WAEC Physics Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks

1. Measurements and Units

This topic introduces students to physical quantities and measurement accuracy.

Key areas include:

• Length, mass, time, area, and volume

• Measuring instruments such as vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge

• Fundamental and derived quantities

• Dimensions, significant figures, and experimental errors

Students must be able to measure accurately, convert units, and express results in standard form.

2. Scalars and Vector Quantities

Here, students learn the difference between:

• Scalar quantities (magnitude only)

• Vector quantities (magnitude and direction)

Topics include:

• Vector resolution

• Relative velocity

• Graphical methods of vector addition

3. Motion

Motion is one of the most tested topics in WAEC Physics.

It covers:

• Types of motion

• Speed, velocity, and acceleration

• Equations of uniformly accelerated motion

• Projectiles

• Newton’s laws of motion

• Circular motion and Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

Students must understand graphs, equations, and applications.

4. Gravitational Field

This topic explains:

• Newton’s law of universal gravitation

• Gravitational potential

• Mass and weight

• Escape velocity and satellites

It helps students understand planetary motion and space science.

5. Equilibrium of Forces

Topics include:

• Coplanar forces

• Triangle and polygon laws of forces

• Lami’s theorem

• Principle of moments

• Stability and center of gravity

This section is important for engineering-related problem solving.

6. Work, Energy, and Power

Students learn:

• Forms of energy

• Conservation of energy

• Power calculations

• Energy resources and environmental impact

• Renewable and non-renewable energy

This topic links physics to real-world energy challenges.

7. Friction

Key concepts include:

• Static and dynamic friction

• Coefficient of friction

• Advantages and disadvantages of friction

• Viscosity and terminal velocity

8. Simple Machines and Elasticity

This section covers:

• Levers, pulleys, and inclined planes

• Mechanical advantage and efficiency

• Hooke’s law

• Young’s modulus

9. Pressure and Liquids at Rest

Students study:

• Atmospheric pressure

• Pressure in liquids

• Archimedes’ principle

• Law of flotation

Applications include ships, hydrometers, and barometers.

10. Heat and Temperature

This includes:

• Temperature measurement

• Thermal expansion

• Gas laws

• Heat capacity and latent heat

• Change of state

These topics are highly numerical and frequently tested.

11. Waves and Sound

Key concepts:

• Wave motion and properties

• Reflection, refraction, diffraction

• Sound waves, echoes, resonance

• Doppler effect (qualitative)

12. Light and Optics

This major section covers:

• Reflection and refraction

• Mirrors and lenses

• Optical instruments

• Dispersion and electromagnetic spectrum

Students should master ray diagrams and formulas.

13. Electricity and Magnetism

This includes:

• Electrostatics

• Capacitors

• Electric cells

• Current electricity

• Electrical power and wiring

• Magnetic fields

• Electromagnetic induction

• AC circuits

This is one of the highest-scoring areas for prepared 2026/2027 WAEC Physics Syllabus for candidates.

14. Modern Physics and Electronics

Topics include:

• Atomic structure

• Photoelectric effect

• Radioactivity

• Nuclear energy

• Semiconductors, diodes, and transistors

This section introduces students to contemporary physics applications.

WAEC Physics Syllabus 2026/2027 |

Recommended Textbooks

WAEC recommends the following textbooks for effective preparation:

• Ike, E. E. – Essential Principles of Physics

• Ike, E. E. – Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics

• Nelson, M. – Fundamentals of Physics

• Nelson & Parker – Advanced Level Physics

• Okeke, P. N. & Anyakoha, M. W. – Senior Secondary School Physics

• Olumuyiwa, A. & Ogunkoya, O. O. – Comprehensive Certificate Physics

Using at least two standard textbooks improves understanding.

Study Tips for WAEC Physics Candidates

• Understand formulas before memorizing

• Practice numerical problems daily

• Draw clear diagrams

• Revise graphs and experiments

• Study past questions consistently, you can choose Online CBT TEST by visiting http://www.Myschool.ng

• For Updated information, Candidates are advised to Always visit the Official WAEC E-learning Portal https://www.waeconline.org.ng/