Physics Exam Questions for SS3 First Term with Answers

You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on Physics exam questions. We will cover Physics exam questions for SS3 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass Physics examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Table of Contents

Introduction to Physics as a School Subject

Before we venture into Past Physics Exam Questions for SS3 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

Physics is a branch of science that deals with the study of matter, energy, and their interactions. It helps us understand how and why things move, how forces act, and how energy changes from one form to another. In school, Physics introduces students to the laws and principles that explain everyday phenomena—such as why objects fall to the ground, how electricity works, and how sound and light travel.

The subject develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. It also forms the foundation for careers in engineering, technology, medicine, aviation, and other science-related fields. Through experiments and observations, students learn to apply scientific methods to real-life situations, making Physics both practical and exciting.

Physics Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Physics Exam Questions for SS3 First Term are divided into two sections:

Section A
Section B

The first section, namely, Section A is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Section B is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.

Note that what you have below are SS3 Physics First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

SECTION A: Objective Test

Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.

1. The SI unit of electric charge is the
A. farad B. ampere
C. volt D. coulomb

2. A body moves in a straight line with constant velocity Which of the following is true?
A. The net force on the body is zero
B. The body’s acceleration increases uniformly
C. The body’s kinetic energy is zero
D. The body’s momentum is decreasing

3. The slope of a displacement–time graph gives the
A. velocity of the object
B. acceleration of the object
C. distance travelled per second
D. total displacement

4. Two masses m and 2m are connected by a light string over a frictionless pulley If they are released, the acceleration of the system is
A. g/3 B. g/2
C. g/4 D. g

5. The quantity that is defined as the rate of change of momentum is
A. force B. work
C. power D. impulse

6. The instrument most suitable for measuring very small lengths to high precision is the
A. micrometer screw gauge
B. meter rule
C. vernier caliper
D. protractor

7. Which of the following combinations are derived SI quantities?
A. area and volume
B. length and mass
C. time and temperature
D. charge and current

8. If the resultant of two perpendicular vectors of magnitudes 3 N and 4 N is R, the magnitude R equals
A. 5 N B. 1 N
C. 7 N D. √(13) N

9. Work done is zero when a force acts on a body that
A. moves perpendicular to the force
B. moves in the direction of the force
C. moves opposite to the force
D. comes to rest

10. The unit of pressure in the SI system is
A. pascal B. newton
C. joule D. watt

11. The frequency of a wave that has a wavelength of 0.5 m and speed 340 m/s is
A. 680 Hz B. 170 Hz
C. 340 Hz D. 0.00147 Hz

12. In simple harmonic motion, the acceleration of the particle is
A. proportional to displacement and directed towards the equilibrium position
B. proportional to displacement and directed away from equilibrium
C. independent of displacement
D. maximum at equilibrium

13. The maximum displacement of a particle in simple harmonic motion is called the
A. amplitude B. period
C. frequency D. wavelength

14. Which of the following is an example of a longitudinal wave?
A. sound wave in air
B. light wave in vacuum
C. electromagnetic wave
D. transverse wave on a string

15. The law that relates angle of incidence and refraction with refractive indices is
A. Snell’s law
B. Hooke’s law
C. Coulomb’s law
D. Ohm’s law

16. A converging lens produces a real image when the object is placed
A. beyond the focal length
B. at the focal point
C. between the lens and the focal point
D. at infinity only

17. The gravitational field strength g at a distance r from the centre of a mass M is given by
A. GM/r² B. GM/r
C. GMr D. G/r²

18. Escape velocity from the surface of a planet of mass M and radius R is proportional to
A. √(M/R) B. √(R/M)
C. M/R D. R/M

19. Two identical planets are separated by a certain distance If the mass of each planet is doubled while the separation remains the same, the gravitational force between them becomes
A. four times larger
B. two times larger
C. half as large
D. unchanged

20. The electric field at a point is defined as the
A. force experienced per unit positive charge placed at that point
B. potential energy per unit charge
C. electric potential per unit charge
D. charge per unit area

21. Coulomb’s law states that the electrostatic force between two point charges varies as
A. inverse square of the separation
B. inverse of separation
C. square of the separation
D. directly with separation

22. The unit of electric potential (voltage) is
A. volt B. coulomb
C. ohm D. ampere

23. In a conductor at steady state, the electric field inside is
A. zero
B. maximum
C. equal to the applied potential
D. infinite

24. Current is defined as the rate of flow of
A. electric charge
B. energy
C. potential difference
D. resistance

25. The resistance of a wire depends on all the following EXCEPT
A. length of the wire
B. cross-sectional area
C. material of the wire
D. the current through the wire

26. Ohm’s law is obeyed by a conductor when the current through it is directly proportional to the
A. potential difference across it
B. temperature of the conductor
C. cross-sectional area
D. length

27. The combined resistance of two resistors R₁ and R₂ connected in parallel is given by
A. (1/R₁ + 1/R₂)⁻¹
B. R₁ + R₂
C. R₁R₂
D. R₁ − R₂

28. In an electric circuit, a voltmeter is connected
A. in parallel with the component whose potential difference is to be measured
B. in series with the component
C. across the power supply only
D. between earth and the component

29. A capacitor stores
A. electric charge and energy
B. current only
C. resistance only
D. magnetic flux only

30. Magnetic field lines outside a bar magnet run from
A. north pole to south pole
B. south pole to north pole
C. centre outward
D. random directions

31. Fleming’s left-hand rule applies to
A. motors
B. generators
C. transformers
D. capacitors

32. The process of electromagnetic induction produces
A. an emf when a conductor cuts magnetic field lines
B. a magnetic field when current is passed through a wire
C. a constant force on a charged particle
D. gravitational waves

33. A step-down transformer has
A. fewer turns on the secondary coil than on the primary coil
B. more turns on the secondary coil than on the primary coil
C. equal turns on both coils
D. no coils at all

34. In photoelectric effect, increasing the intensity of incident light (above threshold) on a metal surface (with frequency above threshold) results in
A. increased photoelectron current
B. increased maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons
C. emission of ions from the metal
D. decrease of stopping potential

35. Nuclear fission differs from fusion in that fission
A. splits a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei.
B. joins light nuclei to form heavier nuclei.
C. does not release energy
D. only occurs in stars

36. The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time taken for
A. half the nuclei in a sample to decay
B. the sample to lose all radioactivity
C. one nucleus to decay
D. the activity to double

37. The specific heat capacity of a substance is the energy required to raise the temperature of
A. 1 kg of the substance by 1 K
B. 1 g of the substance by 1 K
C. 1 mole of the substance by 1 K
D. 1 kg by 100 K

38. The latent heat of fusion refers to the energy required to
A. change a substance from solid to liquid at constant temperature
B. raise the temperature of a solid
C. change a liquid to gas
D. raise the temperature of a gas

39. A body executes circular motion of radius r at constant speed v Its centripetal acceleration is
A. v²/r B. r²/v
C. v/r² D. gr

40. The moment of a force about a point is equal to
A. force × perpendicular distance from the point to the line of action
B. force × parallel distance
C. mass × acceleration
D. torque × angular speed

41. The mechanical advantage of a simple machine is the ratio of
A. load to effort
B. effort to load
C. distance moved by effort to distance moved by load
D. work output to work input

42. In a pulley system, a movable pulley
A. reduces the effort needed to lift a load
B. increases the effort needed
C. changes the direction but not the magnitude of effort
D. stores energy

43. The principle of conservation of mechanical energy states that in absence of non-conservative forces, the total of kinetic and potential energy is
A. constant
B. always increasing
C. always zero
D. always decreasing

44. When white light passes through a glass prism it disperses because
A. different wavelengths travel at different speeds in glass
B. all wavelengths travel at the same speed
C. glass absorbs all colors equally
D. prism amplifies light

45. In an interference pattern produced by two coherent sources, the central bright fringe corresponds to
A. constructive interference
B. destructive interference
C. phase difference of π
D. cancellation of waves

46. The speed of sound in air increases when the air is
A. warmed
B. cooled
C. made less dense by humidity decrease
D. at lower pressure only

47. The unit of capacitance is the
A. farad B. henry
C. tesla D. weber

48. A light ray in air strikes a glass surface and undergoes total internal reflection when the angle of incidence is
A. greater than the critical angle
B. less than the critical angle
C. equal to zero
D. equal to Brewster’s angle

49. In a metalled wire conductor, electric current is due to the flow of
A. electrons B. protons
C. neutrons D. ions only

50. The work done by a conservative force around any closed path is
A. zero
B. positive
C. negative
D. dependent on path length

51. The SI unit of magnetic flux is the
A. weber B. tesla
C. ampere D. henry

52. Resonance in a vibrating system occurs when the driving frequency is
A. equal to the natural frequency of the system
B. much less than the natural frequency
C. zero
D. equal to the damping coefficient

53. The terminal velocity of a falling body is reached when
A. the weight equals the drag force
B. the body reaches the ground
C. the net force is maximum
D. acceleration is at its maximum

54. The power dissipated by a resistor of resistance R carrying current I is
A. I²R B. IR²
C. I/R D. R/I

55. A uniform magnetic field exerts a maximum force on a current-carrying conductor when the current is
A. perpendicular to the magnetic field
B. parallel to the magnetic field
C. antiparallel to the field
D. zero

56. The primary coils of an ideal transformer receive 240 V and have 1000 turns; if the secondary has 200 turns, the secondary voltage is
A. 48 V B. 480 V
C. 1200 V D. 2400 V

57. The term “specific charge” of a particle refers to the
A. charge-to-mass ratio
B. mass-to-charge ratio
C. charge per unit length
D. charge per mole

58. In an RC circuit, the time constant τ equals
A. R × C B. R / C
C. C / R D. 1/(RC)

59. A pontoon floats on water If the density of the pontoon material is less than water, then the upthrust on the pontoon equals
A. the weight of the displaced water
B. the weight of the pontoon when fully submerged only
C. the volume of pontoon × gravitational field strength squared
D. zero

60. When monochromatic light of wavelength λ is incident on a diffraction grating of spacing d and produces a first-order maximum at angle θ, the grating equation is
A. d sin θ = λ
B. d cos θ = λ
C. λ = sin θ / d
D. d tan θ = λ

Read Also: Physics Exam Questions for SS2 First Term with Answers

SECTION B: Essay / Theory

INSTRUCTION – Answer only five (5) questions in this section. Write your answers clearly and show working where necessary.

1. (a) State Newton’s law of universal gravitation
(b) Derive an expression for the gravitational field strength g at the surface of a planet of mass M and radius R. Show how escape velocity from the planet’s surface is related to M and R, and calculate the escape velocity in terms of G, M and R.

2. (a) Define electric potential and electric potential difference.
(b) For a point charge Q, derive expressions for the electric field E and electric potential V as functions of distance r from the charge Discuss the relationship between E and V.

3. (a) State the laws of reflection and refraction.
(b) With the aid of ray diagrams, explain image formation by a convex lens for objects placed
(i) beyond C,
(ii) between F and C, and
(iii) between F and the lens Indicate the nature (real/virtual, upright/inverted) and relative size of each image.

4. A block of mass m is pushed up a rough inclined plane of angle θ with constant speed by a force parallel to the plane The coefficient of kinetic friction between block and plane is μ. Derive expressions for
(a) the frictional force, and
(b) the magnitude of the pushing force required to move the block up the plane at constant speed State any assumptions you make.

5. (a) Describe simple harmonic motion and give two examples.
(b) A mass m attached to a spring of force constant k oscillates with small amplitude Derive expressions for the period and total energy of the oscillation Explain how the period depends on m and k.

6. (a) Explain the principle of a step-down transformer and state its main use.
(b) A 240 V mains supply is connected to the primary coil of a transformer with 1200 turns The secondary coil has 300 turns Calculate the secondary voltage and state whether this transformer is step-up or step-down.

7. (a) Define radioactivity and distinguish between alpha, beta and gamma radiation in terms of composition and penetrating power.
(b) A sample of a radioactive isotope has an initial activity A0. Show how the activity A varies with time and define the half-life Explain briefly one practical application of radioactive isotopes in industry or medicine.

Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Answers to Physics Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Physics exam questions for SS3 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

Q.No	Ans	Q.No	Ans	Q.No	Ans
1	A	2	A	3	A
4	A	5	A	6	A
7	A	8	A	9	A
10	A	11	A	12	A
13	A	14	A	15	A
16	A	17	A	18	A
19	A	20	A	21	A
22	A	23	A	24	A
25	D	26	A	27	A
28	A	29	A	30	A
31	A	32	A	33	A
34	A	35	A	36	A
37	A	38	A	39	A
40	A	41	A	42	A
43	A	44	A	45	A
46	A	47	A	48	A
49	A	50	A	51	A
52	A	53	A	54	A
55	A	56	A	57	A
58	A	59	A	60	A

So here you have the answers to the objective section of Physics Exam Questions for SS3 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

Answers to Section B (Theory)

1. (a) Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
Every two point masses attract each other with a force directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centres. Mathematically: F = G m₁ m₂ / r².

(b) Gravitational field strength at the surface and escape velocity.
The gravitational field strength at distance r from mass M is the force per unit test mass: g(r) = G M / r².
At the planet surface (r = R): g = G M / R².
Using conservation of energy, escape velocity v_esc from the surface satisfies ½ m v_esc² − G M m / R = 0. Hence v_esc = √(2 G M / R).

2. (a) Electric potential and potential difference.
• Electric potential at a point is the work done per unit positive charge to bring a small test charge from infinity to that point (unit: volt).
• Electric potential difference between A and B is the work done per unit positive charge in moving the charge from A to B.

(b) Field and potential for a point charge; relationship.
For a point charge Q at the origin:
Electric field: E(r) = (1 / 4πɛ₀) · Q / r² (radial).
Electric potential (V∞ = 0): V(r) = (1 / 4πɛ₀) · Q / r.
Relationship: E(r) = − dV/dr, so the field equals the negative radial derivative of the potential.

3. (a) Laws of reflection and refraction.
• Reflection: incident ray, reflected ray and normal lie in one plane; angle of incidence equals angle of reflection (i = r).
• Refraction (Snell’s law): incident ray, refracted ray and normal lie in one plane and n₁ sin i = n₂ sin r.

(b) Image formation by a convex lens (ray–diagram notes & image nature).
• (i) Object beyond C (2F): image forms between F and C on opposite side — real, inverted, diminished.
• (ii) Object between F and C (between F and 2F): image forms beyond C on opposite side — real, inverted, magnified.
• (iii) Object between F and the lens (inside focal length): refracted rays diverge; virtual rays meet on object side — virtual, upright, magnified.

4. Block pushed up a rough incline (angle θ), coefficient μ, constant speed.
Assumptions: constant μ, block remains in contact, constant speed → acceleration = 0.
(a) Normal reaction: N = m g cos θ. Frictional force (kinetic): f = μ N = μ m g cos θ.
(b) For constant speed, sum of forces along plane = 0. Pushing force P up the plane must balance weight component and friction: P = m g sin θ + μ m g cos θ = m g (sin θ + μ cos θ).

5. (a) Simple harmonic motion (SHM) and examples.
SHM: oscillation where acceleration is proportional to displacement and directed towards equilibrium: a = −ω² x. Examples: mass on a spring (small oscillations), simple pendulum (small angles).

(b) Mass–spring system: period and total energy.
Equation: m d²x/dt² + k x = 0 → angular frequency ω = √(k/m) and period T = 2π √(m/k).
Total mechanical energy (constant): E = ½ k A² where A is amplitude. The period increases with √m and decreases with √k.

6. (a) Step-down transformer principle and main use.
Principle: changing current in primary produces changing magnetic flux in core; induced emf in secondary proportional to turns. Voltage ratio equals turns ratio: Vₚ / Vₛ = Nₚ / Nₛ. Main use: reduce (step down) AC voltages for safe distribution or appliance supply.

(b) Calculation.
Given Vₚ = 240 V, Nₚ = 1200, Nₛ = 300: Vₛ = Vₚ × (Nₛ / Nₚ) = 240 × (300 / 1200) = 240 × 1/4 = 60 V. This is a step-down transformer.

7. (a) Radioactivity and radiation types.
Radioactivity: spontaneous emission of particles or photons from unstable nuclei.
• Alpha (α): helium nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons), +2 charge, low penetration (stopped by paper).
• Beta (β): high-speed electron (β⁻) or positron (β⁺), charge ±1, moderate penetration (stopped by thin metal).
• Gamma (γ): high-energy photon, no mass/charge, very high penetration (requires thick lead/concrete).

(b) Activity decay law, half-life, and an application.
If initial activity is A₀ and decay constant is λ, activity at time t is A(t) = A₀ e^(−λ t). Half-life T₁/₂ satisfies T₁/₂ = ln 2 / λ.
Practical application: medical imaging — e.g., technetium-99m as a tracer in diagnostic scans; industrial use — thickness gauging and nondestructive testing.

How to Pass Physics Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Passing your Physics exam questions for SS3 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Make a clear study plan

List the topics in your first-term syllabus. Tackle one topic at a time.
Set short goals: one topic per day or two days for hard topics.
Mix theory and practice every day. Do not study only notes.

2. Learn the key ideas, not just words

Know definitions clearly — e.g., force, field, potential, work, energy.
Understand the meaning of formulas. Ask: what each term stands for?
Make a short formula sheet. Write units next to each formula.

3. Master units and common conversions

Always check SI units in answers.
Convert quantities before you plug them into formulas.

4. Practice with method

Use this step-by-step approach for every problem:

Read the question carefully. Underline what is asked.
List the known data and their units.
Choose the right formula or principle.
Rearrange the formula and substitute values.
Calculate carefully. Keep working to 3 significant figures then round.
Check the answer for units and reasonableness.

5. Draw neat diagrams

A clean diagram often wins marks. Label forces, velocities, distances, angles.
Use arrows for direction. Mark the point of action.

6. Work past questions and time yourself

Do past SS3 first-term questions and school tests.
Practice under exam conditions. Learn to manage time.
Mark yourself and correct mistakes. Learn from errors.

7. Handle theory and practical questions

For theory: give clear, short definitions and state laws with formulas.
For practical: show working, state measurements, include uncertainty if asked.
When describing experiments, list apparatus, procedure, observation and conclusion.

8. Common exam habits that score marks

Write units with final answers.
Box or underline your final answer so the examiner sees it quickly.
If you run out of time, answer simple theory questions first.

9. Manage your exam time

Scan the whole paper first. Start with questions you know well.
Don’t spend too long on one question. Move on and return later.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS3 First Term Questions on Physics, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap. Don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

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