GCSE Physics equations sheet: every equation you’re given, and how to use it

Energy

• Eₖ = ½mv² (kinetic energy)
• Eₑ = ½ke² (elastic potential energy)
• Eₚ = mgh (gravitational potential energy)
• ΔE = mcΔθ (specific heat capacity)
• P = E/t and P = W/t (power)
• Efficiency = useful output ÷ total input (energy or power)

Electricity

• Q = It
• V = IR
• P = VI and P = I²R
• E = Pt and E = QV

Particle model, forces and motion

• ρ = m/V (density)
• E = mL (specific latent heat)
• W = mg, W = Fs, F = ke, M = Fd and p = F/A
• s = vt, a = Δv/t and v² − u² = 2as
• F = ma
• Higher tier: p = mv (momentum), F = mΔv/Δt and p = hρg (pressure in a liquid)

Waves and magnetism

• T = 1/f and v = fλ
• Magnification = image height ÷ object height
• Higher tier: F = BIl, and the transformer equations Vp/Vs = np/ns and VpIp = VsIs

Units the sheet doesn’t give you

Most lost marks in calculations are units. Learn these:

• Energy in joules (J), power in watts (W)
• Charge in coulombs (C), current in amps (A), potential difference in volts (V), resistance in ohms (Ω)
• Mass in kilograms (kg): convert grams first
• Density in kg/m³, pressure in pascals (Pa), force in newtons (N)
• Speed in m/s, acceleration in m/s²
• Time in seconds: convert minutes and hours

How to use it in the exam

• Write down the equation you’re using, then substitute: that’s usually a mark.
• Convert units before you substitute (kJ to J, g to kg, cm to m).
• Rearrange before you put the numbers in, if you find it easier.
• Check your answer is sensible: a person doesn’t run at 300 m/s.

Questions people ask

Do you get an equation sheet in GCSE Physics?

Yes. For exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027, GCSE Physics and Combined Science papers come with an equations sheet.

Do I still need to learn physics equations?

You don’t need to recall them, but you do need to know which one to use, what each letter means, its units and how to rearrange it. Knowing them well saves time.