MCAT Physics Equations Sheet

MCAT Physics throws a lot of equations your way, but don't worry, you don't have to remember them all! MCAT Physics throws a lot of equations your way, but don't worry—you don't have to remember them all! This guide focuses on the must-know, essential formulas you'll need to master for the exam, covering core concepts from motion (think: translating objects from point A to B) all the way to refraction and how light bends. By mastering these key equations, you'll have a solid foundation for tackling MCAT physics problems and feeling confident on test day.

MCAT Physics loves to test your understanding through equations, but memorizing everything can be overwhelming. By mastering these essential equation pairs, you'll unlock a powerful problem-solving approach that will conquer the MCAT physics section.

Note: Specific gravity (SG) is equivalent to the fraction of the height of a buoyant object below the surface of the fluid.

Not all MCAT physics equations demand memorization! This guide will help you navigate the ones you can understand conceptually.

MCAT Physics loves to test your understanding of the atom's inner workings! This guide will crack open the atomic nucleus and unravel the mysteries of 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.
• N_electrons = 2 n² , where N_electrons 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 = m_l
    • Determines the orbital
    • Possible values are: ± l , ... , 0
  • Spin quantum number = m_s
    • Determines the direction of rotation of the electron
    • Possible values are: ± 1/2

• Angle θ may be given in radians (R) where 1 revolution = 2π^R = 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

• 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.

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.

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 !).

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.

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.