Essential Physics Equations for Your Year 10 Exam

Matter equations help you understand why objects behave differently. The density formula (mass ÷ volume) explains why oil floats on water and why helium balloons rise. You'll use this loads in calculations about materials and floating objects.

Thermal energy equations are crucial for heating and cooling problems. The first one calculates how much energy you need to heat something up (like boiling water for tea). The second deals with energy changes during melting or boiling - when substances change state without getting hotter.

Electricity equations are probably the most useful in everyday life. Ohm's Law $V = I × R$ helps you understand why phone chargers get warm and how electrical circuits work. The power equations tell you how much electricity your devices use and why some appliances cost more to run.

Wave equations connect frequency and wavelength to wave speed. This applies to everything from radio waves in your WiFi to sound waves from your speakers.

Exam Tip: The equations in red boxes will be given to you on the data sheet, so focus on understanding when and how to use them rather than memorising every single one!