Waec Physics Exam 2025/2026: Full List Of Highly Repeated Topics & Past Questions

The WAEC Physics Exam is designed to test a broad range of physical science concepts, from classical mechanics and thermodynamics to electromagnetism and modern physics. A strategic approach to preparation involves focusing on highly repeated topics and practicing past questions regularly.

In this guide, we provide a comprehensive list of the most repeated topics for the WAEC Physics Exam 2025/2026 and a selection of past questions. This study tool will help you focus your revision on the key areas that are most likely to appear on your exam.

Overview of the WAEC Physics Exam

The WAEC Physics Exam is typically divided into two main sections:

Section A: Objective questions (Multiple Choice)
Section B: Theory questions (Short-Answer and Long-Answer questions)

The exam assesses both your understanding of theoretical concepts and your ability to apply those concepts in problem-solving scenarios. Proper preparation is key to doing well.

Highly Repeated Topics in WAEC Physics Exam 2025/2026

1. Mechanics

Motion and Kinematics: Concepts such as speed, velocity, acceleration, and equations of motion are commonly tested. Questions might involve calculations or the application of kinematic equations to solve real-world problems.
- Example: A car accelerates from rest at 2 m/s² for 10 seconds. What is its final velocity?
Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion: Understanding how force, mass, and acceleration relate, along with Newton's three laws of motion.
- Example: A 5 kg object is subjected to a force of 20 N. What is its acceleration?
Work, Energy, and Power: Focuses on the relationship between work done, energy, and power. Expect to solve problems involving mechanical energy (kinetic and potential) and power.
- Example: Calculate the work done in lifting a 10 kg object to a height of 5 m.
Gravitation: Covers gravitational forces, orbits, and Kepler’s laws.
- Example: What is the gravitational force on a 10 kg object on the surface of the Earth?

2. Waves and Oscillations

Properties of Waves: Questions may test your understanding of wave properties such as frequency, wavelength, and wave speed.
- Example: A wave has a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 2 m. What is the wave speed?
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): The principles of SHM, including the motion of springs and pendulums, are crucial.
- Example: A mass of 0.5 kg oscillates at 2 Hz. What is its angular frequency?
Sound Waves: The study of sound wave behavior, including Doppler effect and the relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength.
- Example: A car moving towards a stationary observer emits a sound of 500 Hz. What frequency is heard by the observer?

3. Thermodynamics

Laws of Thermodynamics: These laws describe how energy is transferred and conserved in systems.
- Example: State the first law of thermodynamics and provide an example.
Heat and Temperature: Questions typically involve concepts like specific heat capacity, thermal expansion, and heat transfer.
- Example: Calculate the heat required to raise the temperature of 2 kg of water by 10°C.
Heat Engines and Efficiency: You’ll need to understand the working principles of heat engines and calculate efficiency.
- Example: A heat engine absorbs 500 J of heat and does 300 J of work. What is its efficiency?

4. Electricity and Magnetism

Electric Circuits: Key concepts such as Ohm’s Law, resistors in series and parallel, and the behavior of capacitors are regularly tested.
- Example: Calculate the current flowing through a circuit with a 12V battery and a 6Ω resistor.
Magnetic Fields and Forces: Includes the study of magnetic fields and the forces they exert on moving charges.
- Example: Calculate the magnetic force on a moving charge in a magnetic field.
Electromagnetic Induction: Focuses on Faraday’s and Lenz’s Laws, and their applications in transformers and electric generators.
- Example: A coil with 200 turns is exposed to a changing magnetic field. What is the induced emf?

5. Modern Physics

Atomic Structure and Nuclear Physics: This section covers atomic models, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and applications of nuclear energy.
- Example: Calculate the energy released in a nuclear fission event.
Photoelectric Effect: Focuses on the principles behind the emission of electrons when light strikes certain materials.
- Example: What is the minimum frequency of light required to emit electrons from a material with a work function of 2 eV?

6. Optics

Reflection and Refraction: Understanding light behavior when it hits surfaces or passes through different media, including Snell's Law.
- Example: Calculate the angle of refraction when light passes from air into water.
Lenses and Mirrors: Questions may involve the focal length and magnification properties of lenses and mirrors.
- Example: A convex lens has a focal length of 15 cm. An object is placed 30 cm from the lens. What is the image distance?

Sample Past Questions for WAEC Physics Exam 2025/2026

1. Mechanics

Question: A car travels 150 km in 3 hours. What is its average speed?
Answer: Average speed = $Total time Total distance = 3 150 = 50 km/h$

2. Waves and Oscillations

Question: A wave has a frequency of 100 Hz and a wavelength of 0.5 m. What is the speed of the wave?
Answer: Speed = $Frequency \times Wavelength = 100 \times 0.5 = 50 m/s$

3. Thermodynamics

Question: How much heat is required to raise the temperature of 2 kg of water by 10°C? (Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J/kg°C)
Answer: Heat = $mass \times specific heat capacity \times temperature change = 2 \times 4200 \times 10 = 84000 J$

4. Electricity and Magnetism

Question: In a circuit with a 12V battery and a 6Ω resistor, calculate the current flowing through the circuit.
Answer: Current = $R V = 6 12 = 2 A$

5. Modern Physics

Question: What is the energy released in the fission of a uranium nucleus if 200 MeV is released per fission event?
Answer: Energy released = 200 MeV

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the format of the WAEC Physics Exam?

The WAEC Physics Exam consists of two main sections:

Section A: Objective questions (Multiple Choice)
Section B: Theory questions (Short-Answer and Long-Answer questions)

Q2: How many marks are allocated to each section of the exam?

While the exact breakdown may vary slightly, typically:

Section A (Objective) is worth 40 marks.
Section B (Theory) is worth 60 marks.

Q3: How do I calculate the speed of a wave in the exam?

To calculate the speed of a wave, use the formula: $Speed = Frequency \times Wavelength$ Where:

Speed is the speed of the wave.
Frequency is the number of cycles per second.
Wavelength is the distance between consecutive wave crests.

Q4: What topics are most likely to appear in the WAEC Physics exam?

Based on past trends, topics such as Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetic Induction, Sound Waves, and Modern Physics are frequently tested. Focus your preparation on these areas.

Q5: How can I improve my problem-solving skills for the exam?

To improve problem-solving:

Practice past questions regularly.
Understand the formulas and their application to different scenarios.
Review key concepts and ensure you understand the underlying principles.

Conclusion

The WAEC Physics Exam 2025/2026 will test your understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical problem-solving skills. Focus on the highly repeated topics and practice solving past questions to ensure success. With consistent preparation and a solid understanding of the topics listed in this guide, you'll be well on your way to achieving a top score in the exam.

Good luck with your studies and exam preparation!