Physics Exam Questions for SS2 Third Term

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 SS2 Third 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 Facebook. (Like and Follow Page)

Introduction to Physics as a School Subject

Physics is the branch of science that studies matter, energy, and how they interact. It explains the laws and principles that govern the physical world, from the motion of objects to electricity, heat, light, and sound.

As a school subject, Physics helps students understand everyday phenomena and lays the foundation for careers in engineering, technology, medicine, and other science-related fields. It develops skills in observation, measurement, calculation, and problem-solving, making it both practical and intellectually stimulating.

Physics Exam Questions for SS2 Third Term

Physics Exam Questions for SS2 Third 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 SS2 Physics Third Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 3rd term 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 statements about a progressive mechanical wave is correct?
A. it can be plane polarized
B. its energy is localized at specific points of its profile
C. it does not require a material medium for its propagation
D. its frequency remains constant as it travels between different media

2. The distance between two points in a phase of a progressive wave is 5cm. If the speed of the wave is 0.20m/s calculate its period.
A. 4.00s         B. 2.50s
C. 0.25s         D. 0.04s

3. Radio waves travel in air at 3.0×10⁸m/s. If the waves enter water of refractive index 4/3. Calculate the speed of radio waves in water.
A. 4.33 ×10⁸m/s
B. 4.00 × 10⁸m/s
C. 2.25 × 10⁸m/s
D. 1.33 × 10⁸m/s

4. The amplitude of a wave is the
A. distance traveled by the wave in a complete cycle of its motion
B. maximum displacement of the wave particle from the equilibrium position
C. separation of two adjacent particles vibrating in a phase
D. distance between two successive troughs of the wave

5. A radio station transmits at a frequency of 800khz. Calculate the wave length of the transmission. [speed of electro magnetic wave in air = 3×10⁸m/s].
A. 3.75 × 10⁸m
B. 2.40 × 10⁸m
C. 3.75 × 10²m
D. 2.67 × 10⁸m

6. The kind of wave motion in which the vibrating particles are displaced at right angles to the direction of travel of the wave is called
A. transverse     B. longitudinal
C. sound           D. stationary

7. A radio station broadcasts at a frequency of 400khz. If the speed of the wave is 3.0×10⁸m/s. Calculate the wavelength of the radio wave.
A. 1.3 × 10²m      B. 3.0 × 10⁸m
C. 2.4 × 10⁸m      D. 5.0 × 10²m
E. 7.5 × 10²m

8. Which of the following is/are longitudinal waves?
I. Light waves from the sun. II. Sound waves in the air III. Waves on a vibrating string.
A. I only
B. I only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and III

9. An object of mass 0.5kg moving with a speed of 10ms¯¹ collides with another object of equal mass at rest. If the two objects move off together after impact, calculate their common speed.
A. 0.5ms¯¹        B. 5.0ms¯¹
C. 10.0ms¯¹      D. 20.0ms¯¹

10. Which of the following devices transforms light energy to electrical energy?
A. bulb
B. television
C. solar cell
D. light emitting diode (LED)

11. The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance through one Kelvin is the
A. heat capacity
B. latent heat of fusion
C. specific heat capacity
D. specific latent heat of vaporization

12. A metal block of mass 5kg is heated through a temperature range of 30°C for 20 minutes by a device which supplies heat at 40w. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the material of the block.
A. 320Jkg¯¹k¯¹
B. 400Jkg¯¹k¯¹
C. 480Jkg¯¹k¯¹
D. 560Jkg¯¹k¯¹

13. At what temperature will the volume of a given mass of an ideal gas be three times its volume at 0°C when the pressure is kept constant?
A. 273°C        B. 300°C
C. 546°C        D. 819°C

14. If an inflated balloon is left outside on a sunny day, the volume of the air in it would increase because the
A. size of the air molecules inside increases
B. mean speed of the air molecules increases
C. total mass of the air molecules increases
D. number of the air molecules increases

15. Which of the following physical quantities does a source of wave supply to the medium in which the wave propagates?
A. speed           B. energy
C. frequency     D. momentum

16. A section through a progressive wave where all the particles of the medium are in the same phase is the
A. wave front
B. wavelength
C. wave amplitude
D. wave frequency

17. The change in the direction of a wave front as it passes from one medium to another is called
A. refraction         B. reflection
C. diffraction        D. interference

18. Vcm³ of air at 17°C is heated to 162°C. Its volume increases to 3000cm³. If the pressure is kept constant, calculate the value of V.
A. 1000cm³         B. 1315cm³
C. 1450cm³         D. 2000cm³
E. 2170cm³

19. The change in temperature of a substance depends on I. its mass II. its nature III. the heat supplied to it. Which of the statements above is/are correct?
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II only
E. I, II and III

20. Which of the following substances is most viscous at room temperature?
A. Water         B. Alcohol
C. Petrol         D. Palm Oil

21. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. At a given pressure, boiling takes place at all temperature
B. Decrease in pressure at the surface of a liquid lowers the boiling point of the liquid
C. liquids with high boiling points evaporates more rapidly then those with lower boiling points
D. Presence of impurities in a liquid reduces the boiling point of the liquid
E. The boiling point of a liquid is that temperature at which its saturated vapour is equal to the atmospheric pressure

22. If V is the velocity of a wave, λ its wavelength and T its period, which of the following gives T in terms of V and λ?
A. λ/V        B. V/λ
C. λ/V        D. V/λ

23. Which of the following properties is exhibited by a transverse wave only?
A. Diffraction        B. Interference
C. Polarization      D. Reflection
E. Refraction

24. The reason why the atmosphere exerts some pressure on the earth is because
A. the atmosphere contains dust particles and water only
B. the atmosphere extends to a height of a few hundred kilometers
C. the atmosphere has weight
D. the atmosphere’s density increases upwards with height
E. the atmospheric pressure increases upwards with height

25. How long will it take to heat 3kg of water from 28°C to 88°C in an electric kettle taking 6A from 220V supply? [specific heat capacity of water = 4180Jkg¯¹k¯¹] A. 120s         B. 570s
C. 600s         D. 836s

26. The quantity of steam at 100°C condenses to water at the same temperature by releasing 6.9 × 105J of energy. Calculate the mass of the condensed steam [specific heat of vaporization of water = 2.3 × 106J/kg] A. 3.0 × 10⁻¹kg
B. 3.0 × 10⁻²kg
C. 3.0 × 10²kg
D. 3.0 × 10⁻³kg

27. The amount of energy required to change a kilogram of ice block into water without a change in temperature is
A. heat capacity of ice
B. specific heat capacity
C. specific latent heat of vaporization of ice
D. specific latent heat of fusion of ice

28. The S.I. units of frequency, period and amplitude of a wave are respectively
A. hertz, second and centimeter
B. second, metre and hertz
C. metre, hertz and second
D. hertz, second and metre

29. A note of frequency 2000Hz has a velocity of 400ms⁻¹. Calculate the wavelength of the note
A. 5.0m          B. 2.0m
C. 0.5m          D. 0.2m

30. The distance between the successive crests of a wave travelling at 20ms¯¹ is 25cm. Calculate the frequency of the wave.
A. 0.8Hz         B. 5.0Hz
C. 50.0Hz       D. 80.0Hz

31. The phenomenon whereby the water droplets in the atmosphere combine with dust particles in the air to reduce visibility is called
A. cloud     B. dew       C. fog
D. hail        E. mist

32. The frictional effect between the layers of a moving fluid is called
A. capillarity          B. turbulence
C. diffusion           D. viscosity

33. 3150J of heat is used to raise the temperature of 125g of ice to its melting point. Calculate the initial temperature of the ice (specific heat capacity of ice = 2100Jkg¯¹k¯¹).
A.-5°C           B. -6°C        C. -10°C
D. -12°C        E. -13°C

34. Which of the following statements is NOT correct?
A. Ice contracts on melting to water
B. Impurities lower the freezing point of water
C. Increase in pressure lowers the melting point of ice
D. Increase in pressure lowers the freezing point of paraffin-wax
E. Paraffin-wax expands on melting

35. How much heat is required to convert 5kg of water at 100°C to steam? (specific latent heat of vaporization of water = 2.26 × 10⁶Jkg¯¹).
A. 1.214 × 107J
B. 1.172 × 107J
C. 1.130 × 107J
D. 200 × 105J
E. 2.100 × 104J

36. A wave travelling in a perpendicular direction to the oscillations of the particulars of the medium can be (i) electromagnetic (ii) mechanical (iii) transverse. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III

37. Which of the following statements about the characteristics of a stationary wave is correct?
A. it can only be transverse
B. it is formed by two identical waves travelling in opposite direction
C. the antinode is a point of minimum displacement
D. the distance between a node and an adjacent antinodes is one-half of the wave length
E. the distance between two successive nodes is one wavelength

38. A water fall is 1260m high. Calculate the difference in temperature of the water between the top and the bottom of the water fall (neglect heat losses, g = 10.0ms¯¹, specific heat capacity of water = 4.20 × 10³Jkg¯¹k¯¹).
A. 1.5°C       B. 3.0°C
C. 15.0°C     D. 33.0°C

39. The heat required to convert a substance from a solid state to a liquid state at constant temperature is called the
A. latent heat of fusion
B. latent heat of sublimation
C. latent heat of vaporization
D. specific latent heat of fusion
D. Specific latent heat of vaporization

40. The temperature of which the water present in the air is just sufficient to saturate it is called the
A. boiling point
B. dew point
C. ice point
D. saturation point
E. steam point

41. The volume of a given mass of gas is 273cm³ at 0°C. what is the volume at 273°C, if its pressure remains constant?
A. 173cm³        B. 273cm³
C. 274cm³        D. 546cm³
E. 673cm³

42. What mass of water at 100°C should be added to 15g of water at 40°C to make the temperature of the mixture 50°C? (neglect heat losses to the surrounding)
A. 3.0g        B. 4.0g
C. 4.5g        D. 6.0g
E. 7.0g

43. Calculate the quantity of heat required to change 200g of ice to water at 0°C. (specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 336Jg⁻¹)
A. 1.34 × 105J
B. 6.72 × 104J
C. 3.36 × 104J
D. 1.68 × 104J
E. 8.40 × 103J

44. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Both sound and light waves: (i) are transverse (ii) can be transmitted through solid (iii) can be diffracted.
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II only
E. II and III only

45. Which of the following CANNOT be polarized?
A. gamma rays
B. light waves
C. radio waves
D. sound waves
E. X-rays

46. Which of the following properties of waves is exclusively that at transverse waves?
A. reflection        B. refraction
C. diffraction       C. polarization

47. A stationary wave is a wave attained when two progressive wave of equal
A. amplitude, moving in opposite directs combine
B. frequency, moving in opposite directions combine
C. wavelength, moving in opposite directions combine
D. amplitude, and frequency moving in opposite direction combine

48. The distance between adjacent crests of a wave profile is 4.0m if the wave travels 45.0m in 9.0s, calculate its frequency
A. 0.8Hz       B. 1.25Hz
C. 2.25Hz     D. 5.00Hz

49. A radio station broadcasts at a frequency of 250kHz. If the speed of the radio wave is 3 × 10⁸ms⁻¹, Calculate the wave length.
A. 1.2 × 10³m
B. 7.5 × 10⁴m
C. 1.2 × 10⁵m
D. 7.5 × 10³m

50. The distance between two points P and Q, along a wave is 0.05m, if the wave length of the wave is 0.2, determine the phase angle between P and Q in radians.
A. 0.1π       B. π
C. 2π          D. 1.0π

SECTION B: Essay

PART 1

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER ANY FIVE QUESTIONS FROM THIS PART. ALL QUESTIONS CARRY EQUAL MARKS.

1. Describe with the aid of a diagram, how a wave can be plane polarized.

2. The mass of a water vapour in a given volume of air at 25°C is 0.15g. the air required 0.45g of water vapour to saturate it at the same temperature. Calculate the relative humidity of the air.

3. A. Explain wave motion
B. list two physical properties of waves.

4. State one similarity and two difference between light and sound waves.

5. Explain why it is impossible to polarize sound waves.

6. List two A. types of wave, other than light, that can be plane polarized,
B. methods of polarizing an unpolarized light.

7. State
A. the difference between plane polarized light and ordinary light
B. two uses of Polaroid.

8. The distance between two successive crests of a wave is 0.664m, if the wave travels 43.2m in 1.2 seconds, calculate the A. speed B. frequency.

9. A. what is meant by a machine? B. list two examples of a simple machine

10. Using the kinetic theory of matter, explain why evaporation causes cooling.

PART 2

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER ANY THREE QUESTIONS FROM THIS PART. ALL QUESTIONS CARRY EQUAL MARKS.

11. A. Define specific latent heat of vaporization of a substance.

B. A calorimeter of heat capacity 200 Jkg^-1 contains water at 20°C. A heating coil of resistance 30Ω connected to a 240v source is used to raise the temperature of the water to its boiling point of 100°C in 5 minutes. It is found that after a further 5 minutes, 0.3kg has boiled away. Neglecting heat losses to the surrounding, calculate the:
(i) mass of the water in the calorimeter before boiling.
(ii) specific latent heat of vaporization of water. (specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 × 10³Jkg¯¹k¯¹)

C. Explain:
(i) Why solids expand when they are heated.
(ii) Using kinetic theory of matter, why evaporation causes cooling.

12. A. Explain the terms:
(i) Relative humidity
(ii) Dew point
B. (i) describe an experiment to show that evaporation causes cooling
(ii) Mention two factors on which the evaporation of a liquid depends indicating the effect of each factor on the rate of evaporation
C. The mass of water vapour in a given volume of air at 20°C is 0.05g. the air requires 0.15g of water vapour to saturate it at the same temperature. Calculate relative humidity of the air.

13. A. (i) Define simple harmonic motion
(ii) Motion two examples of bodies that perform simple harmonic motion.
(iii) A body executes simple harmonic motion. State the relationship between the restoring force and the displacement from its main position.

B. a point mass executes simple harmonic motion. Sketch on the same axis, the graphs to show the variation with position of the:
(i) potential energy
(ii) kinetic energy, and
(iii) total energy of the particle

C. a particle makes 300 revolutions per minute on a circle radius 5m. calculates its:
(i) period
(ii) angular velocity,
(iii) linear velocity and
(iii) linear acceleration (π = 3.14)

14. A. what is meant by the statement the specific heat capacity of aluminum is 900Jkg¯¹k¯¹

B. (i) describe, with the aid of a labeled diagram, an experiment to show the saturation vapour pressure of water depends on the temperature.
(ii) state TWO precautions that should be taken to ensure accurate results.

C. A thread of mercury of length 16cm is used to trap some air in a capillary tube of uniform cross-sectional area and closed at once when the tube is held vertically, with the closed end at the bottom. If the length of the trapped air column is 30cm, calculate the length of the air column when the tube is held:
(i) Horizontally
(ii) Vertically with the open end and underneath (atmospheric pressure = 76cm of mercury)

Read Also: Physics EXAM Questions for SS1 Third Term

Answers to Physics Exam Questions for SS2 Third Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Physics exam questions for SS2 Third 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 Physics Exam Questions for SS2 Third 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)

How to Pass Physics Exam Questions for SS2 Third Term

Passing your Physics exam questions for SS2 Third term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Know the syllabus and exam format

List the topics set for the term and the types of questions that usually appear (objectives, theory, calculations, diagrams, practicals). Focus study time on the set topics — do not waste effort on content outside the syllabus.

2. Understand concepts, don’t just memorise

Physics tests understanding. Learn why formulas work (derivations and assumptions) and what each symbol means. When you understand the idea behind a method you can adapt it to new problems.

3. Learn and organise key formulas

Create a one-page formula sheet for revision (laws of motion, energy, wave relations, heat equations, circular motion, electricity, etc.). Write units with each formula — examiners often mark for correct units.

4. Practice calculations every day

Work through worked examples and past questions. Time yourself occasionally. Learn to set up the physics first (identify knowns and unknowns), then pick the correct formula and solve step-by-step.

5. Master diagrams and practicals

Practice drawing clear, labelled diagrams (ray diagrams, circuit diagrams, pendulum setups). Practical questions often ask for observations and reasons — practise writing concise, correct sentences for those.

6. Build good exam technique

• Read the whole paper carefully before starting.
• Tackle questions you know first, then the harder ones.
• Show working clearly — examiners give marks for method.
• Check units and simple arithmetic; errors here cost marks.
• Manage time: allocate minutes per question and keep an eye on the clock.

7. Improve problem-solving speed

Practice tricks: simplify numbers, keep significant figures sensible, and rearrange formulas before substituting numbers. Use calculators correctly — practice with the same model you will use in the exam.

8. Review mistakes and learn from them

When you get a question wrong, write down exactly why and re-solve it. Make a small “mistake log” of formula slips, unit errors, or reasoning gaps and review it weekly.

9. Prepare for practical and theory sections

Revise common experiments (measurements, plots, errors, conclusions). For theory, practise short, precise answers and definitions. Examiners like neat, well-labelled diagrams and clear terminology.

10. Take care of yourself before the exam

Sleep well the night before, eat a light meal, and arrive early. Stay calm — a clear head works better than frantic last-minute cramming.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS2 Third Term Questions on Physics, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap.

Best wishes.