This lesson explains how to build a formula sheet that you can use during revision. The exam provides an equation sheet, but creating your own helps you learn the equations.
Why make your own
Writing out equations by hand strengthens memory. Organising them by topic helps you find the right equation during practice. Adding a worked example to each equation gives you a model answer for revision.
Format
Use one page per topic. For each equation, write:
- The equation in symbols.
- The meaning of each symbol and its SI unit.
- A one-line description of when to use it.
- One worked example with numbers.
Motion, Forces and Energy
v = d / t (speed = distance / time; m/s) a = (v - u) / t (acceleration; m/s^2) F = ma (force; N) W = mg (weight; N) W = Fd (work done; J) Ek = 0.5mv^2 (kinetic energy; J) Ep = mgh (gravitational potential energy; J) P = E / t or P = W / t (power; W) p = mv (momentum; kg m/s) moment = F x d (moment of a force; Nm) p = F / A (pressure; Pa) p = h rho g (pressure in a liquid; Pa)
Thermal Physics
E = mc delta T (specific heat capacity equation; J) E = mL (latent heat equation; J) pV = constant (Boyle’s law, constant T) p / T = constant (pressure law, constant V) V / T = constant (Charles’s law, constant p)
Waves
v = f lambda (wave speed; m/s) n = sin i / sin r (refractive index) n = 1 / sin c (critical angle)
Electricity
V = IR (Ohm’s law; V) P = IV (electrical power; W) P = I^2R (power; W) E = IVt (energy; J) Q = It (charge; C) Vp / Vs = Np / Ns (transformer ratio)
How to use it
Test yourself weekly. Cover the equations and try to write them from memory. Mark the ones you struggle with and revise those first.
Need a Plan Based on Actual Work?
A private taught trial can help distinguish whether the repeated difficulty is mainly Physics knowledge, Mathematics, practical reasoning or exam technique before regular lessons are discussed.