WAEC Past Questions Physics: Detailed Solutions & Free Practice (2027)

WAEC Past Questions Physics: Detailed Solutions & Free Practice (2027)

Introduction: Why Physics Demands Both Understanding and Calculation Skills

Physics is one of the core science subjects in WAEC and is required for Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, Computer Science, and virtually every science and technology programme at the university level. A credit in Physics (C6 or above) is non-negotiable for these fields.

What makes WAEC Physics challenging is the combination of conceptual understanding and mathematical calculation. Unlike pure theory subjects where you can explain your way through, Physics requires you to apply formulas, substitute values correctly, manipulate equations, and arrive at a precise numerical answer. A student who understands the concept of projectile motion but cannot calculate the range or maximum height will still lose marks.

The WAEC Physics examination has two major components: Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Theory and Practical). Paper 1 tests breadth of knowledge across the entire syllabus. Paper 2 tests depth, requiring you to solve multi-step problems, explain concepts in detail, and demonstrate practical skills.

The candidates who score A1 to B3 in WAEC Physics are the ones who know the formulas, understand when to apply each one, and have practised enough calculations to work quickly and accurately under exam pressure.

This guide breaks down the WAEC Physics syllabus, gives you 25 practice questions with detailed solutions, provides the essential formulas you must memorise, and maps out a study plan for a strong grade.

Start Practising Now: SchoolHub's Free JAMB CBT Practice App includes Physics questions that build the same skills tested in WAEC, completely free.

---

WAEC Physics at a Glance

---

Complete WAEC Physics Syllabus Breakdown

1. Measurement and Units (5%)

• Fundamental and derived quantities
• SI units
• Measurement of length, mass, time, and temperature
• Significant figures and standard form
• Errors in measurement: systematic, random, percentage error
• Use of measuring instruments: vernier caliper, micrometer screw gauge, metre rule

2. Mechanics (30%)

Scalars and Vectors

• Distinction between scalars and vectors
• Vector addition and resolution (parallelogram and triangle methods)
• Resultant of forces

Motion

• Types of motion: linear, circular, oscillatory, random, rotational
• Speed, velocity, and acceleration
• Equations of uniformly accelerated motion (SUVAT equations)
• Distance-time and velocity-time graphs
• Motion under gravity (free fall)
• Projectile motion: range, maximum height, time of flight

Force and Newton's Laws

• Newton's first, second, and third laws
• Friction: static, dynamic (kinetic), coefficient of friction
• Equilibrium of forces: conditions, centre of gravity, moments, couples
• Principle of moments
• Simple machines: lever, pulley, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw jack
• Mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, efficiency

Work, Energy, and Power

• Work done by a force
• Kinetic energy and potential energy
• Conservation of energy
• Power and efficiency

Linear Momentum

• Momentum and impulse
• Conservation of linear momentum
• Elastic and inelastic collisions

Pressure

• Pressure in solids, liquids, and gases
• Atmospheric pressure
• Pascal's principle and hydraulic systems
• Archimedes' principle, upthrust, and floatation
• Boyle's law, Charles's law, and the general gas law

3. Thermal Physics (12%)

• Temperature and thermometers (mercury, clinical, thermocouple)
• Heat capacity and specific heat capacity
• Latent heat of fusion and vaporisation
• Thermal expansion: linear, area, volume, and applications
• Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation
• Evaporation and boiling
• Gas laws (Boyle's, Charles's, Pressure law, general gas equation)
• Kinetic theory of gases

4. Waves (15%)

• Types of waves: transverse, longitudinal, mechanical, electromagnetic
• Wave properties: reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, polarisation
• Wave equation: v = f x wavelength
• Sound waves: speed, pitch, loudness, quality, echoes, resonance
• Musical instruments and vibrating strings
• Electromagnetic spectrum
• Light: rectilinear propagation, reflection (plane and curved mirrors), refraction (Snell's law), critical angle, total internal reflection
• Lenses: converging and diverging, lens formula, magnification
• Optical instruments: the eye, camera, microscope, telescope
• Dispersion of light and colour

5. Electricity and Magnetism (25%)

Electrostatics

• Electric charges: positive and negative
• Methods of charging: friction, induction, contact
• Coulomb's law
• Electric field and electric potential
• Capacitors: capacitance, parallel plate capacitor, energy stored, series and parallel combinations

Current Electricity

• Electric current, EMF, potential difference
• Ohm's law and resistance
• Resistivity and conductivity
• Resistors in series and parallel
• Kirchhoff's laws (simple applications)
• Electrical energy and power
• Internal resistance of a cell
• Ammeters, voltmeters, and galvanometers
• Wheatstone bridge and potentiometer

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

• Properties of magnets, magnetic field lines
• Earth's magnetic field
• Electromagnetic induction: Faraday's law, Lenz's law
• Transformers: step-up, step-down, efficiency
• AC and DC: peak, RMS values
• Electric motors and generators
• Eddy currents

6. Modern Physics (8%)

• Atomic structure: protons, neutrons, electrons
• Radioactivity: alpha, beta, gamma radiation
• Half-life and decay
• Nuclear reactions: fission and fusion
• Photoelectric effect
• Thermionic emission
• X-rays: production and uses
• Wave-particle duality

7. Electronics (5%)

• Semiconductors: intrinsic and extrinsic (p-type, n-type)
• Diodes: p-n junction, rectification (half-wave, full-wave)
• Transistors: npn, pnp, as amplifiers and switches
• Logic gates: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR
• Truth tables

---

Essential WAEC Physics Formulas

Mechanics

Thermal Physics

Waves and Optics

Electricity

Modern Physics

---

25 WAEC Physics Practice Questions With Solutions

Measurement and Units

Question 1 A student measures the length of a rod as 25.40 cm using a vernier caliper. How many significant figures does this measurement have?

Options: A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5

Answer: C

Solution: The measurement 25.40 has 4 significant figures. The digits 2, 5, 4, and the trailing zero after the decimal point are all significant. Trailing zeros after a decimal point are always significant because they indicate the precision of the measurement.

---

Mechanics: Motion

Question 2 A car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at 3 m/s^2 for 8 seconds. What is the distance covered?

Options: A. 24 m B. 48 m C. 96 m D. 192 m

Answer: C

Solution: Using s = ut + 1/2 at^2 u = 0 (starts from rest), a = 3 m/s^2, t = 8 s s = 0(8) + 1/2 (3)(8^2) = 0 + 1/2 (3)(64) = 96 m

---

Question 3 A ball is thrown vertically upward with an initial velocity of 20 m/s. What is the maximum height reached? (Take g = 10 m/s^2)

Options: A. 10 m B. 20 m C. 40 m D. 200 m

Answer: B

Solution: At maximum height, final velocity v = 0. Using v^2 = u^2 + 2as (taking upward as positive, a = -g = -10) 0 = 20^2 + 2(-10)(s) 0 = 400 - 20s 20s = 400 s = 20 m

---

Question 4 A stone is projected horizontally from the top of a cliff with a velocity of 15 m/s. If the cliff is 45 m high, how long does the stone take to reach the ground? (Take g = 10 m/s^2)

Options: A. 1.5 s B. 3.0 s C. 4.5 s D. 9.0 s

Answer: B

Solution: For the vertical motion: h = 1/2 gt^2 (initial vertical velocity is zero for horizontal projection) 45 = 1/2 (10)(t^2) 45 = 5t^2 t^2 = 9 t = 3.0 s

---

Mechanics: Force and Energy

Question 5 A force of 50 N acts on a body of mass 10 kg initially at rest on a smooth surface. What is the velocity after 4 seconds?

Options: A. 5 m/s B. 10 m/s C. 20 m/s D. 200 m/s

Answer: C

Solution: First find acceleration: F = ma, so a = F/m = 50/10 = 5 m/s^2 Then find velocity: v = u + at = 0 + 5(4) = 20 m/s

---

Question 6 A body of mass 2 kg moving at 6 m/s collides with a stationary body of mass 4 kg. If the two bodies stick together after the collision, what is their common velocity?

Options: A. 1 m/s B. 2 m/s C. 3 m/s D. 6 m/s

Answer: B

Solution: By conservation of linear momentum: m1u1 + m2u2 = (m1 + m2)v 2(6) + 4(0) = (2 + 4)v 12 = 6v v = 2 m/s

---

Question 7 A machine has a velocity ratio of 5 and an efficiency of 80%. What is its mechanical advantage?

Options: A. 2 B. 4 C. 5 D. 6.25

Answer: B

Solution: Efficiency = (MA / VR) x 100% 80 = (MA / 5) x 100 80/100 = MA/5 MA = 0.8 x 5 = 4

---

Question 8 A 500 N force is applied at an angle of 60 degrees to the horizontal to push a box along a floor for a distance of 10 m. What is the work done?

Options: A. 2,500 J B. 4,330 J C. 5,000 J D. 1,250 J

Answer: A

Solution: W = Fs cos(theta) = 500 x 10 x cos 60 = 500 x 10 x 0.5 = 2,500 J Note: only the horizontal component of the force (F cos theta) does work in the direction of displacement.

---

Mechanics: Pressure

Question 9 Calculate the pressure at the bottom of a tank of water 5 m deep. (Density of water = 1000 kg/m^3, g = 10 m/s^2)

Options: A. 5,000 Pa B. 10,000 Pa C. 50,000 Pa D. 500,000 Pa

Answer: C

Solution: P = rho x g x h = 1000 x 10 x 5 = 50,000 Pa (or 50 kPa)

---

Thermal Physics

Question 10 How much heat energy is required to raise the temperature of 2 kg of water from 25 degrees C to 75 degrees C? (Specific heat capacity of water = 4,200 J/kg/K)

Options: A. 210,000 J B. 315,000 J C. 420,000 J D. 630,000 J

Answer: C

Solution: Q = mc(theta) Q = 2 x 4200 x (75 - 25) = 2 x 4200 x 50 = 420,000 J = 420 kJ

---

Question 11 A brass rod is 1.000 m long at 20 degrees C. If the linear expansivity of brass is 1.9 x 10^-5 per degree C, what is its length at 120 degrees C?

Options: A. 1.0019 m B. 1.0190 m C. 1.1900 m D. 1.00019 m

Answer: A

Solution: delta L = alpha x L x delta T = 1.9 x 10^-5 x 1.000 x (120 - 20) = 1.9 x 10^-5 x 100 = 1.9 x 10^-3 m = 0.0019 m New length = 1.000 + 0.0019 = 1.0019 m

---

Question 12 A gas occupies a volume of 200 cm^3 at a pressure of 760 mmHg and a temperature of 27 degrees C. What is its volume at STP (0 degrees C and 760 mmHg)?

Options: A. 182 cm^3 B. 200 cm^3 C. 220 cm^3 D. 273 cm^3

Answer: A

Solution: Using P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2 Convert temperatures to Kelvin: T1 = 27 + 273 = 300 K, T2 = 0 + 273 = 273 K Since P1 = P2 = 760 mmHg, the pressure terms cancel: V1/T1 = V2/T2 200/300 = V2/273 V2 = 200 x 273/300 = 182 cm^3

---

Waves and Optics

Question 13 A wave has a frequency of 500 Hz and a wavelength of 0.68 m. What is its speed?

Options: A. 170 m/s B. 340 m/s C. 500 m/s D. 735 m/s

Answer: B

Solution: v = f x lambda = 500 x 0.68 = 340 m/s (This is approximately the speed of sound in air at room temperature.)

---

Question 14 A ray of light passes from air into glass. If the angle of incidence is 60 degrees and the refractive index of the glass is 1.5, what is the angle of refraction?

Options: A. 25.4 degrees B. 30.0 degrees C. 35.3 degrees D. 40.0 degrees

Answer: C

Solution: Using Snell's law: n = sin i / sin r 1.5 = sin 60 / sin r sin r = sin 60 / 1.5 = 0.866 / 1.5 = 0.577 r = sin^-1 (0.577) = 35.3 degrees

---

Question 15 An object is placed 30 cm from a converging lens of focal length 20 cm. What is the image distance?

Options: A. 12 cm B. 20 cm C. 60 cm D. 120 cm

Answer: C

Solution: Using the lens formula: 1/f = 1/v + 1/u (taking the sign convention where u is positive) Rearranging: 1/v = 1/f - 1/u = 1/20 - 1/30 1/v = 3/60 - 2/60 = 1/60 v = 60 cm

---

Question 16 The critical angle of glass is 42 degrees. What is the refractive index of the glass?

Options: A. 1.33 B. 1.49 C. 1.52 D. 1.73

Answer: B

Solution: n = 1/sin C = 1/sin 42 = 1/0.669 = 1.49

---

Electricity

Question 17 Three resistors of 2, 3, and 6 ohms are connected in parallel. What is the effective resistance?

Options: A. 1.0 ohm B. 1.5 ohms C. 6.0 ohms D. 11.0 ohms

Answer: A

Solution: 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 = 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/6 Finding the common denominator (6): 1/R = 3/6 + 2/6 + 1/6 = 6/6 = 1 R = 1.0 ohm

---

Question 18 A 12 V battery with an internal resistance of 1 ohm is connected to an external resistance of 5 ohms. What is the current in the circuit?

Options: A. 1.0 A B. 2.0 A C. 2.4 A D. 12.0 A

Answer: B

Solution: EMF = I(R + r) 12 = I(5 + 1) 12 = 6I I = 2.0 A

---

Question 19 An electric heater rated 2000 W is used for 3 hours. How much electrical energy does it consume in kilowatt-hours?

Options: A. 2 kWh B. 6 kWh C. 600 kWh D. 6000 kWh

Answer: B

Solution: Energy = Power x Time = 2000 W x 3 h = 2 kW x 3 h = 6 kWh (Convert watts to kilowatts: 2000 W = 2 kW)

---

Question 20 Two capacitors of 4 microfarads and 6 microfarads are connected in series. What is the total capacitance?

Options: A. 2.0 microfarads B. 2.4 microfarads C. 10.0 microfarads D. 24.0 microfarads

Answer: B

Solution: For capacitors in series: 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 = 1/4 + 1/6 Finding common denominator (12): 1/C = 3/12 + 2/12 = 5/12 C = 12/5 = 2.4 microfarads

---

Electromagnetism

Question 21 A step-down transformer has 1000 turns on the primary coil and 200 turns on the secondary coil. If the primary voltage is 240 V, what is the secondary voltage?

Options: A. 24 V B. 48 V C. 120 V D. 1200 V

Answer: B

Solution: Vs/Vp = Ns/Np Vs/240 = 200/1000 Vs = 240 x 200/1000 = 240 x 0.2 = 48 V

---

Modern Physics

Question 22 A radioactive element has a half-life of 4 days. If the initial number of atoms is 6400, how many atoms remain after 16 days?

Options: A. 100 B. 200 C. 400 D. 800

Answer: C

Solution: Number of half-lives = 16/4 = 4 N = N0 x (1/2)^n = 6400 x (1/2)^4 = 6400 x 1/16 = 400 atoms

---

Question 23 The threshold frequency of a metal surface is 5.0 x 10^14 Hz. What is the work function of the metal? (h = 6.63 x 10^-34 Js)

Options: A. 1.33 x 10^-19 J B. 3.32 x 10^-19 J C. 6.63 x 10^-19 J D. 3.32 x 10^-20 J

Answer: B

Solution: Work function W = hf_0 = 6.63 x 10^-34 x 5.0 x 10^14 = 33.15 x 10^-20 = 3.32 x 10^-19 J

---

Electronics

Question 24 Which logic gate gives an output of 1 only when all its inputs are 1?

Options: A. OR gate B. AND gate C. NOT gate D. NOR gate

Answer: B

Solution: The AND gate produces an output of 1 (HIGH) only when all inputs are 1. If any input is 0, the output is 0. The OR gate gives 1 when at least one input is 1. The NOT gate inverts the input. The NOR gate gives 1 only when all inputs are 0.

---

Question 25 In a p-n junction diode, current flows easily when:

Options: A. It is reverse-biased B. It is forward-biased C. No voltage is applied D. Both terminals are connected to the same potential

Answer: B

Solution: A p-n junction diode conducts easily when forward-biased (positive terminal of the battery connected to the p-type and negative to the n-type). This reduces the depletion layer and allows current to flow. In reverse bias, the depletion layer widens and very little current flows (only a small leakage current).

---

How to Score A1 to B3 in WAEC Physics

Strategy 1: Master the Formulas and Know When to Use Each One

Physics is formula-driven. You must memorise the key formulas AND understand the conditions under which each one applies. For example, the SUVAT equations only apply to uniform acceleration. The lens formula applies to thin lenses. Knowing when NOT to use a formula is as important as knowing the formula itself.

Strategy 2: Practise Calculations Daily

Solve at least 10 calculation problems every day. Start with simple substitution problems, then progress to multi-step problems that require you to find an intermediate value before reaching the final answer. Speed and accuracy come from repetition.

Strategy 3: Draw Diagrams for Every Problem

Physics problems become clearer when you draw a diagram. For mechanics, draw free-body diagrams showing all forces. For optics, draw ray diagrams showing the object, lens/mirror, and image. For circuits, draw the circuit diagram with all components labelled. Diagrams help you set up equations correctly.

Strategy 4: Pay Attention to Units

Many candidates lose marks by forgetting to convert units. Common traps:

• Converting cm to m (divide by 100)
• Converting g to kg (divide by 1000)
• Converting minutes to seconds (multiply by 60)
• Converting degrees Celsius to Kelvin (add 273)
• Converting kW to W (multiply by 1000)

Strategy 5: Study Graphs Thoroughly

WAEC frequently asks you to interpret or sketch graphs: velocity-time, displacement-time, force-extension, and IV characteristic graphs. Know what the gradient and the area under each graph represent.

Strategy 6: Do Not Skip the Theory Paper

Paper 2 requires written explanations and multi-step calculations. Practise writing clear, concise physics explanations. State the law or principle, write the relevant formula, show all working, and give the final answer with units.

Free Practice: SchoolHub's JAMB CBT App offers Physics questions in CBT format with timer, instant scoring, and explanations.

---

Topic-by-Topic Study Plan (12 Weeks)

Daily routine: 1 hour of theory + 1 hour of calculations and past questions.

---

Common Mistakes in WAEC Physics (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Substituting Without Converting Units

Using centimetres where metres are needed, or grams where kilograms are required, leads to answers that are off by factors of 10, 100, or 1000. Always check that all values are in SI units before substituting into a formula.

Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Formula

Some candidates memorise formulas without understanding when each one applies. For example, using v = u + at when acceleration is not uniform, or using 1/f = 1/u + 1/v for a curved mirror without adjusting the sign convention. Always identify the conditions of the problem before selecting a formula.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Convert Temperature to Kelvin

Gas law calculations require temperature in Kelvin, not Celsius. Always add 273 to the Celsius temperature. This is one of the most common errors in thermal physics calculations.

Mistake 4: Mixing Up Series and Parallel Rules

For resistors: series adds directly, parallel uses reciprocals. For capacitors: it is the opposite (series uses reciprocals, parallel adds directly). Confusing these rules is a frequent source of errors.

Mistake 5: Not Showing Working in Paper 2

Even if you get the correct final answer, you may lose marks if you do not show your working clearly. Write the formula, substitute the values, show the arithmetic steps, and state the answer with the correct unit.

Mistake 6: Ignoring Negative Signs

In mechanics, direction matters. If upward is positive, then gravitational acceleration is negative (-g). In optics, sign conventions determine whether image distances are positive or negative. Ignoring signs leads to wrong answers.

---

Why SchoolHub Is the Best Platform for WAEC Physics Practice

AI-Powered Question Generation

SchoolHub's practice platform generates fresh Physics questions covering mechanics, waves, electricity, thermal physics, and modern physics, ensuring you never run out of practice material.

Calculation-Focused Questions

Physics is about solving problems. SchoolHub's question bank emphasises calculation-based questions with detailed step-by-step solutions that show exactly how to arrive at the answer.

Realistic Practice Environment

Practise objective questions in a timed format that builds the speed you need for Paper 1, while the detailed solutions help you prepare for the depth required in Paper 2.

Formula Reference

Questions include the relevant formulas in their explanations, reinforcing your formula knowledge with every practice session.

Performance Tracking

Monitor your scores by topic to identify which areas of Physics need more revision. If you consistently score low on electricity questions, you know where to focus.

100% Free Access

No subscription, no hidden fees. Visit jamb.schoolhub.tech and start practising today.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardest topic in WAEC Physics?

Electricity and magnetism is considered the most challenging by many students because it combines abstract concepts with complex calculations. However, with systematic study and regular practice, it becomes manageable. Break it into sub-topics (electrostatics, current electricity, electromagnetism) and tackle each one separately.

How many formulas do I need to memorise for WAEC Physics?

You should know approximately 40 to 50 key formulas covering all syllabus areas. The formula tables in this guide cover the most important ones. Create a formula sheet and review it daily until you can recall every formula instantly.

Is WAEC Physics harder than JAMB Physics?

WAEC Physics is generally more demanding because it includes a theory paper (requiring written explanations and multi-step calculations) and a practical paper. JAMB Physics is entirely objective. However, the content coverage is similar, so preparing well for WAEC also prepares you for JAMB.

Do I need to memorise all the constants?

WAEC usually provides necessary constants (g, speed of light, Planck's constant, etc.) on the question paper. However, you should know the common ones by heart: g = 10 m/s^2 (or 9.8), speed of light = 3 x 10^8 m/s, and standard atmospheric pressure = 1.013 x 10^5 Pa.

How should I prepare for the practical paper?

Practise drawing graphs accurately, using measuring instruments (vernier caliper, micrometer, metre rule), recording observations in tables, calculating slopes and intercepts from graphs, and identifying sources of error. If your school has a physics laboratory, attend every practical session.

Can I use a calculator in WAEC Physics?

Non-programmable scientific calculators are allowed in WAEC Physics. Make sure you are comfortable using yours for trigonometric functions, square roots, logarithms, and standard form calculations before the exam.

What is the minimum grade I need in Physics for engineering?

Most Nigerian universities require at least a credit (C6) in Physics for engineering and other science programmes. Top universities may require B3 or above for competitive programmes like Medicine and Engineering.

How many past question papers should I solve?

Aim for at least 5 to 10 complete past papers covering both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Solve them under timed conditions to build exam speed. Review every question you got wrong and understand the solution before moving on.

---

Start Practising WAEC Physics Today

Physics rewards consistent practice. Every formula you memorise, every calculation you solve, and every graph you interpret builds the skills you need for a high grade. The earlier you start, the more confident you will be on exam day.

Your action plan:

1. Bookmark this guide and use the syllabus breakdown as your study checklist
2. Work through the 25 practice questions above with pen and paper, showing all working
3. Create a formula sheet from the tables in this guide and review it daily
4. Get 5 to 10 years of WAEC Physics past papers and work through them systematically
5. Visit SchoolHub's JAMB CBT Practice App for daily Physics objective practice
6. Follow the 12-week study plan to cover every topic
7. Pay special attention to unit conversions and sign conventions in every calculation

Free Practice: SchoolHub's CBT Practice Platform is completely free. Open it now and start building your Physics skills.

---

Related Articles

• JAMB CBT Practice Physics: Questions, Tips & Free Practice (2027)
• WAEC Past Questions Mathematics: Detailed Solutions & Free Practice (2027)
• WAEC Past Questions English Language: Detailed Solutions & Free Practice (2027)
• JAMB CBT Practice Mathematics: Questions, Tips & Free Practice (2027)
• JAMB CBT Practice Chemistry: Questions, Tips & Free Practice (2027)
• JAMB CBT Practice Biology: Questions, Tips & Free Practice (2027)
• JAMB CBT Practice 2025: Your Free Exam Prep App