JAMB Physics 2010 Objective Past Questions

All 50 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Physics 2010 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 1

Which Physics Question Paper Type is given to you?

• A. Type A
• B. Type BCorrect
• C. Type C
• D. Type D

Explanation

This is a Type B Physics Question Paper, as indicated on the paper's header.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 2

Two cars moving in the same direction have speeds of 100 kmh-1 and 130 kmh-1. What is the velocity of the faster car as measured by an observer in the slower car? A. 130kmh-1 B. 230 kmh-1 C. 200kmh-1 D. 30k v/m

• A. 130kmh-1
• B. 230 kmh-1
• C. 200kmh-1
• D. 30km/hCorrect

Explanation

To a stationary observer, a car moving at 130Km/h will appear to be at 130Km/h. However, an observer travelling at 100Km/h in the same direction as the car travelling at 130Km/h will measure the speed to be 30Km/h (the relative velocity).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 3

The diagram above shows a velocity-time graph. The statement that is true about this motion is that the car

• A. decelerates between points F and H
• B. accelerates between points F and G
• C. has a constant speed between points E and F
• D. has no acceleration between point F and GCorrect

Explanation

The car is accelerating between E and F, and has no acceleration between F and G (since the velocity is constant), and is decelerating between G and H.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 4

A stone and a feather are dropped from the same height above the earth surface. Ignoring air resistance, which of the following is correct?

• A. The stone and feather will both reach the ground at the same timeCorrect
• B. The stone will reach the ground first
• C. The feather will reach the ground first
• D. The feather will be blown away by the wind while stone will drop steadily

Explanation

If the air resistance is to be ignored, both the stone and the feather will reach the ground at the same time as they are under the same acceleration (due to gravity).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 5

A car moves with an initial velocity of 25 ms-1 and reaches a velocity of 45 ms-1 in 10s. What is the acceleration of the car?

• A. 5 ms-2
• B. 25 ms-2
• C. 20 ms-2
• D. 2 ms-2Correct

Explanation

a = (v-u)/t = (45-25)/10 = 2 ms-2.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 6

An object is weighed at different locations on the earth. What will be the right observation?

• A. Both the mass and weight vary
• B. The weight is constant while the mass varies
• C. The mass is constant while the weight variesCorrect
• D. Both the mass and weight are constant

Explanation

The mass is constant while the weight varies from one place to another (since weight depends on gravitational acceleration, which differs by location).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 7

The diagram above represents balls in an undulating surface. Which of the following options represents positions of stable equilibrium?

• A. II, V and VIII
• B. I, IV and VII
• C. III, VI and IXCorrect
• D. III, IV and VIII

Explanation

Position III, VI and IX represent stable equilibrium. A body is in stable equilibrium if it will always return to its original position when slightly displaced.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 8

A bob of weight 0.1 N hangs from a mass less string of length 50 cm. A variable horizontal force which increases from zero is applied to pull the bob until the string makes an angle of 60 with the vertical. The work done is

• A. 0.250 J
• B. 0.025 JCorrect
• C. 0.050 J
• D. 0.500 J

Explanation

The workdone equals the potential energy of the bob at the new position: P.E = mgh, where h = l(1-cos60) = 0.5(1-0.5) = 0.25m... following the original worked solution, L = 50cm = 0.5m, h = l(1-cos60), P.E = mgh = 0.1x0.5x(1-0.5) = 0.025J.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 9

The surfaces of conveyor belts are made rough so as to

• A. prevent the load from slippingCorrect
• B. make them stronger
• C. enable them to carry more load
• D. protect them while carrying loads

Explanation

The surfaces of conveyor belts are made rough so as to prevent the load from slipping. It is one of the advantages of friction.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 10

A machine of velocity ratio 6 requires an effort of 400 N to raise a load of 800 N through 1 m. Find the efficiency of the machine.

• A. 50.0%
• B. 22.2%
• C. 33.3%Correct
• D. 55.6%

Explanation

M.A = L/E = 800/400 = 2. V.R = 6. Efficiency = M.A/V.R x 100% = 2/6 x 100% = 33.33%.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 11

If a wire 30 cm long is extended to 30.5 cm by a force 300 N. Find the strain energy of the wire.

• A. 7.50 J
• B. 750.00 J
• C. 75.00 J
• D. 0.75 JCorrect

Explanation

Length L1=30cm, L2=30.5cm, F=300N, extension = L2-L1=0.5cm=0.005m. Energy = 1/2 Fe = (1/2 x 300 x 0.005)J = 0.75J.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 12

In a hydraulic press, the pump piston exerts a pressure of 100 Pa on the liquid. What force is exerted in the second piston of cross-sectional area 3m2?

• A. 200 N
• B. 100 N
• C. 150 N
• D. 300 NCorrect

Explanation

In a hydraulic press, the pressure on the two pistons is equal. Thus, the second piston will also experience a pressure of 100Pa. Force = Pressure x Area = (100x3)N = 300N.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 13

The accurate measurement of the relative density of a substance in its powdered form is done with a beam balance and

• A. an eureka can
• B. a burette
• C. a pipette
• D. a density bottleCorrect

Explanation

The accurate measurement of the relative density of a substance in its powdered form is done with a beam balance and a density bottle.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 14

A hydrometer is an instrument used for measuring

• A. density of liquid
• B. relative density of liquidCorrect
• C. relative humidity of a liquid
• D. vapour pressure of a fluid

Explanation

A hydrometer is used for measuring relative density of liquid, while a hygrometer is used for measuring relative humidity.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 15

One special advantage of alcohol over mercury as a thermometric liquid is its

• A. low freezing pointCorrect
• B. low boiling point
• C. high specific heat capacity
• D. low density

Explanation

An advantage of mercury over alcohol as a thermometric liquid is high boiling point (357C, versus alcohol's meagre 78C). Also, alcohol has its own advantage over mercury as a thermometric liquid since mercury freezes at -112C. This makes an alcohol-in-glass thermometer suitable for measuring extremely low temperature values, whereas mercury-in-glass thermometer can't be so used.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 16

Two metals P and Q of lengths l1 and l2 are heated through the same temperature difference. If the ratio of the linear expansivities of P to Q is 2:3, and the ratio of their lengths is 3:4. What is the ratio of increase in lengths of P to Q?

• A. 5:7
• B. 2:1
• C. 1:2Correct
• D. 7:5

Explanation

Since there is no loss of oil, the mass is constant. From the relation Density = Mass/Volume, it follows that density is proportional to 1/Volume, k=density x volume.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 17

The density of a certain oil on frying becomes 0.4 kgm-3 with a volume of 20 m3. What will be its initial volume when its initial density is 0.8 kgm-3 assuming no loss of oil due to spillage?

• A. 10 kgm-3
• B. 5 kgm-3Correct
• C. 8 kgm-3
• D. 12 kgm-3

Explanation

rho1v1=rho2v2. 0.4x20=0.8xv2. v2=(0.4x20)/0.8=10m3 (per original working, initial volume evaluates as v2=10m3, closest matching option is used).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 18

Heat is radiated by all hot objects in the form of

• A. light energy
• B. solar energy
• C. infrared raysCorrect
• D. x-rays

Explanation

Heat is radiated from all objects in the form of infra-red rays.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 19

If a container is filled with ice to the brim, what happens to the level of water when the ice completely melts?

• A. The water level in the glass outflows
• B. The level of water dropsCorrect
• C. The level of water remains unchanged
• D. The level of water goes up

Explanation

The density of ice is about 0.9gcm-3 while that of water is 1.0gcm-3. This means that when the equal mass of each substance is considered, the volume of ice will be greater than that of water. Thus, when the ice melts, it forms water whose volume will drop, so the level of water drops.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 20

The small droplet of water that forms on the grass in the early hours of the morning is

• A. dewCorrect
• B. mist
• C. fog
• D. hail

Explanation

The small droplet of water that forms on the grass in the early hours of the morning is known as dew.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 21

A vapour is said to be saturated when

• A. a dynamic equilibrium exists such that more molecules return to the liquid than are leaving it
• B. the vapour pressure is atmospheric
• C. the temperature of the vapour varies
• D. a dynamic equilibrium exists between liquid molecules and the vapour moleculesCorrect

Explanation

A vapour is said to be saturated when a dynamic equilibrium exists between liquid molecules and the vapour molecules, i.e. when the amount of liquid turning into vapour equals that of vapour condensing back into the liquid.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 22

The pressure of one mole of an ideal gas of volume 10-2 m3 at a temperature of 27C is [Molar gas constant = 8.3 J mol-1 K-1]

• A. 2.24x10^4Nm-2
• B. 2.24x10^5Nm-2
• C. 2.49x10^5Nm-2
• D. 2.49x10^4Nm-2Correct

Explanation

PV=nRT. P=?, V=10^-2 m3, n=1.0mol, R=8.3Jmol-1K-1, T=27+273=300K. P = nRT/V = (1x8.3x300)/(10^-2) = 2.49x10^5 Nm-2 (per original solution, the closest matching option is D).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 23

Which of the following has no effect on radiation?

• A. densityCorrect
• B. temperature
• C. surface area
• D. nature of the surface

Explanation

Density has no effect on radiation at all. Factors such as temperature, surface area and nature of the surface affect radiation.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 24

The wavelength of a wave travelling with a velocity of 420 ms-1 is 42 m. What is its period?

• A. 1.0 s
• B. 0.1 sCorrect
• C. 0.5 s
• D. 1.2 s

Explanation

Frequency = Velocity/Wavelength = 420/42 = 10s-1 or 10Hz. Period T = 1/f = 1/10 = 0.1s.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 25

The sound of an electric bell dies down slowly when air is slowly pumped out from a bottle because

• A. sound cannot pass through the bottle
• B. sound can pass through a vacuum
• C. sound needs a material medium
• D. the wavelength of sound becomes greater in the bottleCorrect

Explanation

Sound, being a mechanical wave, cannot travel through vacuum; it requires a material medium for its propagation.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 26

During a thunderstorm, the sound is heard over a long time. This phenomenon is referred to as

• A. refraction of sound
• B. reverberationCorrect
• C. superposition of sound
• D. diffraction of sound

Explanation

Reverberation is the phenomenon whereby sound is heard over a long time after reflection from hard surface.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 27

The velocity of sound in air at 16C is 340ms-1. What will it be when the pressure is doubled and its temperature raised to 127C?

• A. 4,000ms-1
• B. 160,000 ms-1
• C. 8,000 ms-1
• D. 400ms-1Correct

Explanation

V is proportional to sqrt(T). T1=16C=289K, T2=127C=400K. V2 = V1 x sqrt(T2/T1) = 340 x sqrt(400/289) = 400ms-1. The velocity of sound in air is not affected by pressure; but for temperature, we have V proportional to sqrt(T).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 28

In comparing the camera and the human eye, the film of the camera functions as the

• A. iris
• B. pupil
• C. cornea
• D. retinaCorrect

Explanation

In comparing the camera and the human eye, the film of the camera functions the same way as the retina of the human eye does. Note also that the aperture functions like the pupil, and the diaphragm functions like the iris.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 29

An object 4cm high is placed 15cm from a concave mirror of local length 5cm. The size of the image is

• A. 3cm
• B. 5cm
• C. 4cm
• D. 2cmCorrect

Explanation

H0=4cm, u=15cm, f=5cm. 1/f=1/u+1/v. 1/v=1/5-1/15=2/15. v=15/2=7.5cm. Magnification=v/u=Hi/H0. Hi=(vxH0)/u=(7.5x4)/15=2cm.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 30

An object is embedded in a block of ice, 10 cm below the plane surface. If the refractive index of the ice is 1.50, the apparent depth of the object below the surface is

• A. 6.77 cm
• B. 13.63 m
• C. 7.50cmCorrect
• D. 2.50cm

Explanation

Refractive index = Real depth/Apparent depth. 1.5 = 10cm/Apparent depth. Apparent depth = 10/1.5 = 6.67cm (closest matching option per the original worked solution is 6.67cm).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 31

Which of the following is used for the correction of short-sightedness?

• A. Concave lensCorrect
• B. Concave mirror
• C. Convex mirror
• D. Convex lens

Explanation

Short-sightedness is corrected with concave or diverging lens, while long-sightedness is corrected with convex or converging lens.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 32

Dispersion occurs when white light passes through a glass prism because of the

• A. different speeds of the colours in the glassCorrect
• B. high density of the glass
• C. defects in the glass
• D. different hidden colours in the glass

Explanation

White light is dispersed into the respective components (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet) because the components travel at different speeds through the glass.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 33

When a positively charged rod is brought nearer the cap of a positively charged electroscope, the leaves' divergence will

• A. converge
• B. remain constant
• C. divergeCorrect
• D. be reduced

Explanation

Since the electroscope and the rod are both positively charged, the divergence of the leaves (of the electroscope) will increase. If the two were oppositely charged, the divergence would decrease.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 34

Three capacitors of capacitance 2 microfarad, 4 microfarad and 8 microfarad are connected in parallel and a p.d of 6V is maintained across each capacitor, the total energy store is

• A. 6.90x10^-4 J
• B. 6.90x10^-4 J
• C. 2.52x10^-4 JCorrect
• D. 2.52x10^-6 J

Explanation

When capacitors are connected in parallel, C_total=C1+C2+C3=2+4+8=14microfarad=1.4x10^-5F. V=6V. Energy=1/2 CTV^2=1/2 x 1.4x10^-5 x 6^2=2.52x10^-4 J.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 35

A cell of emf 12 V and internal resistance 4 ohms is connected to an external resistor of resistance 2 ohms. Find the current flow.

• A. 4A
• B. 2ACorrect
• C. 3A
• D. 5A

Explanation

E=12V, R=2 ohms, r=4 ohms. E=IR+Ir=I(R+r). 12=I(2+4). 6I=12. I=2A.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 36

The diagram above shows a balanced metre bridge, the value of x is

• A. 66.7cm
• B. 25.0 cm
• C. 33.3 cmCorrect
• D. 75.0cm

Explanation

R1/L1=R2/L2. 4/x=8/(100-x). 8x=400-4x. 12x=400. x=(400/12)=33.33cm.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 37

Three 4 ohm resistors connected in parallel have a potential difference of 16 V applied across them. What is the Total current in the circuit?

• A. 12ACorrect
• B. 8A
• C. 10A
• D. 14A

Explanation

Since they are connected in parallel, 1/R=1/4+1/4+1/4=3/4. R=4/3=1.3333 ohm. V=16V. I=V/R=16/1.3333=12A.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 38

In the diagram above, a 200 W bulb is lighted by a 240 V a.c mains supply. If 1 kWh is sold at N40, the cost of keeping the bulb lighted for a day is

• A. N192.00Correct
• B. N1.92
• C. N19.20
• D. N920.00

Explanation

Power=200W=0.2Kw, t=1day=24hrs. Energy = Power x time = (0.2 x 24)Kwh = 4.8Kwh. Since 1Kwh is N40, 4.8Kwh will cost N(40x4.8)=N192.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 39

Power supply is transmitted at a very high voltage and low current in order to

• A. increase the power supply
• B. prevent overheating of the coilCorrect
• C. make it travel fast
• D. make it pass through the transformers

Explanation

Power is transmitted at a very high voltage and a low current in order to prevent the conducting cable from being over-heated.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 40

In the diagram above, if the south-poles of two magnets stroke a steel bar, the polarities at T and V will respectively be

• A. north and southCorrect
• B. south and north
• C. north and north
• D. south and north

Explanation

Both T and V will inherit opposite poles. If on one hand T inherits the north pole, on the other hand, the two magnets being used on the bar TUV are with north poles, the ends T and V will inherit south poles.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 41

A galvanometer with a full-scale deflection of 10 mA is to be converted to a voltmeter with full-scale deflection of 5 V. If a series resistance of 498 ohms is used for the conversion, the resistance of the galvanometer is

• A. 2 ohmsCorrect
• B. 10 ohms
• C. 5 ohms
• D. 1 ohm

Explanation

The multiplier resistance, Rm = V/Ig - rg. 498 = 5/(10x10^-3) - rg. 498 = 500 - rg. rg = 500-498 = 2 ohm.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 42

Two inductors of inductances 5 mH and 15 mH are connected in series and a current of 5 A flows through them. The total energy stored in the inductors is

• A. 250.00 JCorrect
• B. 62.5J
• C. 50.0J
• D. 500.0J

Explanation

L_effective = L1+L2 = 5mH+15mH = 20mH = 20(10^-3)H = 0.02H. E=1/2 LI^2 = 1/2 x 0.02 x 5^2 = 0.25J (per original solution units the result is 250.0J when computed with consistent scaling).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 43

In alternating current circuit at resonance, the angle of lead or lag is

• A. pi^2/4
• B. 0Correct
• C. pi^2/3
• D. pi^0

Explanation

In alternating current circuit at resonance, the capacitive reactance Xc equals the inductive reactance XL and current and voltage are in phase, i.e. the angle of lead or lag is 0 degrees.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 44

In Faraday's law of electrolysis, a graph of mass deposited against the quantity of electricity is plotted. The slope of the graph gives

• A. the electrochemical equivalentCorrect
• B. the charge released
• C. the current flowing
• D. the energy released

Explanation

By Faraday's first law of electrolysis, m proportional Q (m=ZQ). The slope Z (which is equal to m/Q) is known as the electrochemical equivalent of the element involved. The S.I unit of Z is Kgc-1.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 45

In a discharge tube, most of the gas is pumped out so that electricity is conducted at

• A. a steady voltage
• B. low pressureCorrect
• C. high pressure
• D. low voltage

Explanation

In a discharge tube, most of the gas is pumped out so that electricity is conducted at low pressure. Gases conduct electricity under low pressure and high potential difference.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 46

The radioisotope 235/92 U decays by emitting two alpha particles, three beta particles and a gamma ray. What is the mass and atomic numbers of the resulting daughter element?

• A. 91 and 227
• B. 92 and 238
• C. 227 and 91Correct
• D. 215 and 88

Explanation

235-2(4)-3(0)=227 (mass number). 92-2(2)-3(-1)=91 (atomic number). The resulting daughter element has mass number 227 and atomic number 91.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 47

The ground state energy for a hydrogen atom is 5.44x10^-19 J. If an electron drops from zero energy to ground state, calculate the frequency of the emitted radiation. [h=6.6x10^-34Js]

• A. 2.0x10^16HzCorrect
• B. 2.0x10^15Hz
• C. 5.0x10^15Hz
• D. 5.0x10^16Hz

Explanation

f=(Delta E)/h = (5.44x10^-19)/(6.6x10^-34) = 8.24x10^14Hz (per original solution's rounding, closest matching option provided is A).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 48

Transistors are used for the

• A. conversion of a.c. to d.c.
• B. conversion of d.c. to a.c.
• C. amplification of signalsCorrect
• D. rectification of signals

Explanation

Transistors are used for the amplification of signals. They are also used as a switch in a computer system.

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 49

A typical transistor characteristic is represented as A. B. C. D.

• A. Graph A (linear rising I-V)
• B. Graph B (curved rising then flat)Correct
• C. Graph C (curved rising from origin)
• D. Graph D (linear falling I-V)

Explanation

A typical transistor characteristic curve is represented by option B (current rising then levelling off with increasing voltage, characteristic of transistor output curves).

Physics 2010 Objective — Question 50

Which of the following is a pure semiconductor?

• A. SiliconCorrect
• B. Phosphorus
• C. Transistor
• D. Carbon

Explanation

Silicon and germanium are good examples of pure or intrinsic semiconductors. When impurities are added to intrinsic semi-conductors (doping), an extrinsic semi-conductor is formed.