This is the complete Physics Syllabus for this years WAEC examination. Candidates for WAEC GCE (External) and candidates for WAEC SSCE (Internal) are reminded to use this syllabus to prepare for their examination. Click here "WAEC Syllabus" to get the rest of the subjects.
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WAEC Syllabus for Physics
Below is the Physics WAEC Syllabus for this year; kindly make judicious use of it.
PREAMBLE
This 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:
(1) acquire proper understanding of the basic principles and applications of Physics;
(2) develop scientific skills and attitudes as pre-requisites for further scientific activities;
(3) recognize the usefulness, and limitations of scientific method
to appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday
life;
(4) develop abilities, attitudes and skills that encourage efficient and safe practice;
(5) develop attitudes relevant to science such as concern for
accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, initiative and
inventiveness.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
The following skills appropriate to Physics will be tested:
(1) Knowledge and understanding:
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- (a) scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories;
- (b) scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units);
- (c) the use of scientific apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety;
- (d) scientific quantities and their determinations;
- (e) scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.
WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS
(2) Information Handling and Problem-solving
Candidates should be able, using visual, oral, aural and written
(including symbolic, diagrammatic, graphical and numerical) information
to:
- (a) locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources, including everyday experience;
- (b) translate information from one form to another;
- (c) analyse and evaluate information and other data;
- (d) use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw inferences;
- (e) present reasonable explanations for natural occurrences, patterns and relationships;
- (f) make predictions from data.
(3) Experimental and Problem-Solving Techniques
Candidates should be able to:
(a) follow instructions;
(b) carry out experimental procedures using apparatus;
(c) make and record observations, measurements and estimates with due regard to precision, accuracy and units;
(d) interprete, evaluate and report on observations and experimental data;
(e) identify problems, plan and carry out investigations, including
the selection of techniques, apparatus, measuring devices and
materials;
(f) evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements;
(g) state and explain the necessary precautions taken in experiments to obtain accurate results.
There will be two papers both of which must be taken for a total
mark of 160. Candidates will be allowed an extra 15 minutes for reading
Paper 1 during which they are not expected to write anything.
PAPER 1: will be a practical test lasting 2¾ hours comprising three
questions out of which candidates will answer any two to score a total
mark of 50. The paper will be taken by school candidates only. Each
question of this paper will have two Parts: A and B.
(1) Part A will be an experiment for 21 marks. Candidates will be
required to state the precautions taken during the experiments and
reasons for such precautions.
(2) Part B will consist of two short-answer questions that are related to the experiment for 4 marks.
PAPER 2: will consist of two sections: A and B which will last for 2¾ hours.
Section A will comprise 50 multiple-choice objective questions
drawn from the common areas of the syllabus. It will last for 1¼ hours
for 50 marks.
Section B will last for 1½ hours and will comprise of two parts: I and II.
Part I will comprise ten (10) short-structured questions drawn from
the portions of the syllabus peculiar to the different countries such
that candidates from each member country will be able to answer five (5)
questions for 15 marks.
Part II will comprise five (5) essay-type questions drawn from the
common areas of the syllabus. Candidates will be required to answer
three (3) questions for 45 marks.
PAPER 3: will be an alternative test to Paper 1 for private
candidates only. It will be a Test-of-Practical work lasting 2¾ hours
for 50 marks.
PRACTICAL PHYSICS
This will be tested by a practical examination based on the
syllabus. The objective of the practical examination is to test how well
the candidates understand the nature of scientific investigation and
their capability in handling simple apparatus in an experiment to
determine an answer to a practical question. It is also to determine
their competence in demonstrating their understanding of some of the
principles involved in a small-scale laboratory experiment.
The practical test will contain enough instructions to enable
candidates to carry out the experiment. Even when standard experiments,
such as the determination of focal lengths or specific heat capacities
are set, candidates will be told what readings to take and how to
calculate the result. Therefore, it should not be necessary for
candidates to learn by heart how to perform any experiment.
In addition to experiments on the topics in the syllabus,
candidates may be asked to carry out with the aid of full instructions,
variants of standard experiments. Candidates should be trained to take
as varied a set of readings as possible and to set out the actual
observed readings systematically on the answer sheet. The experiments
may require a repetition of readings and an exhibition of results
graphically and their interpretation.
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 out in the column headed ‘TOPICS’.
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.
N.B. Questions will be set in S.I. units. However, multiples or sub-multiples of the units may be used.
1. Concepts of matter
2. Fundamental and derived quantities and units
- (a) Fundamental quantities and units
- (b) Derived quantities and unit
3. Position, distance and displacement.
(a) Concept of position as a location of point – rectangular coordinates.
(b) Measurement of distance
(c) Concept of direction as a way of locating a point – bearing
(d) Distinction between distance and displacement
Simple structure of matter should be discussed. The three states of
matter, namely solid, liquid and gas. 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 not required.)
Length, mass, and time as examples of fundamental quantities and m,
kg and s as their respective units. Volume, density and speed as
derived quantities and m3, kgm-3 and ms-1 as their respective units.
Position of objects in space using the X,Y,Z axes can be mentioned.
Use of string, metre rule, vernier callipers and 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.
4. Mass and weight Distinction between mass and weight
5. Time
(a) Concept of time as intervalbetween physical events
(b) Measurement of time
6. Fluids at rest
(a) Volume, density and relative density
(b) Pressure in fluids
(c) Equilibrium of bodies
- (i) Archmedes’ principle
- (ii) Law of flotatio
Use of lever balance and chemical/beam balance to measure mass and
spring balance to measure weight. Kilogram (kg) as unit of mass and
newton (N) as unit of weight.
The use of heart-beat, sand-clock, ticker-timer, pendulum and
stopwatch/clock. Seconds (s) as units of time. Experimental
determination for solids and liquids.
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, syringes and pumps, determination
of the relative density of liquids with U-tube and Hare’s apparatus.
Identification of the forces acting on a body partially or completely immersed in a fluid.
Use of the principle to determine the relative densities of solids and liquids.
Establishing the conditions for a body to float in a fluid. Applications in hydrometer, balloons, boats, ships, submarines etc.
7. Motion
(a) Types of motion: Random, rectilinear, translational, rotational, circular, orbital, spin, oscillatory
(b) Relative motion
(c) Cause of motion
(d) Types of force:
- (i) Contact force
- (ii) Force Field
(e) Solid friction
(f) Friction in fluids (Viscosity)
(g) Simple ideas of circular motion
Only qualitative treatment is required. Illustration should be given for the various types of motion.
Numerical problems on co-linear motion may be set. Force as cause of motion. Push and pull.
Electric and magnetic attractions and repulsion; gravitational pull.
Frictional force between two stationary bodies (static) and between
two bodies in relative motion (dynamic). Coefficients of limiting
friction and their determination. 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. Use of ball bearings, rollers and lubrication.
Definition and effects. Simple explanation as extension of friction
in fluids. Fluid friction and its 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
(i) demonstrate motion in a vertical/horizontal circle.
8. Speed and velocity
(a) Concept of speed as change of distance with time
(b) Concept of velocity as change of displacement with time
(c) Uniform/non-uniform speed/velocity
(d) Distance/displacement-time graph
9. Rectilinear acceleration
(a) Concept of acceleration as change of velocity with time.
(b) Uniform/non-uniform acceleration
(c) Velocity-time graph,
(d) Equations of motion with constant acceleration;
- (i) Gravitational acceleration as a special case.
- (ii) show the difference between angular speed and velocity.
- (iii) show 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 ds/dt. 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
dv/dt. Determination of acceleration and displacement from velocity-time
graph Use of equations to solve numerical problems.
10. Scalars and vectors
(a) concept of scalars as physical quantities with magnitude and no direction
(b) concept of vectors as physical quantities with both magnitude and direction.
(c) Vector representation
(d) Addition of vectors
(e) Resolution of vectors
(f) Resultant velocity using vector representation.
11. Equilibrium of forces
(a) Principle of moments
(b) Conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of parallel and non-parallel forces.
(c) Centre of gravity and stability
12. Simple harmonic motion
(a) 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.Moment of
force/Torque. Simple treatment of a couple, e.g. turning of water tap,
corkscrew, etc. 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 be treated experimentally. Treatment
should include stable, unstable and neutral equilibria. Use of a loaded
test-tube oscillating vertically in a liquid, simple pendulum, spiral
spring and bifilar suspension to demonstrate simple harmonic motion.
(b) Speed and acceleration of S.H.M.
(c) Period, frequency and amplitude of a body executing S.H.M.
(d) Energy of S.H.M.
(e) Forced vibration and resonance
13. Newton’s laws of motion:
(a) First Law: Inertia of rest and inertia of motion
(b) Second Law: Force, acceleration, momentum and impulse
(c) 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, bililar suspension and
loaded test-tube is not required.
Distinction between inertial 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.
ENERGY: Mechanical and Heat
14. Energy:
(a) Forms of energy
(b) World energy resources
(c) Conservation of energy
15. Work, Energy and Power
(a) Concept of work as a measure of energy transfer
(b) Concept of energy as capability to do work
(c) Work done in a gravitational field.
(d) Types of mechanical energy
- (i) Potential energy (P.E.)
- (ii) Kinetic energy (K.E.)
(e) Conservation of mechanical energy.
Examples of various forms of energy should be mentioned e.g.
mechanical (potential and kinetic), heat, chemical, electrical, light,
sound, nuclear etc. 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. Statement of
the principle of conservation of energy and its use in explaining energy
transformations.
- Unit of work as the joule (J)
- Unit of energy as the joule (J) while unit of electrical consumption is kWh.
- Work done in lifting a body and by falling bodies.
- Derivation of P.E. and K.E. are expected to be known. Identification of types of energy
- possessed by a body under given conditions.
- Verification of the principle
(f) Concept of power as time rate of doing work.
(g) Application of mechanical energy – machines. Levers, pulleys, inclined plane, wedge, screw, wheel and axle, gears.
16. Heat Energy
(a) Temperature and its measurement
(b) Effects of heat on matter e.g.
- (i) Rise in temperature
- (ii) Change of state
- (iii) Expansion
- (iv) Change of resistance
(c) Thermal expansion – Linear, area and volume expansiveness, 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 thermometers 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.
- Qualitative and quantitative treatment.
- Consequences and applications of expansions.
- Expansion in buildings and bridges, bimetallic strips, thermostat, over-head cables causing sagging and in railway lines causing buckling.
- Real and apparent expansion of liquids. Anomalous expansion of water.
(d) Heat transfer –
Conduction, convection and radiation
(e) The gas laws-Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, pressure law and general gas law
(f) Measurement of heat energy:
- (i) Concept of heat capacity
- (ii) Specific heat capacity
(g) Latent heat
(i) Concept of latent heat
(ii) Melting point and boiling point
(iii) 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 applications 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.
- 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 a 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 heat of fusion of ice and of vaporization of steam. Applications in refrigerators and air conditioners.
- Jkg-1 as unit of specific latent heat.
(h) Evaporation and boiling
(i) Vapour and vapour pressure
(j) Humidity, relative humidity and dew point
(k) Humidity and the weather
Effect of temperature, humidity, surface area and draught on evaporation to be discussed.
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. Estimation of
humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry-bulb hygrometer. Formation
of dew, fog and rain.
17. Production and propagation of waves
(a) Production and propagation of mechanical waves
(b) Pulsating system: Energy transmitted with definite speed, frequency and wavelength
(c) Waveform
(d) Mathematical relationship connecting frequency (f), wavelength (), period (T) and velocity (v)
18. Types of waves
(a) Transverse, longitudinal and stationary waves
(b) Mathematical representation of wave motion.
19. Properties of waves:
Reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, superposition of progressive waves producing standing/stationary waves.
20. Light waves
(a) Sources of light
Use of ropes and springs (slinky) to generate mechanical waves.
Use of ripple tank to show water waves and to demonstrate energy propagation by waves.
Hertz (Hz) as unit of frequency.
Description and graphical representation.
Amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period.
Sound and light as wave phenomena.
v = f and T = 1. Simple problems may be set.
Examples to be given.
Equation y = A sin (wt+ 2 x) to be explained
Questions on phase difference will not be set.
Ripple tank should be extensively used to demonstrate these
properties with plane and circular waves. Explanation of the properties.
Natural and artificial. Luminous and non-luminous bodies.
(b) Rectilinear propagation of light
(c) Reflection of light at plane surface: plane mirror
(d) Reflection of light at curvedsurfaces: concave and convex mirrors
(e) Refraction of light at plane surfaces: rectangular glass prism (block) and triangular prism.
(f) Refraction of light at curved surfaces: Converging and diverging lenses
Formation of shadows and eclipse. Pinhole camera. Simple numerical problems may be set.
Regular and irregular reflection. Verification of laws of reflection. Formation of images.
Inclined plane mirrors. Rotation of mirrors. Applications in periscope, sextant and kaleidoscope.
Laws of reflection. Formation of images. Characteristics of images.
Use of mirror formulae: 1 + 1 = 1 and magnification m = v to solve u v f
u 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. Laws of refraction. Formation of images, Real
and Apparent depth. Critical angle and total internal reflection. Lateral displacement and
angle of deviation. Use of minimum deviation equation:
sin (A + D m)
= 2
sin A/2
(Derivation of the formula is not required)
Applications: periscope, prism binoculars, optical fibres. The mirage.
Formation of images. Use of lens formulae 1 + 1 = 1 and magnification v to solve u v f u numerical problems.
(g) Application of lenses in optical instruments.
(h) Dispersion of white light by a triangular glass prism.
21. Electromagnetic waves:
Types of radiation in electromagnetic spectrum
22. Sound Waves
(a) Sources of sound
(b) Transmission of sound waves
(c) Speed of sound in solid, liquid and air
(d) Echoes and reverberation
(e) Noise and music
(f) Characteristics of sound (Derivation of the formulae not required).
Experimental determination of the focal length of converging lens.
Power of lens in dioptres D. Simple camera, the human eye, film
projector, 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.
Production of pure spectrum of a white light. Recombination of the
components of the spectrum. Colour of objects. Mixing coloured lights.
Elementary description and uses of various types of radiation: Radio,
infrared, visible light, ultra-violet, X-rays, gamma rays. Experiment to
show that a material medium is required. To be compared. Dependence of
velocity of sound on temperature and pressure to be considered.
Use of echoes in mineral exploration, and determination of ocean
depth. Thunder and multiple reflections in a large room as examples of
reverberation. Pitch, loudness and quality
(g) Vibration in strings
(h) Forced vibration
(i) Resonance
(ii) Harmonics and overtones
(i) Vibration of air in pipe – open and closed pipes
The use of sonometer to demonstrate the dependence of frequency (f)
on length (l), tension (T) and linear density (m) of string should be
treated. Use of the formula: fo = 1 T: 2lM in solving simple numerical
problems. Applications in stringed instruments e.g. guitar, piano, harp,
violin etc.
Use of resonance boxes and sonometer to illustrate forced
vibration. Use of overtones to explain the quality of a musical note.
Applications in percussion instruments e.g. drum, bell, cymbals,
xylophone, etc.
Measurement of velocity of sound in air or frequency of tuning fork
using the resonance tube. Use of the relationship v = f in solving
numerical problems. End correction is expected. Applications in wind
instruments e.g. organ, flute, trumpet, horn, clarinet, saxophone, etc.
PART IV (FIELDS)
23. Description and property of fields.
(a) Concept of fields: Gravitational, electric and magnetic
(b) Properties of a force field
24. Gravitational field
(a) Acceleration due to gravity, (g)
(b) Gravitational force between two masses: Newton’s law of gravitation
(c) Gravitational potential and escape velocity.
25. Electric Field
(1) Electrostatics
(a) Production of electric charges
(b) Types of distribution of charges
(c) Storage of charges
(d) Electric lines of force
Use of compass needle and iron filings to show magnetic field
lines. g as gravitational field intensity should be mentioned, g = F/m.
Masses include protons, electrons and planets. Universal gravitational
constant (G). Relationship between ‘G’ and ‘g’. Calculation of the
escape velocity of a rocket from the earth’s gravitational field.
Production by friction, induction and contact. A simple electroscope
should be used to detect and compare charges on differently-shaped
bodies. Application in light conductors. Determination, properties and
field patterns of charges.
(e) Electric force between point charges: Coulomb’s law
(f) Concepts of electric field, electric field intensity
(potential gradient) and electric potential.
(g) Capacitance – Definition, arrangement and application
(2) Current electricity
(a) Production of electric current from primary and secondary cells
(b) Potential difference and electric current
(c) Electric circuit
(d) Electric conduction through materials
(e) Electric energy and power
Permitivity 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, T.V. etc. (Derivation of formulae for
capacitance is not required). Simple cell and its defects. Daniell cell,
Leclanché cell (wet and dry). Lead-acid accumulator, Alkaline-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 () as units of p.d., current and resistance
respectively.
Series and parallel arrangements of cells and resistors. Lost volt and internal resistance of batteries.
Ohmic and non ohmic conductors. Examples should be given.
Quantitative definition of electrical energy and power. Heating
effect of electrical energy 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, etc.
(f) Shunt and multiplier
(g) Resistivity and Conductivity
(h) Measurement of electric current, potential difference, resistance, e.m.f. and internal resistance of
a cell.
26. Magnetic field
(a) Properties of magnets; Magnetic materials.
(b) Magnetization and de-magnetization
(c) Concept of magnetic field
(d) Force on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field and between two parallel current-carrying conductors
(e) Use of electromagnets
(f) Earth’s magnetic field
(g) Magnetic force on a moving charged particle
27. Electromagnetic field
(a) Concept of electromagnetic field. Use in conversion of a
galvanometer into an ammeter or 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,
potentiomete1, metre bridge, and
wheatstone 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 lines 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. Identifying the directions of current, magnetic field and force
in an electromagnetic field (Fleming’s left-hand rule).
(b) Electromagnetic induction Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law and motor-generator effect
(c) Inductance
(d) Eddy current
(e) Power transmission and distribution
28. Simple a.c. circuits
(a) Graphical representation of e.m.f. and current in an a.c. circuit.
(b) Peak and r.m.s. values 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 = Eo sinwt should be explained.
Explanation of inductance. Henry as unit of inductance. Energy stored in an inductor
(E = 21 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 = Eo sinwt should be treated.
Phase relationship between voltage and current in the circuit elements; resistor, inductor and
capacitor.
(c) Series circuit containing resistance, inductance and capacitance
(d) Reactance and impedance
(e) Vector diagrams
(f) Resonance in an a.c. circuit
(g) Power in an a.c. circuit
Simple calculations involving a.c. circuit. (Derivation of formulae
is not required.) XL and Xc should be treated. Simple numerical
problems may be set. Applications in tuning of radio and T.V. should
be discussed.
ATOMIC AND NUCELAR PHYSICS
29. Structure of the atom
(a) Models of the atom
(b) Energy quantization
(c) Photoelectric effect
(d) Thermionic emission
(e) X-rays
30. Structure of the nucleus
(a) Composition of the nucleus Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr and
electron-cloud (wave-mechanical) models should be discussed
qualitatively. Limitations of each model. Quantization of angular
momentum (Bohr) Energy levels in the atom. Colour and light frequency.
Treatment should include the 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 frequency. Einstein’s photoelectric equation and
its explanation. Applications in T.V., camera, etc. Simple problems may
be set. Explanation and applications. Production of X-rays and structure
of X-ray tube. Types, characteristics, properties, uses and hazards of
X-rays. Safety precautions. 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.
(b) Radioactivity – Natural and artificial
(c) Nuclear reactions – Fusion and Fission
31. Wave-particle paradox
(a) Electron diffraction
(b) Duality of matter
Radioactive elements, radioactive emissions 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.
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