Why Formulas Are the Secret Weapon for JAMB Physics
Let's be honest — JAMB Physics has sent many brilliant students into panic mode in the exam hall. You know the syllabus, you've solved past questions, but the moment you see a tricky calculation, your brain freezes. The truth? Most JAMB Physics questions are formula-based, and if you master the right equations, you can solve over 70% of the paper in under 30 minutes.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the most important Physics formulas you need to memorise and understand before you sit for JAMB. Whether you're aiming for UNILAG, UI, ABU, OAU, UNN or any other top Nigerian university, this list will help you build that solid foundation.
Mechanics: The Bedrock of JAMB Physics
Mechanics alone can give you 10–15 questions in JAMB. Don't joke with it.
- Velocity: v = u + at
- Distance travelled: s = ut + ½at²
- Third equation of motion: v² = u² + 2as
- Newton's Second Law: F = ma
- Momentum: p = mv
- Impulse: Ft = mv − mu
- Work done: W = Fs
- Kinetic Energy: K.E = ½mv²
- Potential Energy: P.E = mgh
- Power: P = Work/Time
👉 Pro tip: JAMB loves questions on motion under gravity. Always remember g = 10 m/s² unless told otherwise.
Heat and Thermodynamics
This is where students lose easy marks because they confuse formulas. Don't be that student.
- Heat capacity: Q = mcΔθ
- Latent heat: Q = mL
- Linear expansion: ΔL = LαΔθ
- Gas Law (General): P₁V₁/T₁ = P₂V₂/T₂
- Boyle's Law: P₁V₁ = P₂V₂
- Charles's Law: V₁/T₁ = V₂/T₂
Always convert temperature to Kelvin (K = °C + 273) when working with gas laws. JAMB examiners enjoy trapping students who forget this.
Waves, Light and Sound
Expect at least 4–6 questions from this area.
- Wave equation: v = fλ
- Period and Frequency: T = 1/f
- Refractive index: n = sin i / sin r
- Real depth/Apparent depth: n = Real depth / Apparent depth
- Magnification: m = image distance / object distance
- Mirror/Lens formula: 1/f = 1/u + 1/v
Electricity and Magnetism
This topic is heavy in JAMB, so don't skip it.
- Ohm's Law: V = IR
- Electrical Power: P = IV = I²R = V²/R
- Resistors in Series: R = R₁ + R₂ + R₃
- Resistors in Parallel: 1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃
- Capacitors in Series: 1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂
- Capacitors in Parallel: C = C₁ + C₂
- Energy in a Capacitor: E = ½CV²
- Transformer equation: Vp/Vs = Np/Ns
Modern Physics
Many students ignore this section — big mistake. JAMB usually drops 2–3 straight questions here.
- Einstein's Photoelectric equation: hf = Φ + ½mv²
- Energy of a photon: E = hf
- Half-life decay: N = N₀(½)^(t/t½)
- Mass-energy equivalence: E = mc²
How to Memorise These Formulas Without Stress
Cramming alone won't save you. Try this approach instead:
- Write them out daily. Get a small notebook and rewrite all formulas every morning for 2 weeks.
- Solve past questions immediately after learning each formula. This is the real secret.
- Group formulas by topic so you can recall them based on context.
- Use flashcards or your phone's notes app for quick revision during break time.
- Teach a friend. If you can explain it to someone in your class, you've mastered it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to convert units (cm to