PART I MATTER, POSITION, MOTION AND TIME TOPICS NOTES 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.

WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION WAEC PHYSICS SYLLABUS

384 TOPICS NOTES 4. Mass and weight Distinction between mass and weight 5. Time (a) Concept of time as interval between 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 flotation 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 385 TOPICS NOTES 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 386 TOPICS NOTES 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; 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 387 TOPICS NOTES 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 388 TOPICS NOTES (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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 389 PART II ENERGY: Mechanical and Heat TOPICS NOTES 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 WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 390 TOPICS NOTES (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 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 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 391 TOPICS NOTES (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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 392 TOPICS NOTES (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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 393 PART III WAVES TOPICS NOTES 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. f 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 394 TOPICS NOTES (b) Rectilinear propagation of light (c) Reflection of light at plane surface: plane mirror (d) Reflection of light at curved surfaces: 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 395 TOPICS NOTES (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 WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 396 TOPICS NOTES (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 2l m 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 397 PART IV FIELDS TOPICS NOTES 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 398 TOPICS NOTES (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 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, 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 399 TOPICS NOTES (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). WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 400 TOPICS NOTES (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 = 2 1 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.

WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS

401

TOPICS NOTES (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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 402 PART V ATOMIC AND NUCELAR PHYSICS TOPICS NOTES 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. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 403 TOPICS NOTES (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. Distinction between 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. Simple illustration of the dual nature of light. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 404 SECTION B (FOR CANDIDATES IN NIGERIA) TOPICS NOTES 1. Projectiles Concept of projectiles as an object thrown/released into space 2. Properties of waves: Polarization 3. Electrical conduction through liquids 4. Electrical conduction through gases 5. Elastic properties of solids: (a) Hooke’s law (b) Young’s modulus (c) Work done in springs and elastic strings 6. Structure of matter 7. Surface tension 8. Wave-particle paradox The uncertainty principle Applications of projectiles in warfare, sports etc. Simple problems involving range, maximum height and time of flight may be set. The mechanical analogue of polarization should be demonstrated. Application of polarization in polaroid. Electrolytes and non-electrolytes: conduction of charge carriers through electrolytes; voltameter, electroplating, Faraday’s law of electrolysis – Calibration of the ammeter. Discharge through gases; hot cathode emission. Application e.g. in neon signs, fluorescent tubes etc. Qualitative treatment of Young’s modulus only. Use of the kinetic theory of matter to explain diffusion. Definition and effects (capillarity, cohesion and adhesion). Applications e.g. in umbrellas, canvas, and in the use of grease and detergents Explain the uncertainty principle in very general terms with specific examples. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 405 SECTION C (FOR CANDIDATES IN GHANA) TOPICS NOTES 1. Dimensions, measurements and units 2. Engines 3. Heat capacity 4. Gases 5. Beats 6. Doppler effect 7. Electrical networks 8. Gravitational force 9. Magnetic fields Dimensional analysis: Use in determining formulae and units. Internal combusion engines, jet engines and rockets. Principles of operation of engines. Use of cooling curve to determine the specific heat capacity of a liquid and also to determine the melting point of naphthalene. Van der Waals’ equation for one mole of real gas. Explanation of the phenomena of beats, beat frequency uses of beats. Explanation of Doppler effect of sound. Only qualitative treatment required. Kirchhoff’s laws. Application in electrical networks. Potential divider. Satellites – artificial and natural. Orbits of satellites particularly geo-stationary orbits. Derivation of the expression of the period of satellites. Applications of magnetic force on a moving charged particle e.g. in deflection of charged particles in a T.V. and mass spectrometer. Lorentz force in crossed electric and magnetic fields. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 406 TOPICS NOTES 10. Electronics (a) Solid state materials (b) Semi-conductor devices Distinction between conductors, semi-conductors and insulators in terms of conductivity and modes of conduction. Intrinsic conduction. Valence, conduction and forbidden energy bands, and how they affect the conductivity of materials. Doping of semi-conductors, p – and n – type semi- conductors. Majority and minority carriers. I – V characteristic of p – n junction diode. Rectification: half and full wave rectification. Smoothing of rectified wave forms using capacitors. Mode of operation of p-n-p and n-p-n transistors. Simple single stage amplifier. Integrated circuits should be mentioned. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 407 SECTION D (FOR CANDIDATES IN SIERRA LEONE) TOPICS NOTES 1. Projectiles Concept of projectiles as an object thrown/ released into space. 2. Engines 3. Properties of wave: Polarization 4. Beats 5. Electrical conduction through liquids 6. Electrical conduction through gases 7. Satellite – Artificial and natural 8. Magnetic fields Applications of projectiles in warfare, sports etc. Simple problems involving range, maximum height and time of flight may be set. Internal combustion engines, jet engines and rockets. Principle of operation of engines. The mechanical analogue of polarization should be demonstrated. Application of polarization in polaroid. Explanation of phenomenon of beats, beat frequency. Uses of beats. Electrolytes and non-electrolytes: conduction of charge carriers through electrolytes; voltammeter, electroplating, Faraday’s law of electrolysis. Calibration of the ammeter. Discharge through gases; hot cathode emission. Application e.g. in neon signs, fluorescent tubes etc. Orbits of satellites particularly geo-stationery orbits. Derivation of the expression for the period of orbit of satellites required. Applications of magnetic force on a moving charged particle e.g. in deflection of charged particles in cathode-ray rubes. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 408 TOPICS NOTES 9. Elastic properties of solids: (a) Hooke’s law (b) Young’s modulus (c) Work done in springs and elastic strings 10. Structure of matter 11. Surface tension 12. Electronics Qualitative treatment of Young’s modulus only. Use of the kinetic theory of matter to explain diffusion. Definition and effects (capillarity, cohesion and adhesion). Applications e.g. in umbrellas, canvas, and in the use of grease and detergents. Distinction between conductors, semi-conductors and insulators in terms of conductivity and modes of conduction. Semi-conductor diode: Brief and qualitative treatment of the theory of p-type and n-type. The p-n junction diode and its current/voltage characteristic. The use of a diode as a rectifier. WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION PHYSICS 409 SECTION E (F0R CANDIDATES IN THE GAMBIA) TOPICS NOTES 1. Projectiles Concept of projectiles as an object thrown/released into space 2. Properties of waves: Polarization 3. Electrical conduction through liquids 4. Electrical conduction through gases 5. Elastic properties of solids 6. Structure of matter 7. Surface tension Applications of projectiles in warfare, sports etc. Simple problems involving range, maximum height and time of flight may be set. The mechanical analogue of polarization should be demonstrated. Application of polarization in polaroid. Electrolytes and non-electrolytes: conduction of charge carriers through electrolytes; voltameter, electroplating, Faraday’s law of electrolysis – Calibration of the ammeter. Discharge through gases; hot cathode emission. Application e.g. in neon signs, fluorescent tubes etc. Hooke’s law Use of the kinetic theory of matter to explain diffusion. Definition and effects. Application. Hope you enjoyed the waec Physics syllabus? READ: Waec Hot topics for all subjects

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