WAEC Physics Questions and Answers 2024 (100% Sure) Theory & Obj Solution

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is responsible for conducting the WAEC Physics examination in English-speaking West African countries. This exam is divided into two parts: Objective (Multiple Choice) and Theory. The WAEC Physics 2024 exam is designed to test students’ understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics and their ability to apply this knowledge in solving real-world problems.

In this article, we will provide a breakdown of what to expect in the 2024 WAEC Physics exam, sample questions, and solutions for both the objective and theory sections. We will also address common frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you prepare effectively for the exam.

WAEC Physics 2024 Objective Section: Sample Questions and Answers

The objective section typically consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering various topics from the WAEC Physics syllabus. Below are some examples of objective questions with their correct answers:

1. Question:
A body of mass 5 kg is placed on a rough horizontal surface. If the coefficient of static friction between the body and the surface is 0.4, calculate the force required to just move the body.
A. 20 N
B. 10 N
C. 15 N
D. 2 N

Answer:
The correct answer is A. 20 N. The force of static friction Fs=μ×mgF_s = \mu \times mgFs​=μ×mg, where $\mu =0.4$, $m=5\text{kg}$, and g=10 m/s2g = 10 \, \text{m/s}^2g=10m/s2. Therefore, Fs=0.4×5×10=20 NF_s = 0.4 \times 5 \times 10 = 20 \, \text{N}Fs​=0.4×5×10=20N.

2. Question:
A ray of light traveling in air is incident at an angle of 45° on the surface of a glass slab of refractive index 1.5. Calculate the angle of refraction.
A. 28.1°
B. 29.3°
C. 30.5°
D. 32.4°

Answer:
The correct answer is B. 29.3°. Using Snell’s law, n1sin⁡θ1=n2sin⁡θ2n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2n1​sinθ1​=n2​sinθ2​, where n1=1n_1 = 1n1​=1, n2=1.5n_2 = 1.5n2​=1.5, and θ1=45∘\theta_1 = 45^\circθ1​=45∘. Solving for θ2\theta_2θ2​, we get θ2=sin⁡−1(1×sin⁡45∘1.5)≈29.3∘\theta_2 = \sin^{-1}\left( \frac{1 \times \sin 45^\circ}{1.5} \right) \approx 29.3^\circθ2​=sin−1(1.51×sin45∘​)≈29.3∘.

3. Question:
The resistance of a wire is 10 Ω at 0°C and 11 Ω at 100°C. Calculate the temperature coefficient of resistance of the wire.
A. 0.01 K⁻¹
B. 0.001 K⁻¹
C. 0.0001 K⁻¹
D. 0.02 K⁻¹

Answer:
The correct answer is A. 0.01 K⁻¹. The temperature coefficient $\alpha$ is given by α=R2−R1R1×ΔT\alpha = \frac{R_2 – R_1}{R_1 \times \Delta T}α=R1​×ΔTR2​−R1​​. Substituting the values: R1=10 ΩR_1 = 10 \, \OmegaR1​=10Ω, R2=11 ΩR_2 = 11 \, \OmegaR2​=11Ω, and $\Delta T=100\text{K}$, we get α=11−1010×100=0.01 K−1\alpha = \frac{11 – 10}{10 \times 100} = 0.01 \, \text{K}^{-1}α=10×10011−10​=0.01K−1.

WAEC Physics 2024 Theory Section: Sample Questions and Solutions

The theory section involves descriptive questions where students are required to show their work and provide detailed explanations. Below are examples of theory questions and answers:

1. Question:
A body is projected vertically upward with an initial velocity of 30 m/s from the ground. Calculate the maximum height reached and the time taken to reach this height. Ignore air resistance.

Solution:
Given: Initial velocity $u=30\text{m/s}$, acceleration due to gravity g=9.8 m/s2 g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2g=9.8m/s2, and final velocity at the maximum height $v=0\text{m/s}$.

Using the equation v2=u2−2ghv^2 = u^2 – 2ghv2=u2−2gh, we can solve for $h$:

0=302−2×9.8×hh=3022×9.8=90019.6≈45.9 m0 = 30^2 – 2 \times 9.8 \times h h = \frac{30^2}{2 \times 9.8} = \frac{900}{19.6} \approx 45.9 \, \text{m}0=302−2×9.8×hh=2×9.8302​=19.6900​≈45.9m

To find the time taken to reach maximum height, use $v=u-gt$:

0=30−9.8×tt=309.8≈3.06 seconds0 = 30 – 9.8 \times t t = \frac{30}{9.8} \approx 3.06 \, \text{seconds}0=30−9.8×tt=9.830​≈3.06seconds

2. Question:
A car of mass 1500 kg is moving with a speed of 20 m/s. If the driver applies brakes and the car comes to a stop after covering a distance of 50 m, calculate the magnitude of the deceleration and the braking force applied.

Solution:
Given: Initial velocity $u=20\text{m/s}$, final velocity $v=0\text{m/s}$, distance $s=50\text{m}$, and mass $m=1500\text{kg}$.

First, calculate the deceleration using the equation v2=u2+2asv^2 = u^2 + 2asv2=u2+2as:

0=202+2a×50a=−2022×50=−400100=−4 m/s20 = 20^2 + 2a \times 50 a = \frac{-20^2}{2 \times 50} = \frac{-400}{100} = -4 \, \text{m/s}^20=202+2a×50a=2×50−202​=100−400​=−4m/s2

Now, the braking force $F=ma=1500\times -4=-6000\text{N}$. The negative sign indicates that the force is acting opposite to the motion.

Key Topics to Focus on for WAEC Physics 2024

1. Mechanics: Laws of motion, energy, work, and power.
2. Optics: Reflection, refraction, lenses, and mirrors.
3. Electricity and Magnetism: Ohm’s law, circuits, electromagnetic fields.
4. Heat and Thermodynamics: Expansion, heat transfer, temperature scales.
5. Waves: Properties of waves, sound, light, Doppler effect.
6. Modern Physics: Atomic structure, radioactivity, X-rays.

FAQs on WAEC Physics 2024

1. What topics are most likely to appear in the WAEC Physics exam?
The topics that frequently appear include Mechanics, Electricity, Waves, and Optics. Ensure you have a solid understanding of the basic concepts and can apply them to solve problems.

2. How can I effectively study for the WAEC Physics exam?
Start by reviewing the WAEC syllabus and past questions. Practice with as many past papers as possible, paying special attention to the types of questions that recur. Group study and engaging with online resources such as tutorial videos can also help.

3. Are calculators allowed in the WAEC Physics exam?
Yes, calculators are allowed for both the objective and theory sections, but they must be non-programmable and meet WAEC’s regulations.

4. How are WAEC Physics scores calculated?
Your total score is based on your performance in both the objective and theory sections. Each section is weighted, and your overall score will reflect the combination of your performance in both parts of the exam.

5. Where can I find past WAEC Physics questions and solutions?
Past WAEC Physics questions can be found online on educational websites like WAEC Past Questions and in WAEC-approved study guides. These resources can provide both objective and theory questions for practice.

Conclusion

By focusing on the key topics, practicing past questions, and reviewing these sample questions, you can greatly increase your chances of success in the 2024 WAEC Physics exam. Be sure to review the theory behind the concepts, as understanding is key to excelling in the theory section.

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