SUVAT (constant a)
s, u, v, a, t.
v = u + a t s = u t + ½ a t² v² = u² + 2 a s s = ½ (u + v) t IB Diploma Programme 2026
⚙️ IB Physics Formula Booklet
Complete IB physics formula booklet — all required mechanics, energy, waves, electricity, and HL field equations with variable descriptions for quick referencing.
Mechanics Fields Quantum
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.
From Kinematics to Quantum
Print-ready IB Physics formula booklet that separates SL core equations from HL additions like nuclear, field, and quantum relationships.
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Paper 1 calculator-free ready
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Thermal & energy coverage
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Electric & magnetic fields
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HL particle physics
Mechanics & materials
Kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, momentum, and elasticity.
Newton’s second law
Net force.
Σ F = m a Weight
g local gravitational field strength.
W = m g Momentum
p = m v; vector quantity.
p = m v Impulse
From constant F.
Impulse = F Δt = Δp Work done
θ angle between F and displacement s.
W = F s cos θ Kinetic energy
E_k = ½ m v² Gravitational potential (uniform field approx.)
ΔE_p = m g Δh Power
P = W / t P = F v Hooke’s law
k stiffness, x extension from natural length.
F = k x Elastic energy
E_e = ½ k x² Stress & strain
A cross-sectional area, L original length.
stress = F / A strain = ΔL / L Young modulus
E = stress / strain Density
ρ = m / V Topic Focus
Problem solving
- Draw labelled diagrams before equations; state a positive direction for linear motion.
- For collisions, consider conservation of momentum with a clear system boundary.
Waves & optics
Progressive waves, superposition, refraction, diffraction.
Wave speed
v = f λ Period
T = 1 / f Snell’s law
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ Critical angle
sin C = n₂ / n₁ (n₁ > n₂, ray from denser) Diffraction grating
d spacing, n order.
d sin θ = n λ Stationary waves
String length L, harmonics.
f_n = n v / (2 L) (fixed ends, n = 1, 2, …) Topic Focus
Superposition
- Path difference = nλ constructive; (n + ½)λ destructive (depending on phase rules).
- Refraction bends towards normal when entering slower (higher n) medium.
Electricity & DC circuits
Potential, current, resistance, capacitors in DC.
Definitions
I = Q / t V = W / Q P = V I Ohm’s law
V = I R Resistors in series
R = R₁ + R₂ + … Resistors in parallel
1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + … Potential divider
V_out = V_in × R₂ / (R₁ + R₂) EMF & internal resistance
ε = I (R + r) Capacitance
C = Q / V Energy stored (capacitor)
E = ½ Q V = ½ C V² RC charge (asymptotic)
Time constant τ = R C.
Q = Q_max (1 − e^(−t/τ)) Topic Focus
Circuits
- Kirchhoff: junction rule (current), loop rule (voltages).
- Internal resistance reduces terminal pd under load.
Fields (gravitational & electric)
Force, field strength, potential, and circular orbits.
Newton’s gravitation
Point/spherical masses.
F = G m₁ m₂ / r² Gravitational field strength
g = F / m = G M / r² Orbital speed (circular)
Central force = gravity.
v = √(G M / r) Coulomb’s law
F = (1 / 4π ε₀) Q₁ Q₂ / r² Electric field strength
E = F / Q E = V / d (uniform field) Force on charge in field
F = Q E Point charge field
E = (1 / 4π ε₀) Q / r² Topic Focus
Inverse-square laws
- Field lines show direction a positive test charge/mass would move.
- Equipotentials cut field lines at right angles.
Magnetic fields & induction
Force on charges and currents; Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws.
Force on current
F = B I L sin θ Force on moving charge
F = B Q v sin θ Flux (uniform B, area A)
Φ = B A cos θ Faraday’s law
ε = − dΦ / dt (N turns: ε = − N dΦ/dt) Transformer (ideal)
V_p / V_s = N_p / N_s Topic Focus
Fleming’s rules
- Use consistent left-hand (motor) / right-hand (generator) conventions as your specification states.
- Lenz’s law gives the sign opposing the change producing the emf.
Thermal & ideal gases
Heat capacities, kinetic model, and equation of state.
Ideal gas equation
p V = n R T Kinetic theory mean KE
Monatomic ideal gas.
E_k,mean = 3/2 k T (per molecule) Specific heat
Q = m c ΔT Latent heat
Q = m L Topic Focus
Assumptions
- Kelvin temperature for gas law; absolute zero interpretation via kinetic model.
- Distinguish heat, work, and internal energy in First Law contexts.
Nuclear & quantum
Decay, half-life, photon energy, de Broglie.
Radioactive decay
N = N₀ e^(−λ t) Half-life
t½ = ln 2 / λ Activity
A = λ N Photon energy
E = h f = h c / λ de Broglie wavelength
λ = h / p Einstein mass–energy
E = m c² Topic Focus
Conservation
- Mass–energy, charge, baryon/lepton number (as required by your option).
- Half-life is independent of initial amount for a given isotope.
Simple harmonic motion & astrophysics
Oscillations and basic cosmology relationships.
SHM acceleration
x displacement from equilibrium.
a = − ω² x SHM period (spring)
T = 2π √(m / k) SHM period (simple pendulum)
T = 2π √(L / g) Hubble’s law
v = H₀ d Topic Focus
Oscillations
- Energy swaps between kinetic and potential; maximum speed at equilibrium.
- Light damping: amplitude decays exponentially over time.
How to Use This Formula Sheet
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State Units
Add SI units after calculations to lock in communication marks, especially on Paper 2 short answers.
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Check Significant Figures
Match the number of significant figures given in the data table or question stem.
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Formula Selection Map
Group formulas by syllabus topic (Mechanics, Thermal, Waves, Fields) so you can jump directly to the correct section under timed conditions.
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 Physics Formula Booklet 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. Complete IB physics formula booklet for 2026 — mechanics, energy, electricity, waves, and HL quantum/fields equations aligned to the IB Diploma Physics syllabus. 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 (Upper Secondary)?
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Upper Secondary 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?
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Equations follow the IB Physics data booklet plus HL field/quantum relations from the 2025–2027 guide.
Remember vectors require direction; state whether a value is scalar or vector when relevant.