WAEC Areas Of Concentration for Physics 2025/2026

The WAEC Areas Of Concentration for Physics 2025/2026 is derived from the Senior Secondary School teaching syllabus, outlining the scope for the Physics examination with a conceptual approach. It covers broad themes such as matter, motion and time, energy, waves, fields, atomic and nuclear physics, and electronics. Each main concept is further subdivided into relevant sub-concepts to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of Physics.

The syllabus aims to help candidates gain a solid grasp of basic principles and applications of Physics, fostering essential scientific skills and attitudes. It encourages students to recognize the limitations of scientific methods while promoting accuracy, precision, objectivity, and inventiveness.

Candidates will be evaluated on their knowledge of scientific phenomena, practical skills with scientific apparatus, and their ability to analyze and interpret information.

The examination consists of three papers: Paper 1, which features 50 multiple-choice questions for 50 marks; Paper 2, divided into two sections with short-structured and essay questions totaling 60 marks; and Paper 3, a practical test or alternative practical work paper, requiring candidates to answer two out of three questions for 50 marks.

All papers are designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills in Physics.

WAEC Areas Of Concentration for Physics 2025/2026

PART I: INTERACTION OF MATTER, SPACE & TIME

  • Concepts of matter
  • Fundamental and derived quantities and units
  • Position, distance, and displacement
  • Measurement of distance and time
  • Mass and weight
  • Fluid at rest: volume, density, and relative density
  • Pressure in fluids
  • Equilibrium of bodies
  • Archimedes’ principle and law of flotation
  • Motion: random, rectilinear, translational, rotational, circular, orbital, spin, oscillatory
  • Relative motion and cause of motion
  • Types of force: contact and non-contact
  • Solid friction and viscosity
  • Concepts of speed and velocity
  • Distance/displacement-time graph
  • Acceleration and deceleration
  • Scalars and vectors: representation and resolution
  • Equilibrium of forces and conditions for equilibrium
  • Centre of gravity and stability
  • Simple harmonic motion (S.H.M)
  • Newton’s laws of motion: first, second, and third

PART II: ENERGY: MECHANICAL AND HEAT

  • World energy resources and conservation of energy
  • Work, energy, and power: definitions and applications
  • Types of mechanical energy: potential and kinetic energy
  • Heat energy: temperature measurement and effects on matter
  • Thermal expansion and heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation
  • Gas laws: Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, and general gas law
  • Measurement of heat energy: heat capacity and latent heat

PART III: WAVES

  • Production and propagation of mechanical waves
  • Waveforms and mathematical relationships
  • Types of waves: transverse and longitudinal
  • Properties of waves: reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference
  • Light waves: sources, propagation, and reflection/refraction
  • Application of lenses and dispersion of white light
  • Electromagnetic waves and sound waves: characteristics and transmission

PART IV: FIELDS

  • Description and properties of fields: gravitational, electric, and magnetic
  • Gravitational force and potential
  • Electric field: production and distribution of electric charges
  • Current electricity: potential difference, electric circuits, and energy
  • Magnetic field: properties, magnetization, and applications
  • Electromagnetic induction: Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws

PART V: ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS

  • Structure of the atom and models of the atom
  • Energy quantization and photoelectric effect
  • Structure of the nucleus and radioactivity
  • Nuclear reactions: fusion and fission
  • Wave-particle paradox and duality of matter
  • Harmonized topics for short structured questions: derived quantities, projectile motion, elastic properties, thermal conductivity, and introduction to LASER

The WAEC Physics syllabus is structured around the fundamental concepts of matter, energy, and waves, divided into five main parts.

Part I focuses on the interaction of matter, space, and time, covering topics such as the properties of matter, motion, forces, and Newton’s laws. It emphasizes concepts like mass vs. weight, speed vs. velocity, and includes discussions on equilibrium and simple harmonic motion.

Part II addresses energy, specifically mechanical energy and heat. It includes the conservation of energy, work and power, types of mechanical energy, and the principles of heat transfer and gas laws.

Part III explores waves, including their production, propagation, and properties. It distinguishes between mechanical waves, light waves, and sound waves, detailing concepts like reflection, refraction, and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Part IV deals with fields, discussing gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, along with the principles of electric circuits and electromagnetic induction.

Part V examines atomic and nuclear physics, covering atomic structure, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions, highlighting concepts like energy quantization and the wave-particle duality of matter.

This syllabus aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of physics principles and their applications.

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