The beauty of KNEC KCSE physics exam papers is that the questions tested are normally organized according to topics. That is, topics are grouped in form of papers, paper 1 and paper 2.
There are 19 topics that are normally set in KNEC KCSE physics paper 1 and some 22 topics in paper 2.
These lists of topics will guide you as the student to know the areas that are usually set in each paper.
This will save you time so that during your study, you will only focus on specific areas set in paper 1 or paper 2 when studying for that paper.
Topics Set in the KNEC KCSE Physics Paper 1
| Topic | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Physics | F1 |
| 2 | Measurement 1 & 2 | F1 & 2 |
| 3 | Force | F1 |
| 4 | Pressure | F1 |
| 5 | Particulate Nature of Matter | F1 |
| 6 | Thermal Expansion | F1 |
| 7 | Heat Transfer | F1 |
| 8 | Turning Effect of Force | F2 |
| 9 | Equilibrium and Centre of Gravity | F2 |
| 10 | Hooke’s Law | F2 |
| 11 | Fluid Flow | F2 |
| 12 | Linear Motion | F3 |
| 13 | Newton’s Laws of Motion | F3 |
| 14 | Work, Energy, Power and Machines | F3 |
| 15 | Quantity of Heat | F3 |
| 16 | Gas Laws | F3 |
| 17 | Uniform Circular Motion | F4 |
| 18 | Floating and Sinking | F4 |
KNEC KCSE Physics Paper 2 Topics
| Topic | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rectilinear Propagation of Light and Reflection at Plane Surfaces | F1 |
| 2 | Cells and Simple Circuits | F1 |
| 3 | Electrostatics 1 & 2 | F1 & 3 |
| 4 | Magnetism | F2 |
| 5 | Reflection at Curved Surfaces | F2 |
| 6 | Magnetic Effect of Electric Current | F2 |
| 7 | Waves 1 & 2 | F2 & 3 |
| 8 | Sound | F2 |
| 9 | Refraction of Light | F3 |
| 10 | Current Electricity | F3 |
| 11 | Heating Effect of Electric Current | F2 |
| 12 | Thin Lenses | F4 |
| 13 | Electromagnetic Spectrum | F4 |
| 14 | Mains Electricity | F4 |
| 15 | Electromagnetic Induction | F4 |
| 16 | Cathode Rays and Cathode Ray tube | F4 |
| 17 | Photoelectric Effect | F4 |
| 18 | X – Rays | F4 |
| 19 | Radioactivity | F4 |
| 20 | Electronics | F4 |
There you have it! I hope these KNEC KCSE physics exam topics will guide you to understand and know exactly the areas tested in each physics exam paper.
Areas that are mainly set in KCSE physics paper 3 include Mechanics, Optics and Electricity.
Also Read:
- Secondary KCSE Syllabus in PDF Format for all Subjects
- FREE KNEC PAST KCSE REVISION PAPERS
- Secondary School Notes
- Schemes of Work for Secondary Schools in Kenya