Basic Science Exam Questions for JSS3 Second Term—BECE Mock

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 Basic Science exam questions. We will cover Basic Science exam questions for JSS3 second term (BECE Mock Exam) 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 Basic Science 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 Facebook. (Like and Follow Page)

Introduction to Basic Science as a School Subject

Basic Science is an introductory subject designed to help students develop an understanding of the natural world. It covers fundamental concepts in areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Through experiments, observations, and discussions, students learn about the environment, living organisms, matter, and energy. The subject encourages curiosity and critical thinking, laying the foundation for more advanced science studies in higher grades. Basic Science fosters an early interest in scientific inquiry and helps students appreciate the world around them.

The subject is offered by students in Primary school and Junior Secondary School under Basic Science and Technology.

Basic Science Exam Questions for JSS3 Second Term

Basic Science Exam Questions for JSS3 Second 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 answer all the four (4) questions.

Note that what you have below are JSS3 Basic Science Second Term Exam Past Questions (BECE MOCK) made available to assist students in their revision for 2nd term/BECE examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

SECTION A: Objectives

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

1. Which of the following is a set of magnetic materials?
A. glass, steel, oil wood
B. plastic, copper, nickel, wool
C. iron, steel, cobalt, aluminum
D. iron, steel, cobalt, nickel

2. What is the region around a magnet where its magnetic force can be felt called?
A. An electromagnet
B. a magnetic field
C. a magnetic crop
D. a compass

3. Where is the magnetic field of the earth strongest?
A. At the poles
B. at the magnetic north pole only
C. at the magnetic south pole only
D. at the equator

4. What happens when the south poles of two magnets are brought together?
A. Nothing
B. They attract each other
C. They repel each other
D. An electromagnet is formed

5. Which statement describes the magnetic field lines of a bar magnet?
A. They are further apart at the poles
B. They are close together in the middle
C. They are further apart near the magnet
D. they are close together at the poles

6. What is the Earth magnetic field used for?
A. Fridge magnets     B. navigation
C. electric bells          D. scrap yards

7. What happens to the energy supplied by a battery in a circuit?
A. It is destroyed
B. it is transformed into other types of energy
C. it stays as electrical energy because it can’t be transformed
D. it creates more energy

8. A bulb in an electric current transforms electrical energy into which other types of energy?
A. Light and heat
B. heat and sound
C. light only
D. sound and kinetic

9. ________ is transmitted through the air to our ears.
A. Light           B. Sound
C. Breeze        D. noise

10. The outer ear is called ________.
A. eardrum
B. auditory meatus
C. pinna
D. canal

11. Radioactive elements are _______ of atoms of elements.
A. isotopy          B. isotopes
C. covalent        D. ionic

12. The revolution of the moon round the earth causes _________.
A. day           B. mouth
C. season      D. year

13. Some sounding instruments includes all except _________.
A. hard sticks
B. talking drum
C. whistle
D. toothpaste

14. Like poles ________ and unlike poles attract.
A. contract           B. repel
C. dismantle        D. disengage

15. Ammeters are measured in Ampere, while voltmeters are measured in ________.
A. ammeter           B. volt
C. vetter                D. voter

16. What are the particles that flow around a circuit called?
A. current           B. voltages
C. charges           D. electrons

17. Which statement describes the current in a series circuit?
A. There are points where the current divides
B. the current varies in different parts of the circuit
C. the current is the same in all parts of the current
D. the current is not dependent on the voltage

18. How should a voltmeter be connected to measure the supply voltage in a simple circuit with a bulb?
A. Across the bulb
B. in the circuit with the bulb
C. across the cell
D. in the circuit next to the cell

19. Which circuit component force the symbol below represent
A. a cell               B. a bulb
C. a resistor         D. a battery

20. Which of the following statements is true about potential difference?
A. It can be measured with an ammeter
B. It is measured in coulomb
C. It is the difference in electric potential between two points
D. It is the rate of flow of electric charge

21. Which component is used to measure potential difference?
A. variable resistor       B. voltmeter
C. ammeter                  D. metre rule

22. _____ is a natural oxide of iron.
A. hydroxide
B. peroxide
C. sodium hydroxide
D. loadstone

23. Elements in house circuit include all except ________.
A. circuit breaker      B. meter box
C. tester                    D. fuse box

24. The temperature at which a substance changes from liquid to vapour is _________ Point.
A. boiling            B. freezing
C. melting           D. vapour

25. Loadstone was discovered in ________ over 2000 years ago.
A. India             B. China
C. America        D. Korea

26. Apple fruit contains _________ acid.
A. citric               B. acetic
C. ascorbic         D. tartaric

27. The function of lipase is to digest _________.
A. starch           B. proteins
C. fats               D. vitamins

28. ________ energy are energy gotten due to electron flow.
A. electrical           B. potential
C. mechanical       D. nuclear

29. Which of the following blood group is a universal donor?
A. AB            B. O
C. A              D. B

30. Why are metals able to conduct electricity?
A. They contain batteries.
B. They contain free electrons.
C. They contain free ions.
D. They contain charged ions.

31. Which term is also used to refer to potential difference?
A. Red shift             B. voltage
C. amplitude           D. wattage

32. Another name for variable resistor is
A. voltmeter           B. thermistor
C. rheostat             D. LDR

33. Which equation does not describe the relationship between V, I and R?
A. I = V/R           B. V = IR
C. V = I/R           D. R = V/I

34. A television set of 80watt is used for 8 hours per day for 30 days. Calculate the quantity of energy consumed by the television in KWh.
A. 21.33             B. 19.20
C. 6.10                D. 1.70

35. The SI unit of power is
A. Ampere           B. watt
C. joule                D. meter

36. Which of the following is not a form of energy?
A. Thermal       B. Electrical
C. Sound          D. Soil

37. What is the main function of the respiratory system?
A. Transport of oxygen
B. Digestion of food
C. Exchange of gases
D. Excretion of waste

38. What is the unit of electric current?
A. Ampere      B. Volt
C. Ohm           D. Watt

39. The process of turning a liquid into a gas is known as:
A. Freezing       B. Boiling
C. Melting        D. Condensation

40. Which of the following materials is a good conductor of electricity?
A. Wood          B. Copper
C. Rubber        D. Plastic

41. The process of making food in green plants is called:
A. Respiration
B. Germination
C. Photosynthesis
D. Digestion

42. What is the function of the heart in the circulatory system?
A. To filter blood
B. To pump blood
C. To store blood
D. To digest food

43. The force that pulls objects towards the Earth is called:
A. Magnetism          B. Gravity
C. Friction                D. Tension

44. Which of the following is an example of a simple machine?
A. Lever          B. Generator
C. Motor        D. Pump

45. Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?
A. Solar energy
B. Wind energy
C. Coal
D. Water

46. Which organ in the human body is responsible for filtering waste from the blood?
A. Lungs            B. Heart
C. Kidneys         D. Stomach

47. Which of the following is a source of renewable energy?
A. Coal
B. Solar
C. Natural gas
D. Oil

48. What is the effect of increasing the temperature of a gas?
A. The gas contracts
B. The gas expands
C. The gas density increases
D. The gas pressure decreases

49. Which of the following is a measure of the work done per unit of time?
A. Energy          B. Power
C. Force            D. Speed

50. What do we call the change of state from gas to liquid?
A. Sublimation         B. Evaporation
C. Condensation      D. Melting

51. Which of the following materials is used in the construction of an electromagnet?
A. Wood            B. Copper wire
C. Rubber          D. Plastic

52. Which of the following is true about the moon’s revolution around the Earth?
A. It takes 365 days
B. It takes 24 hours
C. It takes 28 days
D. It takes 12 months—

53. The SI unit of resistance is:
A. Ampere      B. Volt
C. Ohm           D. Watt

54. Which of the following metals is magnetic?
A. Copper        B. Aluminum
C. Iron             D. Lead

55. What is the role of a fuse in an electrical circuit?
A. It prevents current flow
B. It amplifies the current
C. It regulates voltage
D. It protects the circuit from excess current

56. Which of these substances is a conductor of sound?
A. Vacuum       B. Water
C. Wood          D. Air

57. The amount of heat required to change the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C is known as:
A. Latent heat
B. Specific heat capacity
C. Heat of fusion
D. Heat of vaporization

58. What is the chemical symbol for water?
A. O₂            B. CO₂
C. H₂O         D. NaCl

59. The process by which a solid changes directly to a gas is known as:
A. Freezing            B. Melting
C. Sublimation      D. Condensation

60. Which of the following is used to measure electric current?
A. Thermometer     B. Ammeter
C. Voltmeter           D. Hygrometer

Read Also: Basic Science Exam Questions for JSS2 Second Term

SECTION B: Essay

INSTRUCTION – Answer all two (2) questions in this section.

1. a. what is a lodestone?
b. State three magnetic materials.
c. Draw a sketch of the magnetic field produced by a bar magnet.
d. What is meant by the term half-life?

2. a. Differentiate between static and current electricity
b. If electricity costs N8.00 per kWh, work out the cost of using:
(i) a 2kW radio for 6 hours
(ii) two 100 W light bulbs and an 800 W heater for 3 hours.
c. Give two uses of each of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.

Answers to Basic Science Exam Questions for JSS3 Second Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Basic Science exam questions for JSS3 second term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

So here you have the answers to the objective section of Basic Science Exam Questions for JSS3 second 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. What is a lodestone?
A lodestone is a naturally occurring magnetized mineral, primarily composed of magnetite, that has magnetic properties and can attract iron objects.

1. b. State three magnetic materials.

1. Iron
2. Steel
3. Cobalt

1. c. Draw a sketch of the magnetic field produced by a bar magnet.
(Unfortunately, I can’t draw directly, but I can describe it.)
The magnetic field produced by a bar magnet forms closed loops that emerge from the north pole and enter the south pole. The lines are denser at the poles and spread out as they move away from the magnet.

1. d. What is meant by the term half-life?
Half-life is the time required for half of the atoms in a sample of a radioactive substance to decay or transform into another substance.

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2. a. Differentiate between static and current electricity.

• Static electricity refers to the buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects, often caused by friction. It remains stationary until discharged.
• Current electricity refers to the flow of electric charge (electrons) through a conductor, typically in the form of an electric current.

2. b. If electricity costs N8.00 per kWh, work out the cost of using:
(i) A 2kW radio for 6 hours
Energy used = Power × Time = 2 kW × 6 hours = 12 kWh
Cost = 12 kWh × N8.00 = N96.00

(ii) Two 100W light bulbs and an 800W heater for 3 hours
Total power = (2 × 100W) + 800W = 200W + 800W = 1000W = 1 kW
Energy used = 1 kW × 3 hours = 3 kWh
Cost = 3 kWh × N8.00 = N24.00

2. c. Give two uses of each of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

• Alpha radiation:
  1. Used in smoke detectors.
  2. Used in radiotherapy for treating certain types of cancer.
• Beta radiation:
  1. Used in radiotherapy for treating cancer.
  2. Used in carbon dating to measure the age of materials.
• Gamma radiation:
  1. Used for sterilizing medical equipment.
  2. Used in cancer treatment (radiation therapy).

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How to Pass Basic Science Exam Questions for JSS3 Second Term

Passing your Basic Science exam questions for JSS3 second term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Understand the Key Topics – This isn’t just about memorizing. Understand concepts like energy, electricity, magnetism, matter, and the environment. When you understand, you perform better.
2. Practice with Past Questions – Past exams are a great way to prepare. They give you a clear idea of the questions you might face. It’s like a rehearsal for the real exam.
3. Don’t Skip Difficult Topics – It’s easy to avoid tough topics, but that’s where most of the marks are. If something feels tough, break it down. Ask questions if you’re stuck. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll be.
4. Review Regularly – Don’t wait until the night before. Study a little every day. Consistent review helps you remember better. It’s the key to mastering any subject.
5. Use Diagrams Where Necessary – Some questions ask for drawings. Don’t leave them out. Diagrams help explain your understanding and make your answers clearer.
6. Stay Calm and Focused – Before the exam, take a deep breath. Approach your paper with confidence. When you stay calm, you think better and answer with clarity.
7. Time Management – Don’t spend too long on any one question. If you’re stuck, move on and come back later. The aim is to finish all the questions.
8. Stay Healthy – Don’t forget to take care of your body. Eat well, sleep well, and relax. A healthy body means a sharp mind.
9. Be Confident in Your Answering – Trust yourself. If you know the answer, write it down confidently. Don’t second-guess yourself.

Best wishes.