GCSE Physics Formulas (UK: Years 9-11)
Essential formulas for UK GCSE Physics. Unless specified, all units are standard SI units.
Gravitational Field Strength (g) ≈ 9.8 N/kg (often rounded to 10 N/kg for calculations).
1. Forces & Motion
Speed: speed = distance / time
Acceleration: a = (v - u) / t
Force (Newton's 2nd Law): F = m × a
Weight: W = mass × gravitational acceleration
Momentum: p = m × v kg m/s
Work Done: W = F × d J
Power: P = W / t W
Force (Momentum): F = Δp / t N
2. Energy & Power
Kinetic Energy: KE = ½ × m × v² J
Gravitational Potential Energy: GPE = m × g × h J
Efficiency: Efficiency = (Useful E. Output / Total E. Input) × 100% %
3. Electricity
Charge: Q = I × t C
Ohm's Law: V = I × R V
Electrical Power: P = V × I W
Energy Transferred: E = P × t J
Energy Transferred (Charge): E = Q × V J
4. Waves
Wave Speed: v = f × λ m/s
Frequency & Period: f = 1 / T Hz
5. Matter & Pressure
Density: ρ = m / V kg/m³
Pressure: P = F / A Pa
Pressure in Liquids: P = h × ρ × g Pa
6. Thermal Physics
Essential formulas for UK GCSE Physics. Unless specified, all units are standard SI units.
Gravitational Field Strength (g) ≈ 9.8 N/kg (often rounded to 10 N/kg for calculations).
1. Forces & Motion
Speed: speed = distance / time
Acceleration: a = (v - u) / t
Force (Newton's 2nd Law): F = m × a
Weight: W = mass × gravitational acceleration
Momentum: p = m × v kg m/s
Work Done: W = F × d J
Power: P = W / t W
Force (Momentum): F = Δp / t N
2. Energy & Power
Kinetic Energy: KE = ½ × m × v² J
Gravitational Potential Energy: GPE = m × g × h J
Efficiency: Efficiency = (Useful E. Output / Total E. Input) × 100% %
3. Electricity
Charge: Q = I × t C
Ohm's Law: V = I × R V
Electrical Power: P = V × I W
Energy Transferred: E = P × t J
Energy Transferred (Charge): E = Q × V J
4. Waves
Wave Speed: v = f × λ m/s
Frequency & Period: f = 1 / T Hz
5. Matter & Pressure
Density: ρ = m / V kg/m³
Pressure: P = F / A Pa
Pressure in Liquids: P = h × ρ × g Pa
6. Thermal Physics