of A. C. generators;

v. identify the types of transformer;

vi. examine principles of operation of transformers;

vii. assess the functions of an induction coil;

viii. draw some conclusions from the principles of operation of an induction coil;

ix. interpret the inductance of an inductor;

x. recognize units of inductance;

xi. calculate the effective total inductance in series and parallel arrangement;

xii. deduce the expression for the energy stored in an inductor;

xiii. examine the applications of inductors;

xiv. describe the method by which eddy current losses can be reduced.

xv. determine ways by which eddy currents can be used.

36. Simple A. C. Circuits

Topics:

(i) explanation of a.c. current and voltage

(ii) peak and r.m.s. values

(iii) a.c. source connected to a resistor;

(iv) a.c source connected to a capacitor- capacitive reactance

(v) a.c source connected to an inductor inductive reactance

(vi) series R-L-C circuits

(vii) vector diagram, phase angle and power factor

(viii) resistance and impedance

(ix) effective voltage in an R-L-C circuits

(x) resonance and resonance frequency

F₀ = 1⁄2π√(LC)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify a.c. current and d.c. voltage

ii. differentiate between the peak and r.m.s. values of a.c.;

iii. determine the phase difference between current and voltage

iv. interpret series R-L-C circuits;

v. analyse vector diagrams;

vi. calculate the effective voltage, reactance and impedance;

vii. recognize the condition by which the circuit is at resonance;

viii. determine the resonant frequency of R-L-C arrangement;

ix. determine the instantaneous power, average power and the power factor in a. c. circuits

37. Conduction of Electricity Through;

Topics:
(a) liquids

(i) electrolytes and non-electrolyte

(ii) concept of electrolysis

(iii) Faraday's laws of electrolysis

(iv) application of electrolysis, e.g electroplating, calibration of ammeter etc.

(b) gases

(i) discharge through gases (qualitative treatment only)

(ii) application of conduction of electricity through gases

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes;

ii. analyse the processes of electrolysis

iii. apply Faraday's laws of electrolysis to solve problems;

iv. analyse discharge through gases;

v. determine some applications/uses of conduction of electricity through gases.

38. Elementary Modern Physics

Topics:

(i) models of the atom and their limitations

(ii) elementary structure of the atom;

(iii) energy levels and spectra

(iv) thermionic and photoelectric emissions;

(v) Einstein's equation and stopping potential

(vi) applications of thermionic emissions and photoelectric effects

(vii) simple method of production of x-rays

(viii) properties and applications of alpha, beta and gamma rays

(xiii) half-life and decay constant

(xiv) simple ideas of production of energy by fusion and fission

(xv) binding energy, mass defect and Einstein's Energy equation equation [ΔE=ΔMC²]

(xvi) wave-particle paradox (duality of matter)

(xvii) electron diffraction

(xviii) the uncertainty principle

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify the models of the atom and write their limitations;

ii. describe elementary structure of the atom;

iii. differentiate between the energy levels and spectra of atoms;

iv. compare thermionic emission and photoelectric emission;

v. apply Einstein's equation to solve problems of photoelectric effect.

vi. calculate the stopping potential;

vii. relate some application of thermionic emission and photoelectric effects;

viii. interpret the process involved in the production of x-rays.

ix identify some properties and applications of x-rays

x. analyse elementary radioactivity

xi. distinguish between stable and unstable nuclei;

xii. identify isotopes of an element;

xiii. compare the properties of alpha, beta and gamma rays;

xiv. relate half-life and decay constant of a radioactive element;

xv. determine the binding energy, mass defect and Einstein's energy equation;

xvi. analyse wave particle duality;

xvii. solve some numerical problems based on the uncertainty principle and wave - particle duality

39. Introductory Electronics

Topics:

(i) distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators (elementary knowledge of band gap is
required)
(ii) intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors;

(iii) uses of semiconductors and diodes in rectification and transistors in amplification

(iv) n-type and p-type semiconductors

(v) elementary knowledge of diodes and transistors

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. differentiate between conductors, semi- conductors and insulators;

ii. distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors;

iii. distinguish between electron and hole carriers;

iv. distinguish between n-type and p-type semiconductor;

v. analyse diodes and transistor

vi. relate diodes to rectification and transistor to amplification.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

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

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

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

Nelson M. and Parker … (1989) Advanced Level Physics, (Sixth Edition) Heinemann
Okeke P.N and Anyakoha M.W. (2000) Senior Secondary School Physics, Lagos, Pacific Printers

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