SUVAT Equations
s displacement, u initial velocity, v final velocity, a acceleration, t time (constant acceleration).
v = u + at s = ut + ½ at² v² = u² + 2as IB Diploma Programme 2026
⚙️ IBDP Physics Formula Sheet
All required mechanics, energy, waves, electricity, and HL field equations with variable descriptions for quick referencing.
Mechanics Fields Quantum
From Kinematics to Quantum
Print-ready IB Physics formula sheet 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
Kinematics & Dynamics (SL Core)
SUVAT identities plus Newton/impulse language required for Paper 1 calculation and explanation questions.
Newton's Second Law
F net force, m mass, a acceleration.
F = m a Momentum & Impulse
p = mv momentum, Ft impulse for force applied over time t.
Momentum
p = m v Impulse
Impulse = F Δt = Δp Topic Focus
SUVAT Strategy
- List the known variables before choosing the equation to demonstrate method marks.
- Clarify direction/sign conventions when motion reverses.
Forces & Free-body Diagrams
- Draw labelled vectors before resolving to show understanding of components.
- State Newton's Second Law in component form when summing forces ≠ 0.
Momentum & Impulse
- Reference isolated system assumption when applying conservation of momentum.
- Link impulse area under force-time graph in Paper 2 reasoning.
Energy, Power & Thermal (SL Core)
Mechanical energy changes, work-power relationships, and thermal calculations connecting to calorimetry practicals.
Work & Power
W is work done, θ angle between force F and displacement s, P power per time.
Work
W = F s cos θ Power
P = W / Δt Kinetic & Gravitational Potential
m mass, v speed, g gravitational field strength, h height.
Kinetic
E_k = ½ m v² GPE
E_p = m g h Specific Heat Capacity
c specific heat, ΔT temperature change, m mass, Q thermal energy.
Q = m c ΔT Topic Focus
Work-Energy Theorem
- State when mechanical energy is conserved vs. when work by non-conservative forces is needed.
- Mention direction of displacement relative to force when discussing sign of work.
Power & Efficiency
- Relate power to gradient of energy-time graphs for data-based questions.
- Quote efficiency as useful output/input × 100% with units in context.
Thermal Calculations
- Specify units (J, kg, °C/K) every time you substitute into Q = mcΔT.
- Highlight assumptions such as negligible heat loss to surroundings.
Electricity & Waves (SL Core)
Ohm's law, circuit combination rules, wave speed refraction relationships tested throughout Paper 1/2.
Ohm's Law & Power
V potential difference, I current, R resistance.
V = I R P = V I = I² R = V² / R Resistors in Series/Parallel
R_total is equivalent resistance.
Series
R_total = R₁ + R₂ + … Parallel
1 / R_total = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + … Wave Speed
v speed, f frequency, λ wavelength.
v = f λ Snell's Law
n refractive index, θ angle to normal.
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ Topic Focus
Circuit Reasoning
- Explain whether current or voltage is constant across components for clarity.
- Use equivalent resistance expressions before calculating unknowns.
Power Dissipation
- Choose the power identity (VI, I²R, V²/R) that matches given data to cut algebra.
- Reference heating effect of current when asked about physical implications.
Wave Behaviour
- State medium change when applying Snell's law and note if wave speeds up or slows down.
- Distinguish between frequency (unchanged) and wavelength (changes) across boundaries.
Higher Level + Options
Only required for HL Paper 3 and select options.
Field strength, magnetism, and quantum/decay expressions that extend beyond the SL data booklet.
Gravitational & Electric Field Strength
g radial field for mass M at distance r; E field for point charge Q.
Gravitational
g = G M / r² Electric
E = k Q / r² Magnetic Force on Moving Charge
q charge, B magnetic flux density, v velocity at angle θ.
F = q v B sin θ De Broglie Wavelength
h Planck's constant, p momentum.
λ = h / p Radioactive Decay Law
N number of nuclei, λ decay constant, t time.
N = N₀ e^{−λ t} Topic Focus
Field Comparisons
- When comparing gravitational vs. electric fields, emphasize sign (always attractive vs. attractive/repulsive).
- Discuss inverse-square nature to justify sketch gradients on log-log plots.
Magnetism & Motion
- Clarify that the force is maximum when velocity is perpendicular to field (sinθ term).
- Mention circular motion radius r = mv/(qB) when connecting to centripetal motion.
Quantum & Nuclear
- Relate de Broglie wavelength changes to momentum discussions in double-slit style questions.
- When using decay law, define the decay constant and connect to half-life via λ = ln2 / T½.
How to Use This Formula Sheet
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
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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.
Train with IB Physics Specialists
We drill Paper 1 recall, Paper 2 multistep calculations, and Paper 3 experiment design using real mark-scheme logic.
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.