Basic Physics Formulas Study Guide
Motion, force, work, energy, units, and practice problems
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Table of Contents
1. How to Use Physics Formulas
2. Measurement, Units, and Scientific Notation
3. Motion Formulas
4. Forces, Work, and Energy
5. Practice Problems
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How to Use Physics Formulas
Physics becomes easier when you learn what each formula means instead of only memorizing it. Start by
writing the known values, choosing the correct equation, substituting numbers with units, and checking that the
answer makes sense.
1 Read the question and underline the known values.
2 Write the unknown variable you need to find.
3 Choose a formula that connects the known values to the unknown.
4 Substitute numbers carefully and keep units attached.
5 Check whether the answer is reasonable.
Helpful habit: always write units beside numbers. Units help you catch mistakes before the final answer.
Measurement, Units, and Scientific Notation
A measurement has a number and a unit. For example, 5 meters describes a length, while 5 seconds
describes time. Scientific notation is used when numbers are very large or very small.
Quantity Common Unit Example
Length meter (m) A hallway is 12 m long
Mass kilogram (kg) A backpack has a mass of 6 kg
Time second (s) A race lasts 9.8 s
Speed meter per second (m/s) A runner moves at 4 m/s
Quick Conversions
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1 kilometer = 1000 meters
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1 meter = 100 centimeters
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1 hour = 3600 seconds
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1 kilogram = 1000 grams
Motion Formulas
Motion questions often describe position, velocity, acceleration, and time. If acceleration is constant, the
kinematic equations are useful.
Formula Use It When Meaning
v = d/t Speed is constant velocity equals distance divided by time
a = (vf - vi)/t Velocity changes acceleration equals change in velocity divided by time
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Formula Use It When Meaning
vf = vi + at Find final velocity final velocity from initial velocity, acceleration, and time
d = vi t + 1/2 a t^2 Find displacement displacement under constant acceleration
Practice
A car travels 120 meters in 6 seconds. What is its average speed?
Solution: v = d/t = 120 m / 6 s = 20 m/s.
Forces, Work, and Energy
Force is a push or pull. Work happens when a force moves an object through a distance. Energy describes the
ability to do work.
Concept Formula Unit
Weight W = mg newton (N)
Net force F = ma newton (N)
Work W = Fd cos(theta) joule (J)
Kinetic energy KE = 1/2 mv^2 joule (J)
Potential energy PE = mgh joule (J)
When force and motion are in the same direction, theta = 0 degrees and cos(0) = 1, so work becomes W =
Fd.
Practice Problems
1 A student walks 45 m in 15 s. Find average speed.
2 A 3 kg object accelerates at 4 m/s^2. Find the net force.
3 A 10 kg box is lifted 2 m. Use g = 9.8 m/s^2 to find potential energy.
4 A 5 kg object moves at 6 m/s. Find kinetic energy.
Answers
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1) 3 m/s
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2) 12 N
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3) 196 J
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4) 90 J
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