Tools · Physics

VCE Physics formula sheet

Key formulas for VCE Physics Units 3 & 4: motion, forces and energy, circular motion, fields, electricity and waves.

Motion (constant acceleration)

$v=u+at$
$s=ut+\tfrac{1}{2}at^2$
$v^2=u^2+2as$
$s=\dfrac{(u+v)}{2}\,t$

Forces, momentum & energy

Newton's 2nd law $F=ma$
Momentum / impulse $p=mv,\quad I=F\Delta t=\Delta p$
Kinetic energy $E_k=\tfrac{1}{2}mv^2$
Gravitational PE $E_p=mg\Delta h$
Work / power $W=Fs,\quad P=\dfrac{W}{t}=Fv$

Circular motion & fields

Centripetal $a=\dfrac{v^2}{r},\quad F=\dfrac{mv^2}{r}$
Gravitation $F=\dfrac{GMm}{r^2},\quad g=\dfrac{GM}{r^2}$
Electric field $F=\dfrac{kq_1q_2}{r^2},\quad E=\dfrac{V}{d}$

Electricity & waves

$V=IR,\quad P=VI$
Wave equation $v=f\lambda,\quad T=\dfrac{1}{f}$

A study reference compiled by ATAR99. The official VCAA formula/data sheet is provided in your exam — always use that as the authority on the day.

Know the formulas — now use them

Practise real past-style Physics exams and get your answers marked mark-by-mark.