A-Level Physics Equation Sheet: Complete Guide to Data and Formulae

The A-Level physics data and formulae booklet is one of the most valuable resources you’ll have during your exams. With over 100 equations covering mechanics, electricity, waves, fields, and nuclear physics, it’s far more comprehensive than the GCSE equation sheet you might be used to.

But here’s the challenge: having access to every formula doesn’t help if you don’t know which one to use, how to rearrange it, or what the symbols mean. Many students lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they can’t navigate the booklet efficiently under exam pressure.

This guide will help you master the A-Level physics equation sheet so you can use it quickly, accurately, and confidently.

What’s in the A-Level Physics Data and Formulae Booklet?

The booklet provided by all major exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) is typically 8-12 pages long and includes:

Physical Constants

Speed of light in a vacuum (c)
Gravitational constant (G)
Avogadro constant (NA)
Planck constant (h)
Electron charge (e)
Boltzmann constant (k)
Stefan-Boltzmann constant (σ)

You don’t need to memorise these – they’re always in the booklet. Use them when needed for calculations.

Mathematical Formulas

Basic trigonometry (sin, cos, tan relationships)
Small angle approximations (sin θ ≈ θ, cos θ ≈ 1, tan θ ≈ θ)
Logarithm rules
Geometric and arithmetic series

These are included for your convenience but are considered GCSE maths knowledge.

Unit Prefixes

Femto (f = 10⁻¹⁵) to Tera (T = 10¹²)

Essential for converting between units like nanometres and metres, or megajoules and joules.

Physics Equations

This is the core of the booklet. Equations are organised by topic:

Mechanics:

Equations of motion (SUVAT)
Newton’s laws
Momentum and collisions
Work, energy, and power
Circular motion
Simple harmonic motion

Electricity:

Current, voltage, resistance (including Ohm’s law variants)
Electrical power
Resistivity
Potential dividers
Internal resistance

Waves:

Wave speed, frequency, wavelength
Refraction (Snell’s law)
Diffraction and interference
Doppler effect

Fields:

Gravitational fields
Electric fields
Magnetic fields
Capacitance

Thermal Physics:

Ideal gas equation
Kinetic theory
Internal energy

Nuclear and Particle Physics:

Radioactive decay
Energy-mass equivalence (E = mc²)
De Broglie wavelength
Photoelectric effect

The exact equations and layout vary slightly by exam board, but the content is largely consistent.

What You MUST Still Memorise

Even with the comprehensive equation sheet, you’re still expected to memorise some fundamental equations and concepts:

Basic Physics Relationships

Weight: W = mg
Density: ρ = m/V
Pressure: P = F/A
Ohm’s Law: V = IR (sometimes on the sheet, but you should know it instantly)
Power: P = IV, P = I²R, P = V²/R

Definitions

While equations are provided, you must know what each symbol means:

What is “ε” in a circuit? (EMF – electromotive force)
What does “λ” represent? (Wavelength)
What is “ω”? (Angular frequency)

Misidentifying symbols is a common source of errors.

Constants You Should Know

While constants are in the booklet, some are so frequently used that you should memorise them:

g (gravitational field strength on Earth): 9.81 m/s² (or 10 m/s² for rough calculations)
c (speed of light): 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s
e (electron charge): 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ C

Knowing these saves you time looking them up repeatedly.

How Exam Boards Differ

AQA Physics Data and Formulae Booklet

AQA’s booklet is well-organised by topic with clear labelling. It includes:

Comprehensive mechanics equations
Detailed electricity and magnetism formulas
Fields and capacitance equations
Nuclear physics formulas

AQA students often find the booklet intuitive to navigate because topics are clearly separated.

Edexcel (Pearson) Physics Data and Formulae Booklet

Similar to AQA but with slight differences in notation and layout. Edexcel’s booklet includes:

All standard physics equations
Additional context for some equations (e.g., when to use specific formulas)
Slightly different ordering of topics

OCR Physics Data and Formulae Booklet

OCR provides one of the most comprehensive booklets, including:

Additional formulas for optional modules (astronomy, medical physics)
More detailed explanations of symbols
Statistical and uncertainty formulas

OCR students should familiarise themselves with the booklet’s structure early – it’s longer than other boards’ versions.

Key Takeaway

Always use YOUR exam board’s specific booklet during revision. Download it from the exam board website and use it during all practice papers. The equations are the same, but the layout and notation differ, and you need to be comfortable navigating your specific version.

How to Navigate the Equation Sheet Efficiently

In a timed exam, you can’t afford to spend 2 minutes searching for the right equation. Here’s how to build speed:

1. Memorise the Structure

Know which topics are where:

Mechanics equations are usually at the front
Electricity follows mechanics
Waves and fields are in the middle
Nuclear physics is near the back

During your first exam, spend 30 seconds locating each section. This mental map saves time later.

2. Know Which Equations You Use Most Often

Certain equations come up repeatedly:

SUVAT equations (mechanics)
V = IR and power equations (electricity)
Wave equation (v = fλ)
F = ma

Memorise these even though they’re in the booklet. You’ll save time and maintain focus.

3. Understand When Each Formula Applies

The booklet doesn’t tell you WHEN to use each formula. That’s your job. For example:

Constant acceleration? Use SUVAT equations
Circular motion? Use centripetal force equations
Simple harmonic motion? Use SHM-specific formulas

Knowing which formula applies to which physical scenario is more important than just knowing the formulas exist.

4. Learn the Notation

Physics uses specific symbols:

Bold letters or arrows indicate vectors (e.g., F for force)
Greek letters have specific meanings (θ for angle, λ for wavelength, ω for angular frequency)
Subscripts indicate specific conditions (e.g., v₀ for initial velocity, Tmax for maximum temperature)

Misreading notation loses marks. If you’re unsure what a symbol means, check the key at the front of the booklet.

How to Apply Equations Correctly

Having the equation is only step one. Here’s how to use it correctly:

1. Identify What You’re Solving For

Read the question carefully. Are you solving for velocity, time, force, or energy? Write down what you need to find.

2. Write the Equation

Even if you’ve memorised it, write the equation from the booklet. This confirms you’re using the right one and earns method marks if your final answer is wrong.

3. Substitute Values (With Units)

Replace symbols with numbers, keeping units clear:

F = ma = 5 kg × 2 m/s² = 10 N

This makes it easier to spot unit errors (e.g., if you get kg·m instead of N, you’ve made a mistake).

4. Rearrange If Needed

If the question asks for mass but your equation is F = ma, rearrange to m = F/a before substituting. Don’t try to do rearrangement and substitution simultaneously – that’s when errors happen.

5. Check Your Answer

Does your answer make physical sense?

Velocities shouldn’t exceed the speed of light
Times shouldn’t be negative (usually)
Energies should be positive (in most contexts)

A quick sense-check catches silly errors.

Common Mistakes with the A-Level Physics Equation Sheet

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Equation

Students often confuse similar equations:

Kinetic energy (½mv²) vs gravitational potential energy (mgh)
Linear momentum (p = mv) vs angular momentum (L = Iω)
Electric field strength (E = V/d) vs electric force (F = Eq)

Read the question carefully. What physical quantity is being asked for?

Mistake 2: Forgetting to Rearrange

If the equation is given as v = u + at but you need to find t, you MUST rearrange to t = (v - u)/a first. Don’t guess or try to work backwards from the answer.

Mistake 3: Not Converting Units

If a question gives distance in centimetres but the equation expects metres, you must convert. Check that all your units are consistent before calculating.

Mistake 4: Misidentifying Symbols

The equation sheet uses specific notation. Don’t confuse:

v (velocity) with V (voltage)
m (mass) with M (molar mass)
E (energy) with E (electric field strength)

Context matters. Look at the question’s topic to determine which meaning applies.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Vector Nature

Force, velocity, acceleration, and momentum are vectors – they have direction. If an object changes direction, its velocity changes even if speed stays constant. This affects calculations involving momentum or energy.

Worked Examples from A-Level Physics Exams

Example 1: Mechanics (SUVAT)

A car accelerates uniformly from 5 m/s to 15 m/s over a distance of 50 m. Calculate the time taken.

Step 1: Identify knowns: u = 5 m/s, v = 15 m/s, s = 50 m. Find: t

Step 2: Choose equation with u, v, s, t: s = ½(u + v)t

Step 3: Rearrange: t = 2s / (u + v) = (2 × 50) / (5 + 15) = 100 / 20 = 5 s

Example 2: Electricity

A 12 V battery has an internal resistance of 2 Ω. When connected to a 10 Ω resistor, calculate the current.

Step 1: Total resistance = 2 + 10 = 12 Ω

Step 2: Use V = IR: 12 = I × 12

Step 3: Solve: I = 12 / 12 = 1 A

Example 3: Waves

Light of wavelength 600 nm passes through a diffraction grating with 500 lines per mm. Calculate the angle of the first-order maximum.

Step 1: Convert: wavelength λ = 600 × 10⁻⁹ m, grating spacing d = 1/(500×10³) = 2 × 10⁻⁶ m

Step 2: Use d sin θ = nλ for n = 1: sin θ = λ/d = (600 × 10⁻⁹) / (2 × 10⁻⁶) = 0.3

Step 3: Solve: θ = sin⁻¹(0.3) ≈ 17.5°

How to Revise for Effective Equation Use

1. Practise Identifying Equations from Scenarios

Read past paper questions and decide which equation applies BEFORE looking at the mark scheme. This builds your pattern recognition.

2. Create a “When to Use” Guide

For each topic, write when you’d use each equation:

SUVAT equations: Constant acceleration problems
Conservation of momentum: Collision problems
Ohm’s law: Circuit problems with constant resistance

3. Time Yourself Using the Booklet

Do timed past papers with the equation sheet beside you. Track how long you spend searching for formulas. Aim to reduce this time as you become more familiar with the booklet’s structure.

4. Learn to Rearrange Quickly

Practise rearranging common equations:

F = ma → a = F/m, m = F/a
v = fλ → f = v/λ, λ = v/f
E = ½mv² → v = √(2E/m)

The faster you can rearrange, the less exam time you waste.

How UpGrades Helps with A-Level Physics Equations

Mastering equations isn’t about memorisation – it’s about recognition, application, and problem-solving under pressure. UpGrades provides:

Exam-style questions that test your ability to select the right equation for each scenario
Instant feedback showing where errors occur (wrong equation, rearrangement mistake, unit error)
Adaptive practice that focuses on the topics and equation types you struggle with most

With UpGrades, you’ll build the confidence to navigate the equation sheet quickly, apply formulas accurately, and tackle unfamiliar problems with the systematic approach examiners reward. Combine smart equation revision with UpGrades’ adaptive practice, and you’ll approach your A-Level physics exams fully prepared.

Final Checklist for A-Level Physics Equation Sheet Success

Download your exam board’s data and formulae booklet
Memorise the structure (which topics are where)
Learn frequently used equations even though they’re in the booklet (saves time)
Practise identifying which equation applies to each type of question
Master rearranging equations quickly and accurately
Always check units before calculating
Use the booklet during all timed past paper practice

The A-Level physics equation sheet is a powerful tool – but only if you know how to use it. Master the art of equation selection, rearrangement, and application, and you’ll transform the booklet from a reference sheet into a competitive advantage on exam day.