SI Base Units
kilogram (kg) ; metre (m) ; second (s) ; ampere (A) ; kelvin (K) ; mole (mol) OCR A Level Physics A H556
⚛️ OCR A Level Physics Formula Sheet 2026
Every key equation for OCR A Level Physics A (H556) — foundations, forces, electrons, waves, fields, thermal, quantum and nuclear — organised by module for 2026 exams.
Modules 2–6 Forces & Motion Fields & Particles H556 Specification
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.
All H556 Physics Equations Organised by Module
OCR A Level Physics A (H556) is examined across six modules and three papers. This 2026 sheet collects every required equation by module so you can quickly find what you need during revision and recall under exam pressure.
📏
Foundations: SI units, prefixes, uncertainties
🚀
Forces, motion and momentum
⚡
Electricity, waves, fields and capacitance
☢️
Thermal physics, quantum and nuclear physics
Module 2: Foundations of Physics
Quantities, prefixes, uncertainties — the toolkit for every paper.
Standard Prefixes
10⁻¹² pico (p) ; 10⁻⁹ nano (n) ; 10⁻⁶ micro (μ) ; 10⁻³ milli (m) ; 10³ kilo (k) ; 10⁶ mega (M) ; 10⁹ giga (G) Errors & Uncertainties
Percentage uncertainty
% unc = (absolute uncertainty / measured value) × 100% Combining (sum/diff)
Add absolute uncertainties: Δ(A ± B) = ΔA + ΔB Combining (product/quotient)
Add percentage uncertainties: %ΔY = %ΔA + %ΔB ; for Y = Aⁿ, %ΔY = n × %ΔA Module 3: Forces & Motion
Kinematics, dynamics, momentum, energy, materials.
Kinematics (SUVAT)
v = u + at ; s = ut + ½at² ; v² = u² + 2as ; s = ½(u + v)t Newton's Laws & Momentum
F = ma ; W = mg Momentum
p = mv ; F = Δp/Δt Impulse
FΔt = Δp Work, Energy & Power
W = Fs cosθ ; KE = ½mv² ; ΔGPE = mgΔh P = W/t = Fv (at constant velocity) Efficiency
η = useful energy out / total energy in × 100% Materials
Hooke's law
F = kx Elastic PE in spring
E = ½kx² = ½Fx Stress, strain & Young's modulus
σ = F/A ; ε = x/L ; E = σ/ε Module 4: Electrons, Waves & Photons
Current, resistance, EMF and wave behaviour.
Current & Charge
I = ΔQ/Δt ; Q = It Drift velocity
I = nAvq Voltage, Resistance & Resistivity
V = W/Q ; V = IR Resistivity
R = ρL/A Power & Energy
P = IV = I²R = V²/R ; E = Pt = IVt EMF & Internal Resistance
ε = I(R + r) = V + Ir Kirchhoff's laws
ΣI_in = ΣI_out (junction) ; Σε = ΣIR around any loop Waves
v = fλ ; T = 1/f Intensity
I = P/A (∝ A² for waves) Refraction
n = c/v ; n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ ; sin θ_c = 1/n (TIR) Superposition & Diffraction
Young's double-slit fringe spacing
w = λD/s Diffraction grating
d sin θ = nλ Photoelectric Effect & Quantum Photons
E = hf = hc/λ Photoelectric equation
hf = φ + KE_max = φ + ½mv²_max de Broglie
λ = h/p = h/(mv) Module 5: Newtonian World & Astrophysics
Thermal physics, ideal gases, circular motion and oscillations.
Thermal Physics
Internal energy change
E = mcΔT (specific heat capacity) Latent heat
E = mL (specific latent heat of fusion/vaporisation) Ideal Gases
pV = nRT = NkT Kinetic theory
pV = ⅓ N m <c²> ; ½ m <c²> = (3/2) kT Boltzmann constant k = R/Nₐ ≈ 1.38 × 10⁻²³ J K⁻¹.
Circular Motion
ω = 2π/T = 2πf ; v = rω Centripetal acceleration / force
a = v²/r = ω²r ; F = mv²/r = mω²r Simple Harmonic Motion
a = −ω²x ; x = A cos(ωt) or A sin(ωt) v_max = ωA ; a_max = ω²A Energy
E_total = ½ m ω² A² (constant) Module 6: Fields, Particles & Frontiers
Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, capacitance, electromagnetic induction.
Gravitational Fields
F = GMm/r² ; g = GM/r² (radial field) Gravitational potential
V_grav = −GM/r Orbital motion
T² = (4π²/GM) r³ (Kepler's third law) Electric Fields
Coulomb's law
F = Qq / (4πε₀ r²) Field strength
E = F/q = V/d (uniform) ; E = Q/(4πε₀ r²) (radial) Electric potential
V = Q/(4πε₀ r) Capacitance
C = Q/V ; energy stored U = ½ QV = ½ CV² = Q²/(2C) Discharge
Q = Q₀ e^(−t/RC) ; V = V₀ e^(−t/RC) ; I = I₀ e^(−t/RC) ; τ = RC Magnetic Fields
Force on current-carrying wire
F = BIL sinθ Force on charge
F = Bqv sinθ Magnetic flux & flux linkage
Φ = BA ; flux linkage NΦ Electromagnetic Induction
Faraday's law
ε = −N dΦ/dt (Lenz: induced current opposes the change) Transformers
V_p / V_s = N_p / N_s ; for ideal transformer V_p I_p = V_s I_s Nuclear Physics
Mass–energy
ΔE = Δm c² Radioactive decay
A = λN ; N = N₀ e^(−λt) ; t_½ = ln 2 / λ How to Use This Formula Sheet
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
🧪
Know What's on the Data Sheet
OCR provides a Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet — know which equations are given (e.g. F = BIL, V = Q/4πε₀r) and which are NOT (e.g. SUVAT, V = IR).
📊
Practise Graph Skills
Many OCR questions test graph analysis: log-log to find power laws, gradient/intercept to extract physical quantities. Drill these techniques.
🔬
Master the Practical Endorsement
Even though PAG isn't graded for the A Level, exam papers test practical understanding — uncertainties, calibration, error sources are heavily examined.
🧠
Link Concepts Across Modules
Synoptic questions cross modules — e.g. capacitor discharge uses exponential decay just like radioactive decay. Recognise these parallels.
Formula Sheet FAQ
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
Is the OCR A 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 OCR A Level Physics A (H556) formula sheet for 2026: foundations, forces and motion, electrons and waves, fields, particles, thermal physics, quantum and nuclear equations. 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?
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.
Need Help with OCR A Level Physics?
Master forces, fields, capacitance and nuclear physics with an experienced OCR A Level Physics tutor. We focus on equation derivation, exam technique and the practical endorsement skills.
More Tutopiya study tools
Pair this formula sheet with past papers, revision checklists, and planners — all free on our study tools hub.
- All study tools Browse the full hub: calculators, planners, past papers, and more.
- Past paper finder Search past papers by board, subject, and year.
- Revision checklists Topic-by-topic checklists for IGCSE & A Level (2026 syllabi).
- Keywords & definitions Examiner-style keywords and definitions by topic — Cambridge & Edexcel IGCSE & A Level.
- Free lesson planner Plan IGCSE, GCSE, A-Level & IB lessons with portal links and printable export.
- Study planner Build schedules and stay on track before exams.
- Past paper error log Log mistakes from papers and review them systematically.
- Score tracker Track marks and grades across past paper sittings.
- Past paper exam timer Board presets, pacing tips, and a graph of time taken per paper.
- Topic & paper planner Plan revision by topic and tie it to past papers.
- GPA calculator Convert IGCSE, GCSE, and A Level grades to GPA-style summaries.
- The Tutopiya Test Quick diagnostic to see where you stand.
- IGCSE resources Practice questions, notes, and guides for Cambridge & Edexcel IGCSE.
This formula sheet aligns with OCR A Level Physics A (H556) for the 2026 exam series.
OCR provides a Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet in the exam — verify with the latest specification which equations are given vs which must be memorised.