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Physics Formula Sheet — Complete GCSE Reference - Leejohnston - 11-13-2025 Physics Formula Sheet — Complete GCSE Reference A clear, simple list of the most important physics formulas.  Perfect for GCSE revision, A-Level foundations, and Challenge Arena problems. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Motion (Speed, Distance, Time) v = d / t  • v = speed (m/s)  • d = distance (m)  • t = time (s) Conversions:  • km/h → m/s = ÷ 3.6  • m/s → km/h = × 3.6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Acceleration & Velocity a = (v − u) / t  • a = acceleration (m/s²)  • u = initial velocity  • v = final velocity  • t = time v = u + at  s = ut + ½at²  v² = u² + 2as (These are the SUVAT equations for constant acceleration.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Force, Mass, and Acceleration F = ma  • F = force (N)  • m = mass (kg)  • a = acceleration (m/s²) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Weight W = mg  • W = weight (N)  • m = mass (kg)  • g = 9.8 m/s² (approx. GCSE uses 10) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Work Done W = Fd  • W = work (J)  • F = force (N)  • d = distance (m) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Energy (Kinetic & Potential) Kinetic Energy:  Ek = ½mv² Gravitational Potential Energy:  Ep = mgh ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Power P = E / t  • E = energy (J)  • t = time (s) P = W / t is also used. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Density ρ = m / V  • ρ = density (kg/m³)  • m = mass (kg)  • V = volume (m³) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Pressure p = F / A  • p = pressure (Pa)  • F = force (N)  • A = area (m²) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Efficiency efficiency = useful output energy ÷ total input energy Often written as a percentage: × 100% ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Specific Heat Capacity E = mcΔT  • E = energy (J)  • m = mass (kg)  • c = specific heat capacity (J/kg°C)  • ΔT = temperature change (°C) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Waves v = fλ  • v = wave speed (m/s)  • f = frequency (Hz)  • λ = wavelength (m) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. Electricity — Current, Charge, Time Q = It  • Q = charge ©  • I = current (A)  • t = time (s) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 14. Voltage, Current, Resistance V = IR  • V = voltage (volts)  • I = current (amps)  • R = resistance (ohms) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 15. Electrical Power P = IV  P = I²R  P = V² / R ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 16. Electrical Energy E = Pt  E = IVt ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 17. Momentum p = mv  • p = momentum (kg·m/s) Conservation of momentum:  total momentum before = total momentum after ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 18. Hooke’s Law F = kx  • k = spring constant  • x = extension  ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 19. Common GCSE Mistakes ❌ Mixing up speed & acceleration  ✔ check units: m/s vs m/s²  ❌ Using °C in physics equations  ✔ only use Kelvin for gas laws  ❌ Forgetting to convert time to seconds  ✔ ALWAYS convert before calculating  ❌ Using wrong units (cm instead of m)  ✔ SI units only  ❌ Using SUVAT equations for non-constant acceleration  ✔ only use when acceleration is constant  ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Summary Memorise these key formulas: • v = d/t  • a = (v − u)/t  • F = ma  • W = Fd  • Ek = ½mv²  • Ep = mgh  • p = mv  • V = IR  • v = fλ  These are the backbone of GCSE physics and the starting point for A-Level and scientific modelling.