MCAT Physics Equations

Newton’s Second Law

F = ma

Work by a constant force

W = Fd cos θ

Work Kinetic Energy Theorem

Wnet = ΔKE

Kinetic Energy

KE = ½ mv²

Potential Energy

PE = mgh

h = height

Potential Energy

PE = ½ kx²

k = spring constant

x = distance spring is stretched

Pascal’s Law of Hydrostatic Pressure

P = ρgh

ρ = density of the liquid

h = depth/height of the liquid

Continuity Equation

A*v = constant

A = cross sectional area of flow

V = velocity

Bernoulli’s Equation

P + ½ ρv² + ρgh = constant

P = hydrostatic pressure

Ideal Gas Law

PV = nRT

n = amount of gas in mols

R = universal gas constant (8.314)

T= temperature in Kelvins

Boyle’s Law

PV = constant, P1V1 = P2V2

Charle’s Law

V/T = constant, V1/T1 = V2/T2

Avagadro’s Law

V/n = constant, V1/n1 = V2/n2

Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures

Ptotal = P1 + P2…

Coulomb’s Law

F = k*(q1q2/r²)

Constant Current

I = ΔQ/Δt

Ohm’s Law

I = V/R

I = Current

V = voltage

R = resistance

Resistivity

ρ = R*A/L

ρ = Resistivity

R = Resistance

A = Cross sectional area

L = length

Photon Energy

E = hf

E = Photon Energy

h = Plank’s Constant (6.62607015×10⁻³⁴)

f = Frequency

Snell’s Law

n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2

Lens Equation

1/f = 1/p + 1/q

f = Focal Length

p = Distance of the Object from the Lens

q = Distance of the Image from the Lens

*For a convex lens the focal length will always be positive and for a concave lens, the focal length will always be negative

Kinematics Equations

Xf = Xi + vt

vf = vi + at

vf² = vi + at

Vf2 = Vi² + 2Δx

Δx = vit + ½ at²