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Free JAMB Past Question for physics
Q.1A person with myopia (short-sightedness) has a far point of 2.0 m. What is the power of the corrective lens required to enable them to see distant objects clearly?
A. +0.5 D
B. -0.5 D
C. +2.0 D
D. -2.0 D
A person with myopia (short-sightedness) has a far point of 2.0 m. What is the power of the corrective lens required to enable them to see distant objects clearly?
A. +0.5 D
B. -0.5 D
C. +2.0 D
D. -2.0 D
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Optical Instruments - Sight defects and their corrections
Show explanation
Myopia is a sight defect where the person can see near objects clearly but cannot focus on distant objects. The far point for a myopic person is closer than infinity. To correct this, a diverging (concave) lens is needed to form a virtual image of a distant object (at infinity) at the person's far point (2.0 m). Using the lens formula, , with and m (virtual image at far point), we get . The focal length is m. The power of the lens (P) is the reciprocal of the focal length in meters: D.
Q.2Which of the following is a direct application of the principle of conservation of linear momentum?
A. A rocket propelled into space.
B. A car moving on a straight road.
C. A ball bouncing off a wall.
D. A satellite orbiting the Earth.
Which of the following is a direct application of the principle of conservation of linear momentum?
A. A rocket propelled into space.
B. A car moving on a straight road.
C. A ball bouncing off a wall.
D. A satellite orbiting the Earth.
Correct Answer: option a
Further reading: Motion - Conservation of linear momentum
Show explanation
The principle of conservation of linear momentum states that in the absence of external forces, the total momentum of a system remains constant. A rocket uses this principle by expelling hot gases at high velocity in one direction. To conserve the total momentum of the rocket-gas system, the rocket itself gains momentum in the opposite direction, propelling it forward.
Q.3What is the reason for the anomalous expansion of water?
A. It expands when heated from 0°C to 4°C.
B. It expands when heated from 4°C to 100°C.
C. It contracts when heated from 0°C to 4°C.
D. It contracts when cooled from 4°C to 0°C.
What is the reason for the anomalous expansion of water?
A. It expands when heated from 0°C to 4°C.
B. It expands when heated from 4°C to 100°C.
C. It contracts when heated from 0°C to 4°C.
D. It contracts when cooled from 4°C to 0°C.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Thermal Expansion - Anomalous expansion of water
Show explanation
Most liquids expand when heated and contract when cooled. However, water behaves anomalously between 0°C and 4°C. When heated from 0°C to 4°C, water contracts and its density increases, reaching its maximum density at 4°C. When heated further above 4°C, it expands like a normal liquid
Q.4Which of the following is a condition for the resonance of a series R-L-C circuit?
A. The inductive reactance is equal to the resistance.
B. The capacitive reactance is equal to the resistance.
C. The impedance is at its maximum value.
D. The inductive reactance is equal to the capacitive reactance.
Which of the following is a condition for the resonance of a series R-L-C circuit?
A. The inductive reactance is equal to the resistance.
B. The capacitive reactance is equal to the resistance.
C. The impedance is at its maximum value.
D. The inductive reactance is equal to the capacitive reactance.
Correct Answer: option d
Further reading: Simple A.C. Circuits - Resonance and resonance frequency
Show explanation
Resonance in a series R-L-C circuit occurs when the inductive reactance ( ) is equal to the capacitive reactance ( ). At this frequency, the circuit's impedance is at its minimum and is equal to the resistance (R), and the current is at its maximum.
Q.5What is the primary method of heat transfer from the Sun to the Earth?
A. Conduction
B. Convection
C. Radiation
D. Absorption
What is the primary method of heat transfer from the Sun to the Earth?
A. Conduction
B. Convection
C. Radiation
D. Absorption
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Heat Transfer - Conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer
Show explanation
Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, and it does not require a material medium. The space between the Sun and the Earth is a vacuum, so heat can only be transferred by radiation. Conduction and convection require a medium for transfer
Q.6An engineer intends to deviate a light ray from its path by 120° through reflection from a plane mirror. Calculate the angle of incidence.
A. 20°
B. 30°
C. 40°
D. 60°
An engineer intends to deviate a light ray from its path by 120° through reflection from a plane mirror. Calculate the angle of incidence.
A. 20°
B. 30°
C. 40°
D. 60°
Correct Answer: option b
Show explanation
1. The deviation (δ) of a plane mirror is the angle between the incident ray's original path and the reflected ray's path. The formula δ=180∘−2i, where i is the angle of incidence (measured from the normal).
2. Identify given deviation: δ=120∘
3. Substitute into the formula and solve for i:
- 120∘=180∘−2i
- 2i=180∘−120∘
- 2i=60∘
- i=30∘
Q.7In a parallel-plate capacitor, if the potential difference across the plates is doubled while keeping the plate separation constant, what happens to the energy stored in the capacitor?
A. It is halved.
B. It is doubled.
C. It remains the same.
D. It is quadrupled.
In a parallel-plate capacitor, if the potential difference across the plates is doubled while keeping the plate separation constant, what happens to the energy stored in the capacitor?
A. It is halved.
B. It is doubled.
C. It remains the same.
D. It is quadrupled.
Correct Answer: option d
Further reading: Capacitors - Energy stored in a capacitor
Show explanation
The energy stored in a capacitor (E) is given by the formula , where $ is the capacitance and $V$ is the potential difference. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is given by , which is constant if the area (A) and separation ($d$) are constant. If the potential difference (V) is doubled, the new potential difference is 2V. The new energy stored will be . Therefore, the energy stored is quadrupled.
Q.8The property of a liquid that makes it form a spherical drop is known as:
A. Viscosity
B. Cohesion
C. Adhesion
D. Surface tension
The property of a liquid that makes it form a spherical drop is known as:
A. Viscosity
B. Cohesion
C. Adhesion
D. Surface tension
Correct Answer: option d
Further reading: Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory - Molecular theory: explanation of surface tension
Show explanation
Surface tension is a property of a liquid that arises from the cohesive forces between the molecules at the surface of the liquid. These forces pull the surface molecules inward, causing the surface to behave like a stretched, elastic membrane. This effect minimizes the surface area of the liquid, which for a given volume, is a sphere
Q.9A parallel circuit consists of three resistors with values of 2 Ω, 3 Ω, and 6 Ω. What is the total effective resistance of the circuit?
A. 11 Ω
B. 6 Ω
C. 1 Ω
D. 0.5 Ω
A parallel circuit consists of three resistors with values of 2 Ω, 3 Ω, and 6 Ω. What is the total effective resistance of the circuit?
A. 11 Ω
B. 6 Ω
C. 1 Ω
D. 0.5 Ω
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Current Electricity - Resistance in series and in parallel and their combination
Show explanation
For resistors connected in parallel, the reciprocal of the total effective resistance ($R_T$) is the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances. The formula is . Substituting the given values, we get . Finding a common denominator, we get . Therefore, Ω.
Q.10A body is undergoing Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M.). At which point is its acceleration at a maximum?
A. At the midpoint (equilibrium position).
B. At the extreme positions.
C. When the velocity is at a maximum.
D. When the displacement is at a minimum.
A body is undergoing Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M.). At which point is its acceleration at a maximum?
A. At the midpoint (equilibrium position).
B. At the extreme positions.
C. When the velocity is at a maximum.
D. When the displacement is at a minimum.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Motion - Velocity and acceleration of S.H.M
Show explanation
In Simple Harmonic Motion, the acceleration of the oscillating body is directly proportional to its displacement from the equilibrium position and is always directed towards that position. Therefore, the acceleration is at its maximum at the extreme positions of the oscillation, where the displacement is at its maximum
Q.11A boy is pulling a block with a force of 40 N at an angle of 60° to the horizontal. What is the horizontal component of the force?
A. 20 N
B. 34.64 N
C. 40 N
D. 23.09 N
A boy is pulling a block with a force of 40 N at an angle of 60° to the horizontal. What is the horizontal component of the force?
A. 20 N
B. 34.64 N
C. 40 N
D. 23.09 N
Correct Answer: option a
Further reading: Scalars and Vectors - Resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions
Show explanation
The horizontal component of a force ( ) is found by multiplying the magnitude of the force ( ) by the cosine of the angle ( ) it makes with the horizontal. The formula is . Substituting the values, N.
Q.12What is the main disadvantage of echoes and reverberations in an enclosed space?
A. They make the sound louder.
B. They make it difficult to hear clearly what is being said.
C. They prevent sound from traveling long distances.
D. They increase the speed of sound.
What is the main disadvantage of echoes and reverberations in an enclosed space?
A. They make the sound louder.
B. They make it difficult to hear clearly what is being said.
C. They prevent sound from traveling long distances.
D. They increase the speed of sound.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Propagation of Sound Waves - Disadvantages of echoes and reverberations
Show explanation
In an enclosed space, such as a large hall or a stadium, sound waves can reflect off the walls, ceiling, and other surfaces. When these reflections arrive after the direct sound, they are called echoes. When the reflections are very rapid and merge with the original sound, it is called reverberation. Both of these phenomena interfere with the clarity of speech and music, making it difficult to understand what is being said.
Q.13A person holds a stone and drops it from a height. Which of the following describes the energy transformation as the stone falls?
A. Kinetic energy is converted into potential energy.
B. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
C. Chemical energy is converted into kinetic energy.
D. Heat energy is converted into kinetic energy.
A person holds a stone and drops it from a height. Which of the following describes the energy transformation as the stone falls?
A. Kinetic energy is converted into potential energy.
B. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
C. Chemical energy is converted into kinetic energy.
D. Heat energy is converted into kinetic energy.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Work, Energy and Power - Qualitative treatment between different forms of energy
Show explanation
When the stone is held at a certain height, it possesses gravitational potential energy. As it is dropped, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, the energy of motion. The potential energy is at its maximum at the beginning of the fall and becomes zero at the ground, while the kinetic energy is zero at the beginning and becomes maximum just before it hits the ground
Q.14What is the significance of the critical angle in the context of light refraction?
A. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of refraction.
B. The angle of refraction is 90°.
C. The light ray is totally reflected into the denser medium.
D. The light ray is refracted at an angle of 0°.
What is the significance of the critical angle in the context of light refraction?
A. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of refraction.
B. The angle of refraction is 90°.
C. The light ray is totally reflected into the denser medium.
D. The light ray is refracted at an angle of 0°.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Refraction of Light Through at Plane and Curved Surfaces - Critical angle and total internal reflection
Show explanation
The critical angle is the angle of incidence in the denser medium for which the angle of refraction in the less dense medium is 90°. When the angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle, the light ray is no longer refracted, but is instead totally internally reflected into the denser medium.
Q.15A metal of mass 0.5kg is heated to 100°C and then transferred to a well lagged calorimeter of heat capacity containing water of heat capacity at 15°C. If the final steady temperature of the mixture is 25°C, find the specific heat capacity of the metal.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A metal of mass 0.5kg is heated to 100°C and then transferred to a well lagged calorimeter of heat capacity containing water of heat capacity at 15°C. If the final steady temperature of the mixture is 25°C, find the specific heat capacity of the metal.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer: option c
Show explanation
This is a calorimetry problem based on the principle of heat exchange: Heat lost by hot object = Heat gained by cold objects (water and calorimeter).
1. Given values:
- Mass of metal (mm) = 0.5 kg
- Initial temp of metal (Tm,i) = 100°C
- Final mixture temp (Tf) = 25°C
- Initial temp of water/calorimeter (Tw,i,Tcal,i) = 15°C
- Heat capacity of water (Cw) = (This is the total heat capacity, not specific)
- Heat capacity of calorimeter (Ccal) = (Total heat capacity)
2. Calculate temperature changes:
- Temperature change of metal (ΔTm) = Tm,i−Tf=100∘C−25∘C=75∘C=75 K
- Temperature change of water (ΔTw) = Tf−Tw,i=25∘C−15∘C=10∘C=10 K
- Temperature change of calorimeter (ΔTcal) = Tf−Tcal,i=25∘C−15∘C=10∘C=10 K
3. Apply heat exchange equation:
- Heat Lost by Metal = (Heat Gained by Water) + (Heat Gained by Calorimeter)
- mmcmΔTm=CwΔTw+CcalΔTcal
4. Substitute values and solve for cm (specific heat capacity of the metal):
- 0.5×cm×75=(420×10)+(80×10)
- 37.5cm=4200+800
- 37.5cm=5000
- cm=
Q.16What is the term for the process of converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC)?
A. Amplification
B. Rectification
C. Modulation
D. Doping
What is the term for the process of converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC)?
A. Amplification
B. Rectification
C. Modulation
D. Doping
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Introductory Electronics - Uses of semiconductors and diodes in rectification
Show explanation
Rectification is the process of converting alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, into direct current (DC), which flows only in one direction. This is typically done using semiconductor diodes, which allow current to flow in one direction only
Q.17A radioactive element has a half-life of 10 years. What fraction of the original sample will be remaining after 30 years?
A. 1/2
B. 1/4
C. 1/8
D. 1/16
A radioactive element has a half-life of 10 years. What fraction of the original sample will be remaining after 30 years?
A. 1/2
B. 1/4
C. 1/8
D. 1/16
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Elementary Modern Physics - Half-life and decay constant
Show explanation
The half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. In 30 years, there will have been 3 half-lives (30 years / 10 years/half-life = 3 half-lives). After the first half-life, 1/2 of the sample remains. After the second, 1/2 of that remains, which is 1/4 of the original. After the third half-life, 1/2 of the 1/4 remains, which is 1/8 of the original sample
Q.18The velocity v of a particle in a time t is given by the equation . Find the instantaneous acceleration after 5 seconds.
A.
B.
C.
D.
The velocity v of a particle in a time t is given by the equation . Find the instantaneous acceleration after 5 seconds.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer: option c
Show explanation
1. Identify the velocity equation: v=10+2t2
2. Recall relationship between velocity and acceleration: Acceleration (a) is the first derivative of velocity with respect to time ( )
3. Differentiate the velocity equation:
-
- a=0+2×2t
- a=4t
4. Substitute the given time (t=5 s):
-
-
Q.19A catapult used to hold a stone of mass 500g is extended by 20cm with an applied force F. If the stone leaves with a velocity of , the value of F is
A. 4.0×102 N
B. 4.0×103 N
C. 2.0×103 N
D. 4.0×102 N
A catapult used to hold a stone of mass 500g is extended by 20cm with an applied force F. If the stone leaves with a velocity of , the value of F is
A. 4.0×102 N
B. 4.0×103 N
C. 2.0×103 N
D. 4.0×102 N
Correct Answer: option c
Show explanation
1. Identify given values:
- Mass (m) = 500g = 0.5 kg
- Extension (x) = 20cm = 0.2 m
- Final velocity (v) = 40 m/s
2. Apply Work-Energy Theorem: The work done by the catapult equals the change in kinetic energy of the stone.
- Work Done (W) = Force (F) × Distance (x)
- Kinetic Energy (KE) =
- Therefore,
3. Substitute values and solve for F:
-
- F×0.2=0.25×1600
- F×0.2=400
-
- F=2.0×103 N
Q.20What is the term for the work done per unit charge in moving a positive test charge from one point to another in an electric field?
A. Electric field intensity
B. Electric potential
C. Electric potential energy
D. Electric potential difference
What is the term for the work done per unit charge in moving a positive test charge from one point to another in an electric field?
A. Electric field intensity
B. Electric potential
C. Electric potential energy
D. Electric potential difference
Correct Answer: option d
Further reading: Electrostatics - Electric potential difference
Show explanation
The electric potential difference (or voltage) between two points is defined as the work done per unit positive charge in moving the charge from one point to the other. It is measured in Volts (V), which is equivalent to Joules per Coulomb (J/C)