Waec Physics Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Highly Repeated Topics & Past Questions
Physics is one of the most technical science subjects in WAEC, but it’s also one of the easiest to pass—if you know where to focus. WAEC loves repeating certain Physics topics year after year. So, if you study smart by concentrating on those high-yield areas, you’ll increase your chances of scoring an A1.
The secret to passing WAEC Physics is knowing the frequently repeated topics, formulas, and question patterns.
What This Guide Covers
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Most repeated WAEC Physics topics
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Past questions with answers
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Exam structure and grading
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Smart study tips for 2025/2026
Most Repeated WAEC Physics Topics (2025/2026)
Below are the most commonly repeated WAEC Physics topics:
Topic | Why It’s Important |
---|---|
Measurement and Units | Foundation of every calculation-based question |
Scalars and Vectors | Frequently tested in theory and objective sections |
Motion (Linear, Circular, Projectile) | WAEC favorite—repeats every year |
Newton’s Laws of Motion | Common in calculation and theory questions |
Work, Energy & Power | Frequently appears with diagrams or calculations |
Heat and Temperature | Focuses on calorimetry, expansion, thermometers |
Waves (including sound and light) | Covers refraction, reflection, Doppler Effect |
Electricity (Ohm’s Law, resistors, etc.) | Key topic with frequent calculations |
Magnetism and Electromagnetism | Appears in essay section and practicals |
Simple Machines | Pulley, levers, MA/VR questions always appear |
Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics | Theory-based but highly repeated |
Current Electricity | Series and parallel circuits—always tested |
Electronics | Logic gates and diodes appear in recent exams |
Sample WAEC Physics Past Questions with Answers
1. Measurement and Units
Question: Define a metre and state one method of measuring it accurately.
(WAEC 2023)
Answer:
A metre is the distance traveled by light in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds. It can be measured using a metre rule or tape.
2. Motion
Question: A car accelerates from rest at 2 m/s² for 5 seconds. Calculate its final velocity.
(WAEC 2022)
Answer:
Using v=u+at:
v=0+2×5=10 m/s
3. Heat Energy
Question: Define specific heat capacity and state its SI unit.
(WAEC 2021)
Answer:
Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1°C (or 1K). SI unit: J/kg·K
4. Electricity
Question: State Ohm’s Law.
(WAEC 2020)
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:
V=IR
5. Simple Machines
Question: Define mechanical advantage (M.A) and velocity ratio (V.R).
(WAEC 2019)
Answer:
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M.A = Load / Effort
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V.R = Distance moved by effort / Distance moved by load
WAEC Physics Practical Topics That Repeat Often
Experiment | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Determination of Acceleration due to Gravity | Appears almost every year |
Hooke’s Law (Spring Constant) | Frequent in recent years |
Ohm’s Law Practical | Highly predictable and easy |
Simple Pendulum | Always tested in practical paper |
Heat (Mixture and Calorimetry) | Common in thermal energy tests |
WAEC Physics Exam Structure
Paper | Type | Description |
---|---|---|
Paper 1 | Objective | 50 multiple-choice questions |
Paper 2 | Essay/Theory | Calculation and explanation-based theory |
Paper 3 | Practical | Three experiments, answer two |
Physics Constants You Must Know
Constant | Value |
---|---|
Acceleration due to gravity | g=9.8 m/s2 |
Speed of light | c=3×108 m/s |
Elementary charge | e=1.6×10−19 C |
Permittivity of free space | ε0=8.85×10−12 F/m |
Study Tips to Score A1 in WAEC Physics
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Master formulae and how to apply them in real problems.
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Practice past questions — especially calculations and theory.
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Study WAEC practicals — practice drawing tables and graphs.
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Use diagrams where necessary in theory questions.
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Create flashcards for key definitions and units.
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Work on speed and accuracy during objectives.
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Don’t ignore essay questions — WAEC marks generously when steps are shown.
WAEC Physics FAQs
Q: Does WAEC repeat Physics questions?
Yes. Questions are often repeated or restructured, especially in calculation-based topics.
Q: How many papers will I write in WAEC Physics?
You’ll write three papers: Objective, Theory, and Practical.
Q: Can I pass Physics without doing calculations?
Not really. At least 60% of the exam requires calculations.
Q: Are formulas provided in WAEC Physics?
No. You must memorize the necessary formulas.
Final Thoughts
WAEC Physics can be your best science subject if you study strategically. Focus on repeated topics, master calculations, and practice practicals. Combine this with good exam timing and confidence—and A1 will be yours!
“Physics is not hard. It just needs a formula + focus = success!”