Are you writing Physics in your NECO (SSCE or GCE) exam this year? The NECO Physics syllabus helps you know where all your NECO Physics questions will be asked from.
You will see the NECO Physics exam structure, full list of syllabus topics, areas of concentration and study tips on Physics in NECO exam this year.
ALSO SEE: HOW TO PASS NECO PHYSICS EXAM
Let’s begin…
NECO Physics Exam Structure
The exam is divided into three papers:
SECTION 1
Paper 1: Objective Questions
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- Total of 50 marks
Paper 2: Essay/Theory
- 1 hour 30-minutes
- 60 marks
- The paper will be in two sections; Sections A and B.
Section A: You’ll face seven short-structured questions, and you will need to answer any five of them. It’s all about showing off your knowledge and skills in bite-sized chunks, with a total of 15 marks up for grabs.
Section B: You will be given five essay questions, but here’s the catch — you only need to answer three. This gives you some flexibility to showcase your writing skills and earn up to 45 marks. So get ready to put pen to paper and let your ideas flow!
Paper 3: Practical Test (or Alternative to Practical)
Paper 3 is the practical section of the NECO Physics exam.
For school candidates, it’s all about putting your practical skills to the test.
Private candidates, don’t worry — the examiners have an alternative to the practical work paper for you too. You’ll be given three questions and required to answer any two within 2¼ hours. It’s your chance to roll up your sleeves, have some fun, and earn yourself a solid 50 marks.
See NECO Physics Syllabus
Here are the Physics topics and areas of concentration under each topic which you must study according to the official NECO syllabus.
NECO Physics Syllabus
1. Concepts of matter
2. Fundamental and derived quantities and units
- Fundamental quantities and units
- Derived quantities and units
3. Position, distance and displacement
- Concept of position as a location of point-rectangular coordinates
- Measurement of distance
- Concept of direction as a way of locating a point–bearing
- Distinction between distance and displacement
4. Mass and weight
- Distinction between mass and weight
5. Time
- Concept of time as interval between physical events
- Measurement of time
6. Fluid at rest
- Volume, density and relative density
- Pressure in fluids
- Equilibrium of bodies
7. Motion
- Types of motion: Random, rectilinear, translational, Rotational,circular, orbital, spin, Oscillatory
- Relative motion
- Cause of motion
- Types of force
- Solid friction
- Viscosity (friction in fluids)
- Simple ideas of circular motion
8. Speed and velocity
- Concept of speed as change of distance with time
- Concept of velocity as change of displacement with time
- Uniform/non-uniform speed/velocity
- Distance/displacement-time graph
9. Rectilinear acceleration
- Concept of Acceleration/deceleration as increase/decrease in velocity with time
- Uniform/non-uniform accelerationVelocity-time graph
- Equations of motion with constant acceleration
- Motion under gravity as a special case
10. Scalars and vectors
- Concept of scalars as physical quantities with magnitude and no direction
- Concept of vectors as physical quantities with both magnitude and direction
- Vector representation
- Addition of vectors
- Resolution of vectors
- Resultant velocity using vector representation
11. Equilibrium of forces
- Principle of moments
- Conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of paralleland non-parallel forces
- Centre of gravity and stability
12. Simple harmonic motion
- Illustration, explanation and definition of simple harmonic motion(S.H.M)
- Speed and acceleration of S.H.M
- Energy of S.H.M
- Forced vibration and resonance
13. Newton’s laws of motion
- First Law: Inertia of rest and inertia of motion
- Second Law: Force, acceleration, momentum and impulse
- Third Law: Action and reaction
14. Energy
- Forms of energy
- World energy resources
- Conservation of energy
15. Work, Energy and Power
- Concept of work as a measure of energy transfer
- Concept of energy as capability to do work
- Work done in a gravitational field
- Types of mechanical energy
- Conservation of mechanical energy
- Concept of power as time rate of doing work
- Application of mechanical energy machines
16. Heat Energy
- Temperature and its measurement
- Effects of heat on matter
- Thermal expansion – Linear, area and volume expansivity
- Heat transfer – Condition, convection and radiation
- The gas laws-Boyle’s law Charles’ law, pressure law and generalgas law
- Measurement of heat energy
- Latent heat
- Evaporation and boiling
- Vapour and vapour pressure
- Humidity, relative humidity and dew point
- Humidity and the weather
17. Production and propagation of waves
- Production and propagation of mechanical waves
- Pulsating system: Energy transmitted with definite speed, frequency and wavelength
- Waveform
- Mathematical relationship connecting frequency (f), wavelength(),period (T) and velocity (v)
18. Types of waves
- Transverse and longitudinal
- Mathematical representation of wave motion
19. Properties of waves
- Reflection, refraction, diffraction,Interference, superposition of progressivewaves producing standing stationary waves
20. Light waves
- Sources of light
- Rectilinear propagation of light
- Reflection of light at plane surface: plane mirror
- Reflection of light at curved surfaces: concave and convex mirrors
- Refraction of light at plane surfaces: rectangular glass prism (block)and triangular prism
- Refraction of light at curved surfaces: Converging and diverging lenses
- Application of lenses in optical instruments
- Dispersion of white light by a triangular glass prism
21. Electromagnetic waves: Types of radiation in electromagnetic Spectrum
22. Sound Wave
- Sources of sound
- Transmission of sound waves
- Speed of sound in solid, liquid and air
- Echoes and reverberation
- Noise and music
- Characteristics of soundVibration in strings
- Forced vibration
- Vibration of air in pipe – open and closed pipes
23. Description property of fields
- Concept of fields: Gravitational, electric and Magnetic
- Properties of a force field
24. Gravitational field
- Acceleration due to gravity, (g)
- Gravitational force between two masses
- Gravitational potential and escape velocity
25. Electric Field
- Electrostatics
- Current electricity
26. Magnetic field
- Properties of magnets and magnetic materials
- Magnetization and demagnetization
- Concept of magnetic field
- Magnetic force
- Use of electromagnets
- The earth’s magnetic field
- Magnetic force on a moving charged particle
27. Electromagnetic field
- Concept of electromagnetic field
- Electromagnetic inductionInductance
- Eddy currents
- Power transmission and distribution
28. Simple a.c. circuits
- Graphical representation of e.m.f and current in an a.c. circuit
- Peak and rms values
- Series circuit containing resistor, inductor and capacitor
- Reactance and impedance
- Vector diagrams
- Resonance in an a.c, circuit
- Power in an a.c. circuit
29. Structure of the atom
- Models of the atom
- Energy quantization
- Photoelectric effect
- Thermionic emission
- X-rays
30. Structure of the nucleus
- Composition of the nucleus
31. Wave-particle paradox
- Electron diffraction
- Duality of matter
Smart Study Tips for NECO Physics
- Create a weekly study plan by topic
- Group similar topics for better understanding
- Practice practical questions regularly
- Review NECO Physics past questions alongside the syllabus.
- Time yourself when practicing past questions.
FAQs
Q: Is the NECO Physics syllabus the same as WAEC?
A: They are similar but not the same. Always use the NECO version when preparing for NECO exams.
Q: Do I need to study practical topics even as a private candidate?
A: Yes, you’ll take an “Alternative to Practical” paper that tests the same skills.
Q: Where can I download the syllabus PDF?
A: You can get it from syllabus.ng or ask your school to print a copy.
Summary on the NECO Physics Syllabus
Physics is a bonus subject if you follow the NECO Physics syllabus and prepare smartly. Use this post as your study guide, cover every topic, and tackle past questions consistently.
Good luck with your preparation!
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