WAEC Physics Practical Exam Questions and Answers

The WAEC Physics Practical is a key component of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). It evaluates students’ understanding of practical physics concepts and their ability to perform experiments accurately. This part of the exam is crucial for students who want to excel in physics, as it tests both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.

Latest WAEC Physics Practical Exam Questions and Answers

Question: Define Ohm’s Law.

Answer: Ohm’s Law states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage across it, provided the temperature remains constant.

Question: What is the formula for calculating resistance in a circuit?

Answer: The formula for resistance is R=VIR = \frac{V}{I}R=IV​, where $R$ is resistance, $V$ is voltage, and $I$ is current.

Question: Explain the principle of moments.

Answer: The principle of moments states that for a body in equilibrium, the sum of the clockwise moments about a pivot must equal the sum of the counterclockwise moments.

Question: Describe how to measure the focal length of a convex lens.

Answer: To measure the focal length of a convex lens, place the lens in a holder, direct light from a distant object through the lens, and adjust the position of a screen until a sharp image is formed. The distance between the lens and the screen is the focal length.

Question: What is the purpose of a galvanometer in a circuit?

Answer: A galvanometer is used to detect and measure small electric currents in a circuit.

Question: How do you calculate the efficiency of a machine?

Answer: Efficiency is calculated using the formula Efficiency=Useful Energy OutputTotal Energy Input×100\text{Efficiency} = \frac{\text{Useful Energy Output}}{\text{Total Energy Input}} \times 100Efficiency=Total Energy InputUseful Energy Output​×100.

Question: Explain the difference between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).

Answer: Alternating current (AC) changes direction periodically, while direct current (DC) flows in one direction only.

Question: What is a semiconductor, and give an example.

Answer: A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductivity between a conductor and an insulator. Example: Silicon.

Question: How does a transformer work?

Answer: A transformer works by transferring electrical energy between two circuits through electromagnetic induction.

Question: Describe the process of electromagnetic induction.

Answer: Electromagnetic induction occurs when a conductor moves through a magnetic field, inducing a voltage across the conductor.

Question: What is the unit of electric charge?

Answer: The unit of electric charge is the coulomb (C).

Question: How do you measure the specific heat capacity of a substance?

Answer: The specific heat capacity is measured by heating a known mass of the substance and recording the temperature change, then using the formula c=QmΔTc = \frac{Q}{m \Delta T}c=mΔTQ​, where $Q$ is the heat added, $m$ is the mass, and $\Delta T$ is the temperature change.

Question: Define refraction of light.

Answer: Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different density.

Question: What is Snell’s Law?

Answer: Snell’s Law relates the angle of incidence to the angle of refraction and is given by n1sin⁡θ1=n2sin⁡θ2n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2n1​sinθ1​=n2​sinθ2​.

Question: Explain how a simple pendulum works.

Answer: A simple pendulum consists of a mass attached to a string, which swings back and forth under the influence of gravity. Its motion is periodic, and the period depends on the length of the string.

Question: What is the law of conservation of energy?

Answer: The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Question: How do you determine the refractive index of a material?

Answer: The refractive index is determined by measuring the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction and applying Snell’s Law.

Question: Describe the working principle of a simple electric motor.

Answer: A simple electric motor works on the principle that a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field experiences a force, causing it to rotate.

Question: What is the function of a capacitor in a circuit?

Answer: A capacitor stores electrical energy and releases it when needed in a circuit.

Question: Explain the term “terminal velocity.”

Answer: Terminal velocity is the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium prevents further acceleration.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Exam Pattern:

The WAEC Physics Practical exam is typically divided into three sections:

• Section A: This section usually involves performing experiments and recording observations.
• Section B: This section requires students to analyze data and interpret results.
• Section C: This section includes questions related to theoretical concepts and practical applications.

Syllabus:

The syllabus for the WAEC Physics Practical covers the following topics:

• Mechanics (e.g., forces, motion, energy, and momentum)
• Electricity and Magnetism (e.g., electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism)
• Optics (e.g., reflection, refraction, lenses, and mirrors)
• Waves (e.g., sound waves, light waves, and electromagnetic waves)
• Thermal Physics (e.g., heat transfer, specific heat capacity, and thermodynamics)
• Modern Physics (e.g., radioactivity, atomic structure, and quantum mechanics)