Physics is all about understanding and applying formulas Strong math foundations are essential for physics. Our best math tuition Singapore program builds the calculation skills needed for both subjects.. Here’s a complete list of O Level Physics formulas you need to memorise.
Kinematics
Speed = Distance / Time
Velocity = Displacement / Time
Acceleration = Change in Velocity / Time
Equations of Motion:
v = u + at
s = ut + ½at²
v² = u² + 2as
Where:
v = final velocity
u = initial velocity
a = acceleration
t = time
s = displacement
Forces
Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma)
Weight = mass × gravity (W = mg)
Moments:
Moment = Force × Perpendicular Distance
Principle of Moments: Sum of clockwise = Sum of anticlockwise
Pressure
Pressure = Force / Area
Liquid Pressure = ρgh
Atmospheric Pressure measured by barometer
Where:
ρ = density
g = gravitational acceleration
h = height/depth
Energy
Kinetic Energy = ½mv²
Potential Energy = mgh
Work Done = Force × Distance
Power = Work Done / Time = Energy / Time
Conservation of Energy:
Total energy before = Total energy after
Efficiency = (Useful Output / Total Input) × 100%
Thermal Physics
Heat Capacity = Q / ΔT
Specific Heat Capacity = Q / (m × ΔT)
Q = mcΔT
Latent Heat:
Q = mL
Where:
Q = heat energy
m = mass
c = specific heat capacity
L = specific latent heat
Thermal Transfer:
Conduction, Convection, Radiation
Waves
Wave Equation: v = fλ
Where:
v = wave speed
f = frequency
λ = wavelength
Period: T = 1/f
Wave speed = frequency × wavelength
Light
Reflection: angle of incidence = angle of reflection
Refraction: n = sin i / sin r
Refractive Index:
n = speed of light in vacuum / speed of light in medium
n = 1 / sin c (critical angle)
Lens Formula:
1/f = 1/u + 1/v
Where:
f = focal length
u = object distance
v = image distance
Sound
Speed of Sound ≈ 330 m/s in air (at room temperature)
Echo calculations: distance = speed × time / 2
Electricity
Current: I = Q / t
Potential Difference: V = W / Q
Resistance: R = V / I
Ohm’s Law: V = IR
Power: P = IV = I²R = V²/R
Energy: E = Pt = IVt
Series Circuits:
- Same current throughout
- – Voltages add up
- – R(total) = R1 + R2 + …
Parallel Circuits:
- Same voltage across each branch
- – Currents add up
- – 1/R(total) = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + …
Electromagnetism
Magnetic Field around a current-carrying wire
Right-hand grip rule
Solenoids and electromagnets
Fleming’s left-hand rule (motor effect)
Radioactivity
Alpha (α): helium nucleus, stopped by paper
Beta (β): electron, stopped by aluminium
Gamma (γ): electromagnetic wave, stopped by lead
Half-life: t(½)
Activity decreases by half each half-life
Nuclear equations:
- Mass number conserved
- – Atomic number conserved
How to Memorise Formulas
- Understand the meaning
- Don’t just memorise letters – know what each variable represents.
2. Practise using them
Apply formulas to many questions until they become automatic.
3. Create flashcards
Write the formula on one side, meaning on the other.
4. Group related formulas
Learn formulas by topic for better retention.
5. Test yourself regularly
Weekly formula quizzes keep them fresh.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong units
- Always check and convert units.
2. Mixing up similar formulas
Know the difference between similar-looking equations.
3. Forgetting to square
KE = ½mv², not ½mv
4. Wrong rearrangement
Practise rearranging formulas algebraically.
5. Not showing working
Write the formula first, then substitute values.
How Ace Scorers Helps
Our Physics programme includes:
- Formula mastery sessions
- – Application practice
- – Exam techniques
- – Problem-solving skills
Contact us for Physics tuition.
Ace Scorers – Nurturing Minds, Crafting Achievers
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