MCAT Physics Equations Sheet
Gold Standard's MCAT Physics Equations Sheet ('cheat sheet' notes, formulas)
This MCAT Physics Equations Sheet provides helpful physics equations for exam preparation. Physics equations on motion, force, work, energy, momentum, electricity, waves and more are presented below. Please keep in mind that understanding the meaning of equations and their appropriate use will always be more important than memorization. Sometimes, formulas will be provided during the exam but, as you will see, you are expected to already know quite a few. Doing and reviewing practice questions and practice tests will improve your understanding of what you need to know.
If you don't see the Greek symbols - alpha: α; mu: μ; delta: Δ; - then the equations on this page will not make sense; thus, adjust fonts on your browser to Unicode.
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MCAT Physics Equations: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to memorize all equations for MCAT?
No, you do not need to memorize all equations for the MCAT. For MCAT Physics, there are many equations that you should memorize in order to maximize your score. Occasionally, the AAMC will provide physics formulas during the exam itself, but never basic formulas.
How do you remember MCAT physics formulas?
The best way to remember MCAT Physics formulas is by: 1) understanding the idea(s) behind the equation; 2) application: doing and reviewing practice questions and practice tests that require classic MCAT physics formulas, which of course, will improve your understanding of what you need to know; 3) in rare instances, using mnemonics or other memory devices (e.g. heat energy Q = mcΔT = MCAT !).
How hard is MCAT Physics?
Yes, MCAT physics is hard, but with adequate content review and consistent practice, it is quite manageable. This exam tests your knowledge on common physics concepts taught in undergraduate school, so its questions should not be any harder than the questions you faced in your college physics classes. What students tend to find most challenging about this exam’s physics content is the dimensional analysis, unit conversion, and mental math required to answer questions quickly. This is where content review and practice questions become most beneficial. The more you review the formulas and units, the less hard this section will feel.
Is the MCAT Physics 1 or 2?
Physics topics on the MCAT usually cover content from the first semester of college physics, or Physics 1, and the second semester of college physics, or Physics 2. For curriculums in which Physics 2 covers more theoretical applications, this exam will focus primarily on topics covered in Physics 1. Students who have only taken an Introduction to Physics course will most likely need to take the next-level physics course offered at their school to learn all the physics concepts tested on the exam. Regardless of the courses you have taken, make sure to review the AAMC’s exam topic outline.
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Gold Standard MCAT Physics Equations - Memorize
| Translational motion |
|---|
| x = xo + vot + 1/2at2 | (Vƒ)2 = (Vo)2 + 2ax |
| Vƒ = Vo + at |
| Frictional force |
| fmax = μ Ν |
| μk < μs always |
| Uniform circular motion* |
| Fc = mac = mv2 /r |
| ac= v2 /r |
| Momentum, Impulse* |
| I = F Δt = ΔM |
| M = mv |
| Work, Power |
| W = F d cosθ |
| P = ΔW/Δt |
| Energy (conservation) |
| ET = Ek + Ep |
| E = mc2 |
| Spring Force, Work |
| F = -kx |
| W = kx2 /2 |
| Continuity (fluids) |
| A v = const. |
| ρAv = const. |
| Current and Resistance |
| I = Q/t |
| R = ρl/A |
| Resistors (series, par.) |
| Req = R1 + R2 . . . |
| 1/ Req = 1/ R1 + 1/ R2 |
| Capacitors in Ser. and Par. |
| 1/ Ceq = 1/ C1 + 1/ C2 + 1/ C3 . . . |
| Ceq = C1 + C2 . . |
| Sound |
| dB = 10 log10 (I/I0 ) |
| beats = Δ ƒ |
| Kirchoff's Laws |
| Σi = 0 at a junction |
| ΣΔV = 0 in a loop |
| Thermodynamics |
| Q = mc Δ T (MCAT !) |
| Q = mL |
| Torque forces |
| L1 = F1× r1 (CCW + ve) |
| L2 = F2 × r2 (CW - ve) |
| Torque force at EQ |
| ΣFx = 0 and ΣFy = 0 |
| ΣL = 0 |
| Refraction |
| ( sin θ1 )/(sin θ2 ) = v1 /v2 = n2 /n1 = λ1 /λ2 |
| n = c/v |
Put these equations to the test, try some MCAT Physics questions with our free MCAT practice test.
Gold Standard MCAT Physics Equations - Memorize As Pairs
| F = ma | Similar Form |
| F = qE | |
| F = KG ( m1 m2 / r2 ) | |
| F = k ( q1 q2 / r2 ) | |
| V = IR | Paired Use |
| P = IV | |
| vav = Δ d / Δ t | (avg vel, acc) |
| aav = Δ v / Δ t | |
| v = λ f | (f = 1/T) |
| E = hf | |
| Ek = 1/2 mv2 | (kin, pot E) |
| Ep = mgh | |
| Ρ = F/A | (pressure Ρ) |
| Δ Ρ = ρgΔh | |
| SG = ρ substance / ρ water | (Spec Grav) |
| ρ = 1 g/cm3 = 103 kg/m3 | |
| ρ = mass / volume | (buoyant F) |
| Fb = Vρg = mg | |
| 1/ i + 1/ o = 1/ f = 2/r = Power | Optics |
| M = magnification = - i/o | |
| ΔG = ΔH - TΔS | ΔG° = -RTln Keq |
| Gibbs Free Energy | |
| F = ma | F = qE | Similar Form |
| F = KG ( m1 m2 / r2 ) | F = k ( q1 q2 / r2 ) | |
| V = IR | P = IV | Paired Use |
| vav = Δ d / Δ t | aav = Δ v / Δ t | (avg vel, acc) |
| v = λ f | E = hf | (f = 1/T) |
| Ek = 1/2 mv2 | Ep = mgh | (kin, pot E) |
| Ρ = F/A | Δ Ρ = ρgΔh | (pressure Ρ) |
| SG = ρ substance / ρ water | ρ = 1 g/cm3 = 103 kg/m3 | (Spec Grav) |
| ρ = mass / volume | Fb = Vρg = mg | (buoyant F) |
| 1/ i + 1/ o = 1/ f = 2/r = Power | M = magnification = - i/o | Optics |
| ΔG = ΔH - TΔS | Gibbs Free Energy | ΔG° = -RTln Keq |
Note: Specific gravity (SG) is equivalent to the fraction of the height of a buoyant object below the surface of the fluid.
Put these equations to the test, try some MCAT Physics questions with our free MCAT practice test.
Gold Standard MCAT Physics Equations - Know How to Use - Do Not Memorize
| Ρ + ρgh + 1/2 ρv2 = constant |
| Bernouilli's Equation |
| Fluids in Motion |
| f0 = fs (V ± V0 )/( V ± Vs ) |
| Doppler Effect: when d is decreasing use + V0 and - Vs |
| V = Ed for a parallel plate capacitor |
| d = the distance between the plates |
| dF = dq v(B sin α) = I dl(B sin α) |
| Laplace's Law |
| RH rule |
| Potential Energy ( PE ) = W = 1/2 QV |
| Work in Electricity |
| W = 1/2 CV2 |
| Ρ + ρgh + 1/2 ρv2 = constant | Bernouilli's Equation | Fluids in Motion |
| f0 = fs (V ± V0 )/( V ± Vs ) | Doppler Effect: when d is decreasing use + V0 and - Vs | |
| V = Ed for a parallel plate capacitor | d = the distance between the plates | |
| dF = dq v(B sin α) = I dl(B sin α) | Laplace's Law | RH rule |
| Potential Energy ( PE ) = W = 1/2 QV | Work in Electricity | W = 1/2 CV2 |
Put these equations to the test, try some MCAT Physics questions with our free MCAT practice test.
Gold Standard MCAT Physics Equations - Atomic Nucleus & Electronic Structure
- Alpha (α) particle = 2He4 (helium nucleus);
- Beta (β) particle = -1e0 (an electron);
- A positron = +1e0 (same mass as an electron but opposite charge);
- Gamma (γ) ray = no mass, no charge, just electromagnetic energy;
- Δ m /Δ t = rate of decay where Δ m = change in mass, Δ t = change in time.
- If the number of half-lifes n are known we can calculate the percentage of a pure radioactive sample left after undergoing decay since the fraction remaining = (1/2)n.
- Nelectrons = 2 n2 , where Nelectrons designates the number of electrons in shell n.
- The state of each electron is determined by the four quantum numbers:
- Principal quantum number = n
- Determines the number of shells
- Possible values are: 1 (K), 2 (L), 3 (M), etc...
- Angular momentum quantum number = l
- Determines the subshell
- Possible values are: 0 (s), 1 (p), 2 (d), 3 (f), n-1, etc...
- Magnetic momentum quantum number = ml
- Determines the orbital
- Possible values are: ± l , ... , 0
- Spin quantum number = ms
- Determines the direction of rotation of the electron
- Possible values are: ± 1/2
- Principal quantum number = n
Put these equations to the test, try some MCAT Physics questions with our free MCAT practice test.
Gold Standard MCAT Physics Equations - Trigonometry - The Basics
- Angle θ may be given in radians (R) where 1 revolution = 2πR = 360°
- Estimate square root 3 as 1.7 and root 2 as 1.4
- Cross-sectional area of a tube = area of a circle = πr2 where π can be estimated as 3.14 and r is the radius of the circle; circumference = 2πr
Put your Trigonometry knowledge to the test, try some MCAT Physics questions with our free MCAT practice test.
Gold Standard MCAT Physics Units to Memorize
- Both work and energy are measured in joules where 1 joule (J) = 1 N × 1 m . {Imperial units: the foot-pound , CGS units: the dyne-centimeter or erg }
- The SI unit for power is the watt (W) which equals one joule per second (J/s) = volts × amperes.
- Current is measured in amperes = coulombs/sec. The units of resistance are ohms, symbolized by Ω (omega), where 1 ohm = 1 volt/ampere.
- The SI unit for pressure is the pascal (1 Pa = 1 N/m2 ). Other units are: 1.00 atm = 1.01 × 105 Pa = 1.01 bar = 760 mmHg = 760 torr.
- The SI unit for the magnetic induction vector B is the tesla where 1 T = 1 N/(A)(m) = 104 gauss.
Put these Physics units to the test, try some MCAT Physics questions with our free MCAT practice test.
