Kinetic energy
m mass (kg), v speed (m/s).
E_k = ½ m v² IB Middle Years Programme 2026
⚛️ IB MYP Physics Formula Sheet
Essential formulas for mechanics, energy, waves, electricity, and magnetism across MYP Years 1-5.
Mechanics Energy Waves
Our formula sheets are free to download — save this one as PDF for offline revision.
Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.
Understand Physical Relationships
This formula sheet covers fundamental physics relationships from MYP Years 1-5, helping you solve problems and understand how the physical world works.
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Mechanics formulas
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Energy relationships
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Wave equations
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Electricity basics
Energy, work & power
Mechanical energy, work done, power, and efficiency.
Gravitational potential energy
g ≈ 9.8 N/kg near Earth’s surface, h height (m).
E_p = m g h Elastic potential energy (spring)
k spring constant (N/m), e extension (m).
E_e = ½ k e² Work done
F force (N), d distance (m), θ angle between F and motion.
W = F d cos θ Power
Energy or work per unit time.
P = E / t P = W / t Efficiency
Useful output compared to total input.
Efficiency = (useful energy out / total energy in) × 100% Gravitational potential (near Earth)
ΔE_p for change in height.
ΔE_p = m g Δh Topic Focus
Energy stores
- Energy is conserved in a closed system; dissipated energy often ends up as thermal energy in the surroundings.
- Doubling speed quadruples kinetic energy because E_k ∝ v².
- State whether you mean instantaneous power or average power over a time interval.
Electricity & circuits
Charge, current, voltage, resistance, and electrical power.
Charge flow
I current (A), Q charge (C), t time (s).
Q = I t Potential difference
Energy transferred per unit charge.
V = W / Q Ohm’s law
V voltage (V), I current (A), R resistance (Ω).
V = I R Electrical power
Alternative forms from Ohm’s law.
P = V I P = I² R P = V² / R Electrical energy
E energy (J), t time (s).
E = P t = V I t Resistors in series
Total resistance.
R_total = R₁ + R₂ + … Resistors in parallel
Two resistors.
1/R_total = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ Voltage divider (two series resistors)
V_out across R₂.
V₂ = V_supply × R₂ / (R₁ + R₂) Topic Focus
Circuit reasoning
- In series the current is the same everywhere; in parallel the voltage across each branch is the same.
- Use P = VI to compare brightness or energy use of components.
- Check units: charge in coulombs, energy in joules.
Forces, motion & momentum
Speed, acceleration, Newton’s laws, weight, momentum, and turning effects.
Speed / velocity
Average values.
speed = distance / time velocity = displacement / time Acceleration
a (m/s²), v final, u initial, t time.
a = (v − u) / t SUVAT (constant acceleration)
s displacement, u, v, a, t.
v = u + a t s = u t + ½ a t² v² = u² + 2 a s s = ½ (u + v) t Resultant force
Newton’s second law.
F = m a Weight
W (N), m (kg), g (N/kg).
W = m g Momentum
p (kg m/s).
p = m v Force and momentum
Impulse and rate of change of momentum.
F = Δp / Δt Impulse = F Δt = Δp Moment of a force
d perpendicular distance from pivot (m).
moment = F × d Pressure
p (Pa), F normal force (N), A area (m²).
p = F / A Density
ρ (kg/m³), m mass, V volume.
ρ = m / V Topic Focus
Vectors & diagrams
- Draw a free-body diagram before resolving forces; label directions clearly.
- Take a consistent positive direction along the line of motion for SUVAT.
- In collisions, momentum is conserved for an isolated system along the line of impact.
Waves & optics
Wave speed, EM spectrum context, reflection and refraction.
Wave equation
v (m/s), f (Hz), λ (m).
v = f λ Period
T (s), f (Hz).
T = 1 / f Refractive index
Angle in vacuum or air approximations often use n.
n = c_air / v_material (definition form) Snell’s law
Angles to the normal.
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ Critical angle (to normal)
Light from denser to rarer medium.
sin C = 1 / n (air to glass approximations) Topic Focus
Waves
- Transverse: displacement perpendicular to energy transfer; longitudinal: parallel (e.g. sound).
- For electromagnetic waves in vacuum, c ≈ 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s.
- Frequency is determined by the source; wave speed depends on the medium.
Thermal physics & gases
Specific heat, latent heat, and ideal gas relationships used at GCSE.
Specific heat capacity
Q (J), m (kg), c (J/kg°C), ΔT change in temperature.
Q = m c ΔT Specific latent heat
Change of state at constant temperature.
Q = m L Ideal gas law (molar form)
n moles, R constant, T kelvin.
p V = n R T Pressure–volume (fixed amount, constant T)
Boyle’s law.
p₁ V₁ = p₂ V₂ Topic Focus
Thermal calculations
- Convert °C change to kelvin interval: ΔT is the same in °C and K for differences.
- Latent heat applies while temperature stays constant during melting/boiling.
- Specify whether energy is absorbed or released in the context of the question.
Radioactivity & astronomy
Exponential decay and astronomical distances.
Half-life
Activity or count rate halving time.
N = N₀ × (½)^(t / t½) (conceptual form) Remaining nuclei (model)
Decay constant λ, t time.
N = N₀ e^(−λ t) (higher-tier / extension) Hubble-type relationship
v recessional speed, d distance, H constant.
v = H₀ d Topic Focus
Nuclear & stars
- Half-life is constant for a given isotope and does not depend on chemical state or temperature.
- Distinguish activity, count rate, and number of undecayed nuclei.
- Red-shift links to expansion models of the universe.
How to Use This Formula Sheet
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
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Understand Units
Always include units in calculations. Common units: m/s (speed), N (force), J (energy), W (power).
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Draw Diagrams
Sketch situations before calculating. Diagrams help identify forces, directions, and relationships.
Formula sheet FAQ
Quick answers about this free PDF, how to use it for exam revision, and how it relates to your official syllabus.
Is the IB MYP Physics Formula Sheet 2026 free to download as a PDF?
Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.
What Physics topics and equations does this formula sheet cover?
This page groups key Physics formulas in one place for revision. Essential IB Middle Years Programme Physics formulas covering mechanics, energy, waves, electricity, and magnetism for MYP Years 1-5 (ages 11-16). Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.
Can I use this instead of the official exam formula booklet in the exam?
No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.
Who is this formula sheet for (Middle School)?
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Middle School in Physics, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.
How should I revise with this formula sheet?
Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.
Where can I get more help with Physics revision?
Explore Tutopiya’s study tools, past paper finder, and revision checklists linked from our tools hub, or book a trial lesson with a subject specialist for personalised support alongside this formula reference.
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Formulas align with IB MYP Physics curriculum for Years 1-5 (ages 11-16).
Always show your working, include units, and check that answers make physical sense.