Speed
s speed, d distance, t time.
s = d / t 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
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
Motion & Mechanics
Speed, velocity, acceleration, and force relationships for understanding motion.
Average Velocity
v velocity, Δd displacement, Δt time interval.
v = Δd / Δt Acceleration
a acceleration, Δv change in velocity, Δt time interval.
a = Δv / Δt Force (Newton's Second Law)
F force, m mass, a acceleration.
F = ma Weight
W weight, m mass, g gravitational acceleration (≈ 9.8 m/s² on Earth).
W = mg Momentum
p momentum, m mass, v velocity.
p = mv Topic Focus
Motion Calculations
- Speed is scalar (magnitude only); velocity is vector (magnitude + direction).
- Acceleration occurs when velocity changes—either speed or direction or both.
- Always use consistent units: convert km/h to m/s if needed (divide by 3.6).
Forces & Motion
- Force causes acceleration: F = ma. Larger force or smaller mass = greater acceleration.
- Weight is a force due to gravity; mass is the amount of matter (constant everywhere).
- Momentum is conserved in collisions when no external forces act.
Energy & Work
Kinetic energy, potential energy, work, and power relationships.
Kinetic Energy
KE kinetic energy, m mass, v velocity.
KE = ½mv² Gravitational Potential Energy
PE potential energy, m mass, g gravitational acceleration, h height.
PE = mgh Work
W work, F force, d distance (in direction of force), θ angle between force and displacement.
For force parallel to displacement: W = Fd
W = Fd cos θ Power
P power, W work, t time.
P = W / t Efficiency
Ratio of useful energy output to total energy input.
Efficiency = (Useful Energy Output / Total Energy Input) × 100% Topic Focus
Energy Transformations
- Energy is conserved: total energy before = total energy after (in closed systems).
- Kinetic energy depends on velocity squared—doubling speed quadruples KE.
- Potential energy increases with height; choose a reference point (usually ground level).
Work & Power
- Work is done when a force moves an object in the direction of the force.
- Power measures how quickly work is done: higher power = work done faster.
- Efficiency shows how much input energy is converted to useful output (always < 100%).
Waves & Sound
Wave properties, frequency, wavelength, and sound relationships.
Wave Speed
v wave speed, f frequency, λ wavelength.
v = fλ Frequency
f frequency, T period (time for one complete wave).
f = 1 / T Wave Period
T period, f frequency.
T = 1 / f Topic Focus
Wave Properties
- Wave speed = frequency × wavelength. All three are related—knowing two gives you the third.
- Frequency measures how many waves pass per second (Hz = waves/second).
- Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive identical points on a wave.
Electricity & Magnetism
Basic electrical relationships and magnetic field concepts.
Voltage (Potential Difference)
V voltage, E energy, Q charge.
V = E / Q Current
I current, Q charge, t time.
I = Q / t Resistance (Ohm's Law)
R resistance, V voltage, I current.
R = V / I Electrical Power
P power, V voltage, I current.
P = VI Electrical Energy
E energy, P power, t time.
E = Pt Topic Focus
Electrical Circuits
- Voltage (V) is the 'push' that drives current; resistance (R) opposes current flow.
- Ohm's Law: V = IR. If voltage increases, current increases (if resistance stays constant).
- Power = voltage × current. Higher power devices use more energy per second.
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.
Excel in MYP Physics
Master physics concepts with expert MYP tutors who make complex ideas clear and help you apply formulas confidently.
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.