WAEC GCE Physics Syllabus 2025/2026
The 2025/2026 WAEC GCE Physics syllabus includes key topics such as mechanics, heat, waves, electricity, and atomic physics. The exam consists of three papers: multiple-choice, theory, and practical.
This syllabus is designed for candidates preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates (GCE). It emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and experimental skills in physics.
Scheme of Examination
- Paper 1: Objectives
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 1¼ hours
- Marks: 50
- Paper 2: Theory
- Section A: 7 short-structured questions (answer 5) – 15 marks
- Section B: 5 essay questions (answer 3) – 45 marks
- Duration: 1½ hours
- Marks: 60
- Paper 3: Practical / Alternative to Practical
- 3 questions (answer 2)
- Duration: 2¾ hours
- Marks: 50
- Private candidates take the alternative to practical paper
Core Syllabus Topics
1. Interaction of Matter, Space & Time
- Concepts of matter
- Fundamental and derived quantities
- Position, distance, displacement
- Time and measurement tools
2. Kinematics
- Speed, velocity, acceleration
- Graphical analysis of motion
- Equations of motion
3. Dynamics
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Friction, inertia, momentum
- Impulse and conservation laws
4. Gravitation
- Gravitational force and field
- Mass vs. weight
- Free fall and projectile motion
5. Equilibrium of Forces
- Conditions for equilibrium
- Moments and torque
- Centre of gravity
6. Work, Energy & Power
- Work done by a force
- Kinetic and potential energy
- Efficiency and power output
7. Heat Energy
- Temperature and heat
- Expansion of solids, liquids, gases
- Calorimetry and latent heat
- Gas laws and kinetic theory
8. Waves
- Types of waves: transverse and longitudinal
- Properties: reflection, refraction, diffraction
- Sound waves and resonance
9. Light
- Reflection and refraction
- Mirrors and lenses
- Dispersion and optical instruments
10. Electrostatics
- Electric charge and field
- Coulomb’s law
- Capacitors and dielectric materials
11. Electricity
- Current, voltage, resistance
- Ohm’s law and circuit analysis
- Series and parallel circuits
- Electrical energy and power
12. Magnetism
- Magnetic fields and materials
- Electromagnets and applications
- Magnetic effects of current
13. Electromagnetic Induction
- Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws
- Transformers and generators
- Alternating current (AC) vs. direct current (DC)
14. Atomic & Nuclear Physics
- Structure of the atom
- Radioactivity and decay
- Nuclear energy and applications
15. Electronics
- Diodes, transistors, logic gates
- Simple circuits and applications
Sample Questions
Objective Example:
Which of the following quantities is a vector?
- Speed
- Distance
- Mass
- Velocity
Answer: D. Velocity
Theory Example:
Explain the principle of conservation of energy and illustrate with a pendulum.
Answer Tip: Discuss energy transformation between kinetic and potential forms.
Practical Example:
Using a metre rule and a knife edge, determine the centre of gravity of an irregular lamina.