GCSE Physics Equation Sheet Annotated Cheat Sheet

Key Facts

• Speed is calculated using $v = \frac{s}{t}$, where $v$ is speed, $s$ is distance, and $t$ is time.
• Acceleration is calculated using $a = \frac{\Delta v}{t}$, and uniformly accelerated motion can use $v^2 - u^2 = 2as$.
• Force, mass, and acceleration are linked by $F = ma$, so a larger resultant force gives a larger acceleration for the same mass.
• Weight is calculated using $W = mg$, and gravitational potential energy is calculated using $E_p = mgh$.
• Work done and energy transferred are calculated using $W = Fs$, while kinetic energy is $E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$.
• Electrical power can be calculated using $P = VI$ or $P = I^2R$, and charge flow is calculated using $Q = It$.
• Waves follow $v = f\lambda$, where $v$ is wave speed, $f$ is frequency, and $\lambda$ is wavelength.
• Density is calculated using $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$, and pressure is calculated using $p = \frac{F}{A}$.

Vocabulary

Resultant force

The single overall force acting on an object after all forces have been combined.

Energy transfer

The movement of energy from one store or pathway to another, measured in joules.

Power

The rate at which energy is transferred or work is done, calculated using $P = \frac{E}{t}$.

Potential difference

The energy transferred per unit charge between two points in a circuit, measured in volts.

Frequency

The number of complete waves passing a point each second, measured in hertz.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a material, calculated using $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$.