INTERIM MATRICULATION BOARD EXAMINATION (IJMBE)

PHYSICS SYLLABUS (REVISED 2012)

Introduction

The IJMB Physics syllabus is evolved from the current prescribed ‘A’ level
Physics syllabus of many leading Universities and also the first year physics
syllabus of science programmes of Nigerian Universities. Proper study of the
concepts, principles and ideas.

The IJMB syllabus is structured with conceptual approach. The broad

concept of Motion, and the Time, Matter, Energy, Waves, Geometric optics,
Electric and Magnetic fields, Atomic Physics, Nuclear Physics and Electronics are
considered and each concept forms a part on which other sub concepts are further
based.

Aims/Objectives
The aims and objectives of the present syllabus in physics are to:
a) Provide a proper understanding of the basic concept of Physics and their
Relevant applications to general Science and technology.
b) Develop Scientific skills and attitudes as prerequisites for further scientific
activities and endeavors.
c) Recognize the usefulness and limitations of different scientific Methods and
appreciate their applicability to various discipline.
d) Develop attitudes relevant to science such as concern for accuracy,
precision, objectivity, intuition, initiative and inventiveness.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The following knowledge and skill appropriate to physics will be developed:
1. Knowledge and understanding of:
Scientific phenomena, Laws, definitions, concepts and theories.
Scientific and technical terminology, symbols, units and conventions.
 The use of scientific units and apparatus, techniques of operation of different
scientific devices.
Appreciation of scientific and technological application in various forms.
2. Information handling and problem solving abilities such as the ability to:
Locate, select, organize and present information from a variety of sources of
scientific interest.
Analyze and evaluate information from one form to another.
Use the available information to identify patterns trends and draw suitable
inferences from the available data and provide reasonable explanation from
these inferences.
3. Experimental and problem solving techniques, which enable the students to:
Follow instructions in an unambiguous manner.
Carry out experimental procedures using different types of units and apparatus
taking care of proper precautions and safety measures.
Make and record proper observations of the experimental Measurements and
estimate with care on units and precision.
Do a proper analysis of a given experimental data and come to some general
conclusions of the results.
Identify problems, plan and carry out suitable investigations with proper choice
of techniques and apparatus.
The course is planed so as to cover two semesters with duration of 24 weeks per
semester and with 6 lecture hours of practical for physics in a week. The remaining
weeks of the year’s programme is meant for detailed revision, tutorials, mock
examination, etc.

Note:
i. All students are expected to be familiar with basic mathematics concepts
ii. S.I. units bare to be used throughout except in special cases where C.G.S
units are to be introduced.
iii. Though the structure of syllabus is based on logical development; the order
of presentation may be varied depending on the need and circumstances.
iv. Details of practical work are attached at the end.
EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
There will be two theory papers, each of three hours’ duration and one practical
examination (Paper III) of three hours’ duration.
1. Paper I
 Section A: Ten short questions covering the topics included in sections B,
C and D
Section B: Mechanics (2 questions)
Section C: Heat and behavior of matter (4 question)
Section D: Vibrations and Waves (2 questions)

Candidates will answer all questions in section A, one question from each of
section B and D and two questions from section C.
The compulsory questions carry 40 marks and other questions 20 marks each
and a total of 120 marks are allotted to Paper I.

2. Paper II
Section A: Ten short questions covering the topics included in sections B,
C and D
Section B: Geometrical optics (2 questions)
Section C: Electricity and Magnetism (4 question)
Section D: Modern Physics and Electronics (2 questions)

Candidates will answer all questions in section A, including one question

from each of section B and D and two questions from section C.
The compulsory questions carry 40 marks and other questions 20 marks each
a total of 120 marks are allotted to paper II.

3. Paper III (Practical Examination)

A three-hour practical paper based on the syllabus will be set. The objective
of the practical examination is to test whether the candidates have worked
through a satisfactory course and are also capable of handling simple apparatus
as well as data analysis.
There will be 3 questions. Question 1 is on data analysis, which is
compulsory, and question 2 and 3 are, on actual experiments to be performed
and a student has to answer one of these 2 questions. Each question carries 30
marks and a total of 60 marks are allotted for Paper III.
In Colleges and centers with large number of candidates conduct of practical
examination for all at the same time may be difficult, hence a maximum of 4
alternative papers for Paper III will be made, ensuring that the same standard is
maintained. Centers with small number of candidates can have an early option of a
particular alternative Paper based on the availability of units and equipment.
General information on items and apparatus needed for different alternatives will
be provided in advance.
All the 3 Papers together carry 300 marks and total is weighted for 80% and
20%. Weightage is given by teachers over a large number of tests, tutorials,
assignments, laboratory work, etc. as continuous assessment contribution.
During both Theory and Practical Examination, candidates will be allowed
to use non-programmable electronic calculators.

S/ TOPICS AND CONTENTS ACTIVITIES/ INSTRUCTIONAL

NO: PRATICAL GUIDE MATEIALS
1. GENERAL PHYSICS AND
MECHANICS
a. Physical Quantities,
nits and Dimensions.
Fundamental and derived units A. Selected expt in:
in S.I system, multiples and a. Mechanics
sub multiples units in S.I. and b. Heats
CGS units. Dimensions of c. Properties of
Physical quantities and their matter
use in checking and deriving About 12 to 13 expts
relationships. Scalars and are to be covered during
vectors and their addition. practicals (3
Measurements, errors and hours/week)
uncertainties.

Notes:
Ascertain base quantities and
their units. Systematic work on B. Reasonable
dimensional analysis. amount of
Distinction between different tutorials are to be
types of errors. undertaken,
working out lot
b. Kinematics of numerical
Linear motion. Nonlinear examples
motion. Distance–time and
velocity-time graphs. Relative
velocity and acceleration.
Motion with constant
acceleration free fall. Projectile
motion-time of flight and
range.

c. Dynamics Equations of motion.

Concept of force, Mass and Horizontal and inclined
weight units Newton’s laws of plane motion to be
motion. Conservation of linear discussed.
momentum. Completely elastic
and completely inelastic head
on collisions. Coefficient of
restitution. Impulse. Different
types of force.

d. Work Energy and

Power
Work, energy and power units.
Conservation of energy,
potential energy, Kinetic
energy and internal energy,
dissipative forces with
examples.

e. Circulation
Kinematic of uniform circular
motion. Angular velocity and Clearly show the proof
angular acceleration. of a = u2 is expected R
Centripetal force and radial
acceleration. Centrifuge.
Banking of tracks, motion of a
cyclist. Conical pendulum.

f. Gravitational Field
Force F= mg on a mass in a
gravitational field. Newton’s Measurement of G not
inverse square law. Kepler’s necessary
laws of planetary motion.
Gravitational constant G. Field
near the surface of the Earth.
Density of Earth. Satellite Detailed theory of
motion, synchronous orbit, damped oscillations and
velocity of escape. resonance not required.
Weightlessness. Solar system.
Mass of the Sun. Gravitational
potential.

g. Simple Harmonic
Motion
Sinusoidal motion. Frequency
period amplitude. Relations for
displacement, velocity and
acceleration δ a =b –w2x free Practical expt in:
oscillations. Theory of simple a) Rigid body
pendulum, spring and mass dynamics.
liquid column. Energy b) Properties of matter
interchange. Damped and c) Sounds and
forced oscillations. d) Basic Optics
Experimental decay and experiments.
resonance. About 12 expts in total
to be done during the
h. Rotation of Rigid semester.
bodies
Moment of Inertial. Radius of
gyration. M.I. of (i) thing ring
(ii) circular disc (iii) annulus
about axes perpendicular to the
plane. MI of thin rod with axis
perpendicular to length at one
end and at the center. Parallel Similarities
and perpendicular axis Between linear and
theorems. Angular momentum, rotational motion are to
couple, torque. KE of rotating be emphasized.
body. Rolling bodies.
Conservation of angular
momentum.

i. Statistic and
Hydrostatics
Composition of forces at a
point. Moments, couples.
Resultant of a number of
coplanar force. Conditions of
equilibrium. Center of Gravity.
C.G. of different types of
laminae. Sensitivity of beam
balance. Hydrostatic pressure.
Variation with depth. Laws of
floatation and applications.
2 HEAT
a. Thermometry
Thermometric substance and
property. Temperature scales: Provide detailed
Celsius, thermodynamic and explanation on the
international. Fixed points ice, operation of different
steam and triple point. types of thermometers
Practical thermometers. T = (xt
– x0)
100 = x100 – x0
Charles law and absolute zero.
Liquid in glass, resistance,
thermocouple gas
thermometers. Optical
pyrometer.

b. Heat and Energy Qualitative discussion

Heat is a form of energy. Unit is required
Joule Internal heat energy.
Conservation from other
sources of energy to heat and
vice versa (qualitative
discussion)

c. Calorimetry Practical application to

Specific heat capacity. Method be stressed.
of mixtures. Electric method.
Continuous flow for a liquid.
Newton’s Law of cooling
correction. Definitions and
measurement.

d. Transfer of Heat
Energy Note:
Heat conduction. Definition of searle’s apparatus Lees
thermal conductivity. Method Disc methods to be
 of measurement for good highlighted.
conductor. Double glazing.
Heat convection. Qualitative
treatment and examples.
Radiation of e. m. radiation.
Electromagnetic spectrum –
various wave length regions.
Doctors of thermal radiation.
Heat absorption and emission.
Perfect absorber. Ideal black
body Stefan’s law. Wien’s law.
Kirchoff’s law. Radiative
equilibrium. Prevost’s theory.

3 BEHAVIOR OF MATTER
a. Phase of matter:
Atomic view point Differences between
Density, Sola, liquids and saturated and
gases. Inter-atomic forces. unsaturated vapour to
Thermal agitation and its be discussed.
importance to inter-atomic
forces in solids, gases and
liquids. Melting and
evaporation from molecular
point of view. Latent heats as
energies of partial or total
atomic/molecular separation.
Saturated and unsaturated
vapors. S.V.P and its effects on
gas pressure, temperature and
solutes.

b. Kinetic theory of Gases

and thermodynamics
Assumptions of kinetic theory. Worked example and
Pressure formula derivation. tutorials should be
Maxwell’s distribution of given
velocities, Boyle’s law,
Dalton’s law. Gas constant and
Boltzman’s constant. Various
forms of the Gas law. General
concept of the equation of
state. Isothermal bulk modulus
and cubic expansivity derived
for a perfect gas work done by
an expanding gas. Cv and Cp
and their relationship.
Isothermal adiabatic changes.
Internal Kinetic energy of Gas.
Proof of Pvr = constant and
Tv(I-r) = Constant. Nonideal
gases. Andrews experiment.
Vander Waal’s equations – Demonstrate the
critical state. First law of concept of Electricity
thermodynamics. Work from by explaining, solving
graphs. Carnot and otto cycles. questions and problems
Reffregirator concept of that relates to concepts.
entropy.

c. Elasticity
Stress and strain. Hook’s law.
Elastic Limit, yield, fracture
concepts for ductile and brittle
materials. Three moduli of
elasticity. Measurement of
young’s modulus of wire.
Strain energy in extension.
Compressibility of liquid.

d. Thermal Expansion
Linear and cubic expansivties
and their relationship. Examples should be
Measurement of coefficients provided.
for a solid and liquid. Cracking
of cooled glasses.

e. Surface Tension
Surface tension of liquid and
surface energy. Molecular
explanation. Angle of contact. Importance of surface
 Excess pressure across a tensions should be
curved surface tension by mentioned.
capillary method and Jaeger’s
method. Application of surface
tension.

f. Surface Friction
Coefficient of statics and
dynamics friction. Advantages and
Characteristics of frictional disadvantages of
forces. Measurement of friction should be
coefficient of friction. mentioned.

g. Fluids in Motion
Streamline flow. The ideal
liquid. Bernoulli’s law
Aerofoil. Viscosity
mechanisms at molecular level
in liquids and gases.
Poiseuille’s formula. Terminal
velocity. Stocks law.
Measurement of visc0osity by
Poiseuille’s formula. Terminal
velocity. Stocks law.
Measurement of viscosity by
poiseuille’s and stoke’s
methods. Effect of temperature
on viscosity. Application of
viscosity.

4 VARIATIONS AND Simple

WAVES Pendulum,
spring, etc
a. Vibration
Simple harmonic motion.
Wave features. Frequency,
period amplitude, phase
angles, relations between them.
 b. Progressive Waves
Longitudinal and transvers
waves. Examples. U = u sin Use of ropes, strings
(wt - kx) and equivalent forms and ripple tank is
of expressions. Velocity, highlighted.
frequency, period, wavelength,
amplitude and intensity
(decibels) of the waves. Flow
of energy. Discussion of waves
on water surfaces spring, bars.
Sound waves. Reflections with
and without phase change.
Measurement of speed of
sound. Doppler effect and
applications.

Note:
Use of ropes, springs, ripples
tank be highlighted.

c. Stationary Wave
Formation of waves u = V (sin
wt sinkx). Nodes, antinodes.
Characteristics of sound
waves. Sonometer, gas
columns. Quantitative
treatment of resonance tube.

d. Preparation of Waves:
Interference and
Diffraction
Huygen’s construction.
Application to reflection and
refraction and to spreading
beyond an aperture. Field of
waves from two adjacent
sources cases of ripple tank
and light. Young’s double slit
experiment and equivalent
forms. Measurement of
 wavelength of light.
Interference in thin films.
Newton’s rings. Blooming of
lens surface. Coloured fringes
with white light. Coherence.
Conditions for interference.
Diffraction at single slit.
Multiple slit diffraction grating
bragg’s law.

e. Polarization of Light
Concept of polarization. Ways
of producing a polarized light.
Dichroic Crystals, polaroid.
Rotation of plane of
polarization. Nichol prism.
Malu’s law. Brewster’s law.
Optical activity. Polarimeter
applications.

5 GEOMETRIC OPTICS
a. Reflection
Plane mirrors; inverted image.
Deviation on the mirror,
optical lever spherical mirrors:
terminology sign convention
(real is possitive). Derivation
of u-v-f relation and r = 2f.
Linear Magnification m = v
v
Graphs of I vs I; m vs u
v u
location of images by non-
parallax method. Measurement
of focal length for convex and
concave mirrors. Spherical
aberration. Paraboloid.
Applications lioke in
periscope, kaleidoscope,
search light be emphasized.
 b. Refraction by Plane
Absolute and relative
refractive index (n. sini) is a
constant through a series of
layers. Real depth and apparent
depth. Critical angle and total
internal reflection. N for a
liquid using concave mirror
and air-cell methods. Prisms
minimum deviation formula.
Dispersion and dispersive
power. The spectrometer
adjustment and use to measure
n. measurement of wavelength
using grating. Total reflection
prisms as mirrors and
inverters. Highlight the
applications. Prisms
Binoculars, optical fibers,
mirage, etc.

c. Refraction by spherical
surface
Derivation of paraxial relation
for convex, concave surfaces.
Thin lens formula sign
convention. Measurement of
focal length by auto
collimation, by u-v
measurement and by
displacement of lens.
Magnification power of two
lenses in contact. Chromative
aberration and its correction.
Other types of aberrations. The
eye: construction, main defects
and their corrections.

d. Optical Instruments
 Angular magnification, Expts in optics
compound microscope electricity and
magnification with image at magnetism and simple
near point. Astronomical expts in modern
telescope. Magnification with physics.
image at infinity. Terrestrial
telescopes and binoculars.
Camera: construction, variable
focus aperture, exposure. (12 in total) in total to
Measurement of velocity of be carried out
light by Michaelson’s method,
Foucault’s method.

S/NO: TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES/PRATICAL INSTRUCTIONAL

CONTENTS GUIDE MATEIALS
1 ELECTRICITY AND
MAGNETISM
 a. Electrostatics:
Electric Field and
Potential
Electrostatic effects, Reasonable amount of
electrification, electron tutorials and problem
transfer. Charging by solving to be attempted
contact and by induction.
The electroscope.
Columns invers square
law in a medium of
permittivity Є. S.I units of
permittivity. Comparison
in magnitude of electric
force with gravitational
force. F = q E for a
stationary charge q in an
electric field intensity E.
Radial lines of force from
a point charge.
Electrostatic potential.
Equipotential lines.
Details of use of
electroscope application
like lightening
conductors.

b. Electric Flux and

Gauss’ theorem
Electric field around
isolated charges and
around conductors.
Electric flux and gauss
theorem. Field and
potential near a sphere, an
infinite cylinder and
between parallel plates.
The electron volts.

c. Capacitance
Definition units. Parallel
plate capacitor, practical
forms. Capacitor in series
and in parallel. Energy
stored in a capacitor,
derivations. Action of a
dielectric. Measurement
of a capacitance and E.
charging and discharging
of a capacitor. Different
types of capacitors and
their uses.

d. Current electricity
Mechanisms of
conduction in metals.
Ohm’s law. Resistivity
and temperature and
temperature coefficient.
Electromotive force.
Joule’s power law. Conduct experiment to
Resistances in series and investigate physical
in parallel Kirchoff’s phenomenon in the area
laws. Division of voltage of electricity and
and current. EMF, internal produce qualitative and
resistance and terminal quantitative explanation
potential difference. for a variety of familiar
Multirange meter. situation.
Conversion of Discuss:
galvanometer to voltmeter a. Different types of
and ammeter. The cells
Wheatstone Bridge. b. Factors affecting
Potentiometer; use in resistance
measuring voltage,
current and resistance.

e. Magnetic Force
Force F = q ‫טּ‬B on a
charge of with velocity η
across field of magnetic
induction B unit of B.
Force on a conductor of
length 1 with current I in
a field of magnetic
induction B is F = B. I. Ꙇ
(proof). Coup-le on a coil
in uniform and radial
fields. Moving coil meter.
Magnetic moment of a
coil. Path of an electron in
electric and magnetic
fields. Cross field. The
cyclotron. Discuss
magnetic lines of force
and different types of
magnets.

f. Magnetic Effects
of Current
Biot-Savart Law in
vacuum. Definition and
units of µ Magnetic
induction near a long
straight wire and on the
axis of a coil. Helmholtz
coil. Ampere’s Theorem. 5 weeks of (3
Magnetic induction due to hours/week) laboratory
finite and infinite period.
solenoids and toroid using
ampere’s theorem. Field
pattern due to these Remaining time used
systems. Force between for revision of practical
two parallel currents. of various types of data
Definition of Ampere. analysis
Current balance Biot-
Savart law in a medium of
permeability µ.

g. Magnetic
Materials
Qualitative introduction
of Dia, para and
Ferromagnetism.
Remnant Magnetism in
Ferromagnets. Hysterisis
concept. Magnetic
moment of a bar Magnet.
Couple on a bar Magnet
suspended in a magnetic
field. Magnetic field of
t6he earth.

h. Electromagnetic
Induction
Magnetic flux and flux
linkage in currents. The
faraday/Newmann law.
Len’s law. EMF induce in
a moving rod and rotating
coil. A.C. and D.C.
generators and D.C.
motors. Back emf; self-
inductance and mutual
inductance. Energy stored
is in inductance. Induction
Coil. Transformer.
Emphasize different
applications.

i. Alternating
Current
A.C, concept, R.M.S
value, A.C. measurement.
Advantages of A.C for
power supply. Current
through an inductance and
capacitance. Reactance,
phase and vector
representation. Series
L.C.R. circuits.
 Impedance using vector
diagram. Power factor and
resonance oscillations in a
series L.C.R. circuit.

2. MODERN PHYSICS
AND ELECTRONICS
a. Electron in Fields
Electrolysis. Electric
discharge. Ionization. The
electron. Millikan’s oil
drop experiment.
Thermionic emission.
Electron motion in
magnetic field; circular
paths and its applications.
Electron motion in
electric field: parabolic
path and energy gain.
Cathode ray oscilloscope.
Time base, focusing and
applications.

b. Photo Electricity
and Atomic
Spectra
Outline of the
experimental results
Plants constant and quanta
of light energy. Einstein’s
photons electric theory.
Photons. Stopping
potential. Photocells.
Characteristic spectra of
elements, lines and series
spectra. Contin0ous
Spectra. Rutherford’s
nuclear model. Bohr’s
theory for hydrogen like
atoms. Details of Energy
levels, energy level
diagrams, explanations of
observed spectra using
Bohr’s theory. Lyman,
Balmer, Paschen, Brackett
and Hund series.
Excitation and ionization
potentials. Laser principle
and operations.

c. Wave Particle
Duality and X-
rays
Wave particle duality: De
Broglie hypothesis.
Momentum and energy.
Electron diffraction.
Nature and properties of
x-rays. Basic idea of
production of x-rays. Line
and continuous spectrum.
Bragg law. Mosley’s law.
Application of x-rays.

d. Radioactivity and
Nuclear Energy
α, β, ϒ, rays. Properties.
The Geiger-Muller tube
and counter. Cloud
chamber. Bubble
chamber. Decay and half-
life of radioactive nuclei
(detailed treatment).
Proton, Neutron, Isotopes.
Nuclear composition.
Bainbridge mass
spectrometer. Concept E
= mc2. Concept of binding
energy. Variation of B.E.
with atomic number.
Release of energy by
nuclear fission and
nuclear fusion.
Application: Reactors,
radioisotopes, dating,
radiotherapy, etc.

e. Electronics
Thermionic emission.
Work function. Half
wave, full wave
rectification by diodes
(tube and
semiconductors). Triode
as an amplifier and L.C.
oscillator. Modulation and
demodulation of radio
carrier wave.
Fundamentals of semi-
conductors and semi-
conductor devices.
Transistor configuration.
Amplification. Feedback.
Digital electronics-basic
logic gates.

f. Medical Physics
Basic applications of
physics of life science.
Fundamental principles
and application of
ultrasound, x-ray and
nuclear magnetic
resonance. Biomechanics.
Blood pressure. Elements
of nuclear medicine.
Radioisotope detection
and applications.
Recommended Texts/Reference Materials:
1. Advance Level Physics – 6th or 7th edition by Nelkon and Parke published by
Heinemann Educational Books Ltd.

2. Advanced Physics – Keith Gibbs. (Cambridge University Press, 1994).

3. Advanced Physics – Steve Adams and Jonathan Allday (Oxford University

Press 2000).

4. Advanced Physics – Three volumes – Tom Duncan.

5. College Physics – Scars, Zemansky and Young (Addition Wesley Publishing

Co).

6. Introductory university Physics – Emeke E. Ike (Enic Publishers, Jos)