How to Revise IGCSE Physics Equations Quickly

The Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus requires students to recall and use approximately 30 equations. Some are given on the formula sheet, but many must be memorised. Here is how to learn them efficiently.

Step 1: Sort by memory requirement

Open the syllabus or the equations reference page on this site. Divide the equations into two groups:

1. Given on the formula sheet: You do not need to memorise these, but you do need to know how to use them. Practice substituting values and rearranging.
2. Must be memorised: These are the priority. Write each one on a flashcard with the equation on one side and the name, units and a sample question on the other.

Step 2: Learn 3 per day

Do not try to learn all 30 in one sitting. Pick 3 new equations per day. Write each one out from memory 5 times. Then attempt one practice question that uses each equation.

At the start of the next day, test yourself on yesterday’s 3 before adding 3 more. This spaced recall is the key to moving equations from short-term to long-term memory.

Step 3: Practice rearranging

Knowing the equation is only half the task. You must also be able to rearrange it. For each equation, practice solving for each variable. For example, for v = f x lambda:

• Solve for f: f = v / lambda
• Solve for lambda: lambda = v / f

Cover the variable you want, and the remaining two show you the operation.

Step 4: Use them in context

Equations stick better when you use them in real questions. After memorising a batch, find 2 to 3 past paper questions that require those equations. Work through them with the mark scheme.

Step 5: Weekly equation test

Every Sunday, test yourself on all equations learned so far. Write them from memory, then check. Any equation you cannot recall goes back into the daily flashcard rotation.

Common pitfalls

• Mixing up similar equations (e.g., E = m c delta-theta vs E = m L). Write the name alongside the equation, not just the symbols.
• Forgetting to convert units before substituting (e.g., km to m, minutes to seconds).
• Memorising the equation but not knowing what each symbol represents.

Timeline

At 3 per day, all equations can be learned in about 10 days. A further 2 weeks of daily recall practice will embed them. Start this process at least 4 weeks before the exam.