2026 NECO Physics Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
Preparing for the 2026 NECO Physics examination requires a solid understanding of key concepts such as mechanics, electricity, waves, optics, heat, and modern physics. To perform well in both the objective and essay sections, students should study consistently, understand formulas and calculations, and practice with past questions. With proper preparation and regular revision, you can build the confidence needed to excel in the 2026 NECO Physics exam.
PAPER I (OBJECTIVE TEST)
Time Allowed: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
- Answer all sixty (60) questions.
- Each question is followed by four options labeled A–D.
- Choose the most appropriate answer.
- Use an HB pencil where applicable.
- Each question carries equal marks.
1. The SI unit of force is the
A. Joule
B. Newton
C. Watt
D. Pascal
Answer: B
2. A body moves with constant velocity when it has
A. Constant acceleration
B. Zero resultant force
C. Constant resultant force
D. Increasing momentum
Answer: B
3. Which of the following is a vector quantity?
A. Distance
B. Speed
C. Time
D. Velocity
Answer: D
4. The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately
A. 5.0 m/s²
B. 9.8 m/s²
C. 12.0 m/s²
D. 15.0 m/s²
Answer: B
5. Work is done when a force
A. Changes direction
B. Causes displacement
C. Acts vertically
D. Increases speed only
Answer: B
6. The unit of power is
A. Joule
B. Newton
C. Watt
D. Volt
Answer: C
7. The momentum of a body is the product of its
A. Mass and force
B. Velocity and acceleration
C. Mass and velocity
D. Weight and speed
Answer: C
8. A machine has an efficiency of 80%. This means that
A. 80% of the input work is lost
B. Output work equals input work
C. Output work is 80% of input work
D. Input work is greater than output work by 80%
Answer: C
9. Which simple machine has the highest mechanical advantage?
A. Lever
B. Pulley
C. Inclined plane
D. It depends on its design and use
Answer: D
10. Friction is useful because it
A. Prevents movement
B. Enables walking
C. Increases wear only
D. Reduces efficiency in all machines
Answer: B
11. The turning effect of a force is called
A. Pressure
B. Torque
C. Density
D. Impulse
Answer: B
12. A freely falling body experiences
A. Constant speed
B. Constant acceleration
C. Zero acceleration
D. Increasing mass
Answer: B
13. The SI unit of pressure is
A. Newton
B. Pascal
C. Joule
D. Watt
Answer: B
14. Density is defined as
A. Mass × Volume
B. Volume ÷ Mass
C. Mass ÷ Volume
D. Weight ÷ Volume
Answer: C
15. The law of conservation of momentum applies during
A. Elastic and inelastic collisions
B. Free fall only
C. Circular motion only
D. Projectile motion only
Answer: A
2026 NECO Physics Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
16. Heat is transferred through solids mainly by
A. Radiation
B. Conduction
C. Convection
D. Diffusion
Answer: B
17. The SI unit of temperature is
A. Celsius
B. Fahrenheit
C. Kelvin
D. Joule
Answer: C
18. Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to
A. Melt a substance
B. Raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 K
C. Boil a liquid
D. Heat any object completely
Answer: B
19. During melting,
A. Temperature increases continuously
B. Temperature remains constant
C. Pressure decreases
D. Mass decreases
Answer: B
20. Convection occurs mainly in
A. Solids
B. Liquids and gases
C. Metals only
D. Vacuum
Answer: B
21. Sound cannot travel through
A. Water
B. Steel
C. Air
D. Vacuum
Answer: D
22. The SI unit of frequency is
A. Watt
B. Hertz
C. Newton
D. Pascal
Answer: B
23. The speed of sound is greatest in
A. Air
B. Vacuum
C. Solids
D. Liquids
Answer: C
24. The frequency of a wave is measured using the unit
A. Metre
B. Second
C. Hertz
D. Newton
Answer: C
25. Which wave is electromagnetic?
A. Sound wave
B. Water wave
C. Radio wave
D. Seismic wave
Answer: C
26. The phenomenon responsible for echoes is
A. Refraction
B. Reflection
C. Diffraction
D. Polarization
Answer: B
27. The product of frequency and wavelength gives the
A. Amplitude
B. Wave speed
C. Period
D. Intensity
Answer: B
28. Which colour of visible light has the longest wavelength?
A. Violet
B. Blue
C. Green
D. Red
Answer: D
29. An increase in temperature generally causes a metal rod to
A. Contract
B. Expand
C. Melt
D. Break
Answer: B
30. The instrument used for measuring atmospheric pressure is
A. Hygrometer
B. Thermometer
C. Barometer
D. Manometer
Answer: C
31. The SI unit of electric current is the
A. Volt
B. Ohm
C. Ampere
D. Coulomb
Answer: C
32. The instrument used for measuring electric current is the
A. Voltmeter
B. Ammeter
C. Galvanometer
D. Ohmmeter
Answer: B
33. The unit of electrical resistance is
A. Ampere
B. Volt
C. Ohm
D. Watt
Answer: C
34. According to Ohm’s law, current is directly proportional to the applied voltage provided the temperature remains constant.
A. True
B. False
C. Sometimes
D. None of the above
Answer: A
35. A conductor is a material that
A. Does not allow electric current to pass
B. Allows electric current to pass easily
C. Produces electricity
D. Stores electricity
Answer: B
2026 NECO Physics Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
36. Which of the following materials is the best conductor of electricity?
A. Rubber
B. Glass
C. Copper
D. Plastic
Answer: C
37. The function of a fuse in an electrical circuit is to
A. Increase voltage
B. Store electrical energy
C. Protect the circuit from excessive current
D. Increase resistance
Answer: C
38. The unit of electrical power is
A. Joule
B. Watt
C. Newton
D. Coulomb
Answer: B
39. A battery converts
A. Mechanical energy to electrical energy
B. Chemical energy to electrical energy
C. Heat energy to electrical energy
D. Light energy to electrical energy
Answer: B
40. Electrical energy is measured in
A. Joules
B. Newtons
C. Watts
D. Pascals
Answer: A
41. The magnetic field around a straight current-carrying conductor consists of
A. Straight lines
B. Circular lines
C. Elliptical lines
D. Parallel lines
Answer: B
42. A transformer operates on the principle of
A. Electrolysis
B. Electromagnetic induction
C. Electrostatic attraction
D. Capacitance
Answer: B
43. The core of a transformer is made of laminated soft iron to
A. Increase weight
B. Reduce eddy current losses
C. Increase resistance
D. Prevent overheating completely
Answer: B
44. A step-up transformer increases
A. Current
B. Resistance
C. Voltage
D. Frequency
Answer: C
45. An electromagnet is produced by
A. Rubbing a magnet on iron
B. Passing electric current through a coil
C. Heating an iron rod
D. Hammering steel
Answer: B
46. Which electronic component stores electric charge?
A. Diode
B. Capacitor
C. Resistor
D. Transistor
Answer: B
47. The function of a diode is to
A. Amplify signals
B. Allow current to flow in one direction only
C. Store electrical energy
D. Reduce voltage
Answer: B
48. A transistor is mainly used as
A. A conductor only
B. A switch and amplifier
C. A resistor
D. A fuse
Answer: B
49. The SI unit of capacitance is
A. Farad
B. Henry
C. Weber
D. Tesla
Answer: A
50. Radio waves are examples of
A. Mechanical waves
B. Electromagnetic waves
C. Longitudinal waves only
D. Sound waves
Answer: B
51. X-rays are used mainly for
A. Cooking
B. Medical diagnosis
C. Refrigeration
D. Water purification
Answer: B
52. The nucleus of an atom contains
A. Electrons only
B. Protons only
C. Protons and neutrons
D. Neutrons only
Answer: C
53. Alpha particles carry
A. No charge
B. Positive charge
C. Negative charge
D. Variable charge
Answer: B
54. Beta particles are
A. Helium nuclei
B. Electrons
C. Protons
D. Neutrons
Answer: B
55. Gamma rays are
A. Charged particles
B. Electromagnetic radiation
C. Sound waves
D. Light particles only
Answer: B
56. Radioactivity is the
A. Artificial production of energy
B. Spontaneous emission of radiation from unstable nuclei
C. Production of electricity
D. Reflection of light
Answer: B
57. The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time taken for
A. All the atoms to decay
B. Half of the radioactive atoms to decay
C. One atom to decay
D. The sample to melt
Answer: B
58. The photoelectric effect supports the
A. Wave theory only
B. Particle nature of light
C. Theory of relativity
D. Newton’s law of motion
Answer: B
59. The instrument used for detecting radioactive radiation is the
A. Ammeter
B. Voltmeter
C. Geiger–Müller counter
D. Barometer
Answer: C
60. Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?
A. Coal
B. Petroleum
C. Solar energy
D. Natural gas
Answer: C
2026 NECO Physics Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
PAPER II (ESSAY)
Time Allowed: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Maximum Marks: 100
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
- Answer Five (5) questions only.
- Question 1 is compulsory.
- All questions carry equal marks.
- Show all necessary working for numerical calculations.
- Take the acceleration due to gravity, g=9.8 m/s2g = 9.8\,\text{m/s}^2g=9.8m/s2, unless otherwise stated.
- Credit will be given for correct formulae, appropriate units, logical presentation, and accuracy of calculations.
QUESTION 1 (COMPULSORY)
(a) State Newton’s First, Second and Third Laws of Motion.
(b) A force of 30 N acts on a body of mass 6 kg initially at rest.
Calculate:
i. The acceleration of the body.
ii. Its velocity after 8 seconds.
ANSWER
(a) Newton’s Laws of Motion
First Law:
A body remains at rest or continues to move with uniform velocity in a straight line unless acted upon by an external unbalanced force.
Second Law:
The rate of change of momentum is directly proportional to the applied force and takes place in the direction of the force. For constant mass, F=maF = maF=ma.
Third Law:
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
(b)
Using Newton’s Second Law:
F=maF = maF=ma
Force = 30 N
Mass = 6 kg
Acceleration
a = 30 ÷ 6 = 5 m/s²
Velocity after 8 s
v=u+atv = u + atv=u+at
Initial velocity = 0
v = 0 + (5 × 8)
v = 40 m/s
Answers
i. 5 m/s²
ii. 40 m/s
QUESTION 2
(a) Define the following:
i. Work
ii. Energy
iii. Power
(b) A machine lifts a 600 N load through a height of 8 m in 24 seconds.
Calculate:
i. Work done.
ii. Power developed.
ANSWER
Definitions:
Work: Product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.
Energy: Capacity to do work.
Power: Rate of doing work.
Calculation:
Work
W = Force × Distance
= 600 × 8
= 4,800 J
Power
Power = Work ÷ Time
= 4,800 ÷ 24
= 200 W
Answers
i. 4,800 J
ii. 200 W
QUESTION 3
(a) State Ohm’s Law.
(b) A resistor of 8 Ω is connected across a 24 V battery.
Calculate:
i. Current flowing through the resistor.
ii. Power dissipated.
ANSWER
(a) Ohm’s Law states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference across it, provided temperature remains constant.
Using Ohm’s Law:
I=VRI = \frac{V}{R}
Current
I = V/R
= 24 ÷ 8
= 3 A
Power
P = VI
= 24 × 3
= 72 W
Answers
i. 3 A
ii. 72 W
2026 NECO Physics Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
QUESTION 4
(a) Explain the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves.
(b) A wave has a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 6 m.
Calculate its speed.
ANSWER
Transverse Waves
Particles vibrate at right angles to the direction of wave travel.
Examples:
- Light waves
- Water ripples
Longitudinal Waves
Particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel.
Examples:
- Sound waves
Calculation:
Wave speed
v = fλ
= 50 × 6
= 300 m/s
QUESTION 5
(a) Explain electromagnetic induction.
(b) State four factors affecting the magnitude of induced electromotive force (e.m.f.).
ANSWER
Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electromotive force in a conductor when it cuts magnetic field lines or when the magnetic flux linked with it changes.
Factors affecting induced e.m.f.:
- Strength of the magnetic field.
- Number of turns in the coil.
- Speed of motion between the conductor and the magnetic field.
- Length of the conductor within the magnetic field.
Applications include:
- Electric generators
- Transformers
- Bicycle dynamos
- Induction cookers
QUESTION 6
(a) Define radioactivity.
(b) Differentiate between alpha, beta and gamma radiations.
(c) State three uses and three hazards of radioactive substances.
ANSWER
Radioactivity
Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of ionising radiation from unstable atomic nuclei.
Differences
Alpha Particles
- Positively charged
- Lowest penetrating power
- Highest ionising power
Beta Particles
- Negatively charged
- Moderate penetrating power
- Moderate ionising power
Gamma Rays
- No charge
- Highest penetrating power
- Lowest ionising power
Uses
- Cancer treatment.
- Sterilisation of medical equipment.
- Industrial radiography.
Hazards
- Cancer.
- Genetic mutations.
- Damage to body tissues.
QUESTION 7
(a) State five safety precautions when using electrical appliances.
(b) Explain the functions of the following components:
i. Fuse
ii. Switch
iii. Capacitor
iv. Transformer
v. Resistor
ANSWER
(a) Safety Precautions
- Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands.
- Replace damaged cables immediately.
- Avoid overloading sockets.
- Switch off appliances before repairs.
- Ensure proper earthing of electrical equipment.
(b) Functions
Fuse
Protects electrical circuits by melting when excessive current flows.
Switch
Opens and closes an electrical circuit.
Capacitor
Stores electrical charge temporarily.
Transformer
Increases or decreases alternating voltage.
Resistor
Limits or controls the flow of electric current.
Preparing for the NECO Physics examination becomes much easier when you study with the right materials and stay consistent with your revision. Make sure you understand every topic, practice with past questions regularly, and pay attention to how questions are structured. With dedication, proper preparation, and confidence, you can excel in your NECO Physics exam and achieve the results you are aiming for. Keep studying, believe in yourself, and give your best on exam day.
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