Physics Syllabus For WAEC 2025 [UPDATED]

Physics syllabus for WAEC is here to guide through your studies as you prepare for your WAEC examination. We know how important the examination is and that is why we are giving you all te resources that we believe will help you to becoming successful in your exam.

In this post, you will see the full list of topics you should cover before the exam day;

Table of Contents

Physic Syllabus For WAEC 2025

Below are the list of topic you are meant to cover before the day of physics examination;

1. Measurements and Units

Topics:

(a) Length, area, and volume: Metre rule, Vernier calipers, Micrometer Screw-gauge, 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 volumes 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
xvi. Use strings, meter rulers, engineering calipers, vernier calipers, and micrometer screw gauges
xvii. Note the degree of accuracy
xviii. Identify distance traveled in a specified direction
xix. Use compass and protractor to locate points/directions
xx. Use Cartesian systems to locate positions in the x-y plane
xxi. Plot graphs and draw inferences from the graph

2. Scalars and Vector

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) Forced vibration and resonance (simple treatment)

Objectives:Candidates should be able to:

i. Identify different types of motion
ii. Solve numerical problems on collinear motion
iii. Identify force as the cause of motion
iv. Identify push and pull as forms 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. Analyze the energy changes occurring during S.H.M
xxiii. Identify different types of forced vibration
xxiv. Enumerate applications of resonance

4. Gravitational Field

Topics:

(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 Forge

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. Analyze the principle of the moment of a force
v. Determine moment of a force and couple
vi. Describe some applications of the 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. Work, Energy, Power

Topics:

(i) Definition of work, energy, and power
(ii) Forms of energy
(iii) Conservation of energy
(iv) Qualitative treatment between different forms of energy
(v) Interpretation of area under the force-distance curve
(b) Energy and society:
(i) Sources of energy
(ii) Renewable and non-renewable energy e.g., coal, crude oil, etc.
(iii) Uses of energy
(iv) Energy and development
(v) Energy diversification
(vi) Environmental impact of energy e.g., global warming, greenhouse 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
vii. Itemize the sources of energy
viii. Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy, examples should be given
ix. Identify methods of energy transition
x. Explain the importance of energy in the development of society
xi. Analyze the effect of energy use on the environment
xii. Identify the impact of energy on the environment
xiii. Identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment
xiv. Identify energy uses in their immediate environment
xv. Suggest ways of safe energy use
xvi. 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. Analyze 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

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 a 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. Liquid 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 It’s 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
v. 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 (PVT = constant)

(vi) ideal gas equation e.g., 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.

15. Quantity of Heat

Topics:

(i) heat as a form of energy

(ii) definition of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of solids and liquids

(iii) determination of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of substances by simple methods e.g., method of mixtures and electrical method, Newton’s law of cooling

Objectives:Candidates should be able to:

(i). differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity;

(ii). determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity using simple methods;

(iii). solve numerical problems.

16. Change of State

Topics:

(i) latent heat

(ii) specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization;

(iii) melting, evaporation and boiling

(iv) the influence of pressure and of dissolved substances on boiling and melting points.

(v) application in appliances

Objectives:Candidates should be able to:

(i). differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization;

(ii). differentiate between melting, evaporation and boiling;

(iii). examine the effects of pressure and of dissolved substance on boiling and melting points.

(iv). solve numerical problems.

17. Vapours

Topics:

(i) unsaturated and saturated vapours

(ii) relationship between saturated vapour pressure (SVP) and boiling

(iii) determination of SVP by barometer tube method

(iv) formation of dew, mist, fog, and rain

(v) study of dew point, humidity and relative humidity

(vi) hygrometry; estimation of the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers.

Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

(i). distinguish between saturated and unsaturated vapours;

(ii). relate saturated vapour pressure to boiling point;

(iii). determine SVP by barometer tube method

(iv). differentiate between dew point, humidity and relative humidity;

(v). estimate the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers.

(vi). solve numerical problems.

18. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory

Topics:

(a) Molecular nature of matter

(i) atoms and molecules

(ii) molecular theory: explanation of Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact etc

(iii) examples and applications.

(b) Kinetic Theory

(i) assumptions of the kinetic theory

(ii) using the theory to explain the pressure exerted by gas, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, melting, boiling, vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.

Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

(i). differentiate between atoms and molecules;

(ii). use molecular theory to explain Brownian motion, diffusion, surface, tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angle of contact;

(iii). examine the assumptions of kinetic theory;

(iv). interpret kinetic theory, the pressure exerted by gases Boyle’s law, Charles law melting, boiling vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.

19. Heat Transfer

Topics:

(i) conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer

(ii) temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux

(iii) effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it.

(iv) the conductivities of common materials.

(v) the thermos flask

(vi) land and sea breeze

(vii) engines

Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

(i). differentiate between conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer;

(ii). solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux;

(iii). assess the effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it;

(iv). compare the conductivities of common materials;

(v). relate the component part of the working of the thermos flask; vi. differentiate between land and sea breeze; vii. 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 = fλ

(vi) phase difference, wave number and wave vector

(vii) progressive wave equation e.g., Y = Asin(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 wavelength 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;

(xii). differentiate between reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization of waves; xiii. analyse the principle of superposition of waves;

(xiv). solve numerical problems on waves;

(xv). explain the phenomenon of beats, beat frequency and uses;

(xvi). explain Doppler effect of sound and application.

21. Propagation of Sound Waves

Topics:

(i) the necessity for a material medium

(ii) speed of sound in solids, liquids and air;

(iii) reflection of sound; echoes, reverberation and their applications

(iv) disadvantages of echoes and reverberations

Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

(i). determine the need for a material medium in the propagation of sound waves;

(ii). compare the speed of sound in solids, liquids and air;

(iii). relate the effects of temperature and pressure to the speed of sound in air;

(iv). solve problem on echoes, reverberation and speed;

(v). compare the disadvantages and advantages of echoes.

(vi). solve problems on echo, reverberation and speed of sound.

22. Characteristics of Sound Waves

Topics:

(i) noise and musical notes

(ii) quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and their application to musical instruments;

(iii) simple treatment of overtones produced by vibrating strings and air columns (F₀ = 1/2L√(T/μ); μ = m/L)

(iv) acoustic examples of resonance

(v) frequency of a note emitted by air columns in closed and open pipes in relation to their lengths.

Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

i. differentiate between noise and musical notes;

(ii). analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound notes;

(iii). evaluate the application of (ii) above in the construction of musical instruments;

(iv). identify overtones by vibrating strings and air columns;

(v). itemize acoustical examples of resonance;

(vi). determine the frequencies of notes emitted by air columns in open and closed pipes in relation to their lengths.

23. Light Energy

Topics:

(a) Sources of Light:

(i) natural and artificial sources of light

(ii) luminous and non-luminous objects

(b) Propagation of light

(i) speed, frequency and wavelength of light

(ii) formation of shadows and eclipse

(iii) the pin-hole camera.

Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

i. compare the natural and artificial sources of light;

ii. differentiate between luminous and non-luminous objects;

iii. relate the speed, frequency and wavelength of light;

iv. interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses;

v. solve problems using the principle of operation of a pin-hole camera.

24. Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces

Topics:

(i) laws of reflection.

(ii) application of reflection of light

(iii) formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors and ray diagrams

(iv) use of the mirror formula (1/f = 1/u + 1/v) (v) linear 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.

25. Refraction of Light Through Plane and Curved Surfaces

Topics:

(i) explanation of refraction in terms of the 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 (μ = 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 refraction;

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 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

26. Electromagnetic Induction

Topics:

(i) Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction

(ii) Factors affecting induced EMF

(iii) Lenz’s law and conservation of energy

(iv) AC and DC generators

(v) Transformers

(vi) Induction coil

Inductance

(i) Explanation of inductance (ii) Unit of inductance

(iii) Energy stored in an inductor $\frac{1}{2}LI^2$

(iv) Applications of inductors

Eddy Current

(i) Reduction of eddy currents

(ii) Applications of eddy currents

Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

i. Interpret Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws of electromagnetic induction.

ii. Identify factors influencing induced EMF.

iii. Explain the principles behind AC and DC generators.

iv. Describe the function and applications of transformers.

v. Understand the operation of an induction coil.

vi. Define inductance and its units.

vii. Calculate the energy stored in an inductor.

viii. Discuss methods to reduce eddy currents and their applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this WAEC syllabus Current?

Yes, this the current WAEC syllabus

How hard is Physics?

It is not hard if you read well for it, use this syllabus to cover up.

Conclusion

With all we have provided for you here, then you should be ready to start your exam without worry of not knowing the topics you have to read. Above are the complete topics for physic, use them to prepare. Good Luck!!!