The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) conducts examinations for secondary school students across West Africa, and Basic Electricity is a key subject for students pursuing science and technical courses. Understanding the core concepts and potential questions in Basic Electricity can significantly enhance students’ preparation and performance in the examination. This article provides a detailed overview of the expected questions for the 2024 WAEC Basic Electricity exam, along with answers and explanations.
Key Topics in Basic Electricity
Before diving into the questions and answers, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the core topics covered in the Basic Electricity syllabus:
- Ohm’s Law: Relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.
- Series and Parallel Circuits: Understanding how components behave in series and parallel configurations.
- Electrical Power: Calculation of power using voltage and current.
- Electrical Measurements: Use of multimeters and other tools for measuring voltage, current, and resistance.
- Electrical Safety: Importance of safety measures and standards in electrical installations.
Sample Questions and Answers
Theory Questions
- Explain Ohm’s Law and provide its mathematical expression.
- Answer: Ohm’s Law states that the current (I) flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor. The mathematical expression is: V=I×RV = I \times R
- Differentiate between series and parallel circuits.
- Answer:
- Series Circuit: In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end, so the current is the same through each component. The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.
- Parallel Circuit: In a parallel circuit, components are connected across the same voltage source, allowing multiple paths for current. The total resistance is found using the formula:
1Rtotal=1R1+1R2+…\frac{1}{R_{total}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \ldots
- Answer:
- Describe how to use a multimeter to measure current.
- Answer: To measure current using a multimeter, follow these steps:
- Set the multimeter to the appropriate current setting (AC or DC).
- Break the circuit where you want to measure the current.
- Connect the multimeter probes in series with the circuit.
- Turn on the circuit and read the current value on the multimeter display.
- Answer: To measure current using a multimeter, follow these steps:
- What are the safety measures to take when working with electricity?
- Answer: Important safety measures include:
- Always disconnect power before working on electrical systems.
- Use insulated tools.
- Wear rubber-soled shoes and safety goggles.
- Ensure proper grounding of electrical devices.
- Avoid working in wet conditions.
- Answer: Important safety measures include:
- Calculate the power consumed by a device that operates at a voltage of 230V and a current of 5A.
- Answer: The power (P) consumed can be calculated using the formula: P=V×I=230V×5A=1150WP = V \times I = 230V \times 5A = 1150W
Objective Questions
- What is the unit of electrical resistance?
- A) Volt
- B) Ampere
- C) Ohm
- D) Watt
- Answer: C) Ohm
- Which of the following is a non-renewable energy source?
- A) Solar
- B) Wind
- C) Coal
- D) Hydro
- Answer: C) Coal
- The total resistance in a series circuit with a 5Ω, 10Ω, and 15Ω resistor is:
- A) 10Ω
- B) 20Ω
- C) 30Ω
- D) 15Ω
- Answer: B) 30Ω
- If the current in a circuit is 3A and the voltage is 12V, what is the resistance?
- A) 2Ω
- B) 4Ω
- C) 12Ω
- D) 36Ω
- Answer: B) 4Ω
- In a parallel circuit, if one branch fails, what happens to the other branches?
- A) They stop working
- B) They continue to work
- C) They increase in current
- D) They decrease in voltage
- Answer: B) They continue to work
Additional Resources
To further enhance your understanding of Basic Electricity and prepare for the WAEC exam, consider the following resources:
- WAEC Official Website – Access official syllabuses, past questions, and updates.
- Khan Academy – Offers free courses on electrical engineering concepts.
- BBC Bitesize: Electricity – A comprehensive overview of electricity for secondary school students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What topics should I focus on for the WAEC Basic Electricity exam?
- Focus on Ohm’s Law, series and parallel circuits, electrical measurements, and safety measures.
How can I effectively prepare for the Basic Electricity exam?
- Review past exam papers, engage in practical experiments, and use study guides.
Are there recommended textbooks for studying Basic Electricity?
- Yes, consider textbooks like “Basic Electrical Engineering” by M.S. Naidu and V. Kamaraju.
What is the passing mark for the Basic Electricity exam?
- The passing mark can vary, but generally, a score of 50% or higher is required to pass.
How can I access past WAEC Basic Electricity questions?
- Past questions can be found on educational websites, libraries, or by contacting your school’s examination officer.
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By preparing adequately and understanding these core concepts, you can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success in the WAEC Basic Electricity examination. Good luck!