WAEC GCE Physics Syllabus 2025/2026: Topics, Questions & Answers
Physics in WAEC GCE tests your understanding of natural laws, principles, and their applications in real-world systems. The syllabus is structured to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with emphasis on calculations, diagrams, and scientific reasoning.
Syllabus Structure
The syllabus is divided into five core sections:
1. Measurements and Units
- Fundamental and derived quantities
- SI units and conversions
- Accuracy, errors, and significant figures
2. Mechanics
- Scalars and vectors
- Motion (linear, circular, projectile)
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Work, energy, and power
- Machines and efficiency
- Equilibrium of forces
- Pressure in solids, liquids, and gases
3. Heat Energy
- Temperature and thermometers
- Thermal expansion
- Heat capacity and latent heat
- Gas laws (Boyle’s, Charles’, Pressure Law)
- Kinetic theory of matter
4. Waves, Sound, and Light
- Types and properties of waves
- Reflection, refraction, and diffraction
- Sound production and propagation
- Light rays, lenses, and optical instruments
- Dispersion and color
5. Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric charges and fields
- Current, voltage, resistance (Ohm’s Law)
- Series and parallel circuits
- Electromagnetic induction
- Transformers and electric motors
- Magnetic fields and applications
6. Modern Physics
- Atomic structure
- Radioactivity
- Nuclear energy
- Photoelectric effect
Question Format
WAEC GCE Physics includes:
- Paper 1: Objectives – 50 multiple-choice questions
- Paper 2: Theory – Structured and essay-type questions
- Paper 3: Practical – Experiments, measurements, and data analysis
Sample Questions & Answers
Objective Example:
Which of the following quantities is a vector?
- Speed
- Distance
- Acceleration
- Temperature
Answer: C. Acceleration
Theory Example:
Explain Newton’s Second Law of Motion and derive the formula F = ma.
Answer: Newton’s Second Law states that the force acting on an object is directly proportional to the rate of change of its momentum. For constant mass, this becomes:
( F = ma ), where
- ( F ) is force (N)
- ( m ) is mass (kg)
- ( a ) is acceleration (m/s²)
Practical Example:
You are given a metre rule, a knife edge, and weights. Describe how to determine the centre of gravity of the metre rule.
Answer:
- Balance the metre rule on the knife edge
- Adjust until it balances horizontally
- The point of balance is the centre of gravity
- Record the position and repeat for accuracy