Speed / Velocity
v = speed or velocity (m/s), s = distance or displacement (m), t = time (s)
v = s / t Cambridge O Level 5054
⚡ O Level Physics Formula Sheet 2026
All key equations for Cambridge O Level Physics (5054) — mechanics, waves, electricity, thermal physics and nuclear physics.
Mechanics Electricity Waves Thermal Physics Nuclear
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.
Every O Level Physics Equation in One Place
Cambridge O Level Physics (5054) Paper 2 tests your ability to apply equations correctly. This formula sheet covers all equations from the syllabus — organised by topic with units, symbols and examiner notes to help you apply them accurately under exam conditions.
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All Paper 2 equations with correct SI units
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Mechanics, electricity, waves and nuclear
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Examiner notes on common errors
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Worked substitution examples
Mechanics
Always state units in every line of working. Show substitution before evaluating.
Acceleration
a = acceleration (m/s²), v = final velocity, u = initial velocity, t = time
a = (v − u) / t Equations of Motion
Only valid for uniform (constant) acceleration.
v = u + at
s = ut + ½at²
v² = u² + 2as
Force (Newton's Second Law)
F = resultant force (N), m = mass (kg), a = acceleration (m/s²)
F = ma Weight
W = weight (N), m = mass (kg), g = gravitational field strength (N/kg). On Earth g ≈ 10 N/kg.
W = mg Momentum
p = momentum (kg m/s), m = mass (kg), v = velocity (m/s)
p = mv Impulse
Impulse = change in momentum. F = force (N), t = time (s).
Ft = mv − mu Work Done
W = work done (J), F = force (N), d = displacement (m), θ = angle between force and displacement.
W = Fd cos θ Power
P = power (W), W = work done (J), t = time (s), v = velocity (m/s)
P = W / t
P = Fv
Kinetic Energy
m = mass (kg), v = speed (m/s)
KE = ½mv² Gravitational Potential Energy
m = mass (kg), g = gravitational field strength (N/kg), h = height (m)
GPE = mgh Pressure
P = pressure (Pa or N/m²), F = force (N), A = area (m²)
P = F / A Pressure in a Fluid
ρ = density (kg/m³), g = gravitational field strength (N/kg), h = depth (m)
P = ρgh Density
ρ = density (kg/m³), m = mass (kg), V = volume (m³)
ρ = m / V Moment of a Force
d = perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force (m)
Moment = F × d Thermal Physics
Specific Heat Capacity
Q = heat energy (J), m = mass (kg), c = specific heat capacity (J/kg°C), ΔT = temperature change (°C or K)
Q = mcΔT Specific Latent Heat
Q = heat energy (J), m = mass (kg), L = specific latent heat (J/kg). Use Lf for fusion, Lv for vaporisation.
Q = mL Gas Pressure–Volume (Boyle's Law)
At constant temperature. P = pressure (Pa), V = volume (m³).
P₁V₁ = P₂V₂ Pressure–Temperature Law
At constant volume. T must be in Kelvin: K = °C + 273.
P₁/T₁ = P₂/T₂ Charles's Law
At constant pressure. T in Kelvin.
V₁/T₁ = V₂/T₂ Waves — Light and Sound
Wave Speed
v = wave speed (m/s), f = frequency (Hz), λ = wavelength (m)
v = fλ Frequency and Period
f = frequency (Hz), T = period (s)
f = 1 / T Snell's Law (Refraction)
n = refractive index (no unit), θ = angle to the normal.
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ Refractive Index
i = angle of incidence, r = angle of refraction (both to the normal)
n = sin i / sin r Critical Angle
c = critical angle, n = refractive index of the denser medium.
sin c = 1 / n Lens / Mirror Formula
f = focal length, v = image distance, u = object distance. All in same units.
1/f = 1/v + 1/u Magnification
m = linear magnification (no units)
m = image height / object height = v / u Electricity and Magnetism
Ohm's Law / Resistance
V = voltage (V), I = current (A), R = resistance (Ω)
V = IR Electrical Power
P = power (W)
P = IV
P = I²R
P = V²/R
Electrical Energy
E = energy (J), t = time (s)
E = Pt = IVt Charge
Q = charge (C), I = current (A), t = time (s)
Q = It Resistors in Series
Total resistance = sum of individual resistances
R_total = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ Resistors in Parallel
Reciprocal of total = sum of reciprocals
1/R_total = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃ Transformer
Vp = primary voltage, Vs = secondary voltage, Np = primary turns, Ns = secondary turns
Vp/Vs = Np/Ns Transformer Efficiency
Is = secondary current, Ip = primary current
Efficiency = (Vs × Is) / (Vp × Ip) × 100% Nuclear Physics
Nuclear Notation
A = mass number (protons + neutrons), Z = atomic number (protons), X = element symbol
ᴬ_Z X Alpha Decay
Mass number decreases by 4, atomic number decreases by 2
ᴬ_Z X → ᴬ⁻⁴_(Z-2) Y + ⁴_2 He Beta Decay
Mass number unchanged, atomic number increases by 1
ᴬ_Z X → ᴬ_(Z+1) Y + ⁰_(-1) e Half-Life (conceptual)
Time for half of the radioactive nuclei to decay. After n half-lives: N = N₀ × (½)ⁿ
N = N₀ × (½)ⁿ How to Use This Formula Sheet
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
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Show formula first
Always write the formula, then substitute values with units, then calculate. Cambridge awards marks for correct working even if the final answer is wrong.
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SI units throughout
Convert to SI units before substituting: km → m, g → kg, kPa → Pa, °C → K (add 273).
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Paper 2 technique
In structured questions, underline the key quantities given and identify which formula connects them before writing anything.
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Practical skills
Paper 2 includes questions on experimental design. Know how to identify variables, describe how to reduce errors, and interpret graphs.
Formula Sheet FAQ
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
Is the Cambridge O Level 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. Complete formula reference for Cambridge O Level Physics (5054). All key equations for mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electricity and nuclear physics — with exam tips for Papers 1 and 2. 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 (Secondary)?
It is written for students preparing for assessments at 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?
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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This formula sheet aligns with Cambridge O Level Physics (5054) syllabus content.
Always verify equation notation against your syllabus booklet. Some formulae are provided in the exam; others must be memorised.