AS Physics is the foundation of your A-Level Physics journey, a difficult subject that introduces you to the fascinating world of motion, energy, electricity, and waves. It is not considered among the easiest A-level subjects. Whether you’re following the Cambridge International or Edexcel syllabus, mastering the AS Physics formulas is crucial for success. These equations aren’t just symbols; they’re the key to understanding how the universe operates, from the force of gravity to the flow of electric current.

Unlike A-level biology, physics is a subject of formulas. Students often underestimate the importance of memorizing and applying these formulas accurately. In reality, your ability to recall the right equation quickly can make the difference between a top grade and a missed opportunity. Whether you’re studying in Pakistan, the UK, or pursuing your A-Levels in the UAE, the AS Physics syllabus follows the same scientific principles, which means these formulas are universally essential.

If you’re still deciding between Edexcel vs Cambridge A-Level Physics, you’ll notice that both boards emphasize quantitative problem-solving and practical applications. Hence, having a strong grip on the fundamental formulas early in AS Level sets a solid foundation for A2 Physics and beyond.

This blog compiles the essential AS Physics formulas you must know for your 2025 exams, organized by topic and explained in simple terms. Whether you’re revising for your upcoming tests or building your concept base for the complete A-Level Physics course, this guide will help you study smarter, not harder.

What are AS Physics Formulas?

AS Physics formulas are expressions that show a relation between two quantities. They are a language of physics. These formulas are the foundational blocks of complex physics concepts. These formulas form the backbone of every topic you study in AS Level Physics, from motion and energy to waves and electricity. For example, simple equations like F=maF = maF=ma (Force = mass × acceleration) or V=IRV = IRV=IR (Ohm’s Law) help you calculate how forces act or how current flows in a circuit. In both Cambridge and Edexcel AS Physics, formulas are not just for memorization; they are essential tools for solving numerical problems, understanding experiments, and explaining real-world phenomena. Learning these equations helps students build a strong conceptual base, making it easier to handle more complex topics in A2 and full A-Level Physics.

Why is learning AS physics formulas crucial?

In AS Physics, mastering formulas doesn’t mean to memorize them; it’s about building a deeper understanding of how those formulas work. Every equation you learn connects different quantities, showing the logic behind motion, energy, and forces. Without AS physics formulas, the physics is incomplete, as it is the balance of the forces on Earth. Knowing your formulas well gives you the speed and accuracy you need in both theory and problem-solving questions. Here’s why learning them is so important:

• Saves time during exams: Quick recall of formulas allows you to solve numerical and structured questions faster, giving you more time for analysis and explanation-based parts. It helps in time management during exams. 

• Helps understand relationships between physical quantities: Formulas reveal how changing one factor affects another. For example, how doubling the force affects acceleration or how resistance impacts current. It helps you understand the relationship between different quantities.
  
• Forms the base for A2 (second-year) topics: AS Physics formulas and concepts carry forward into the second year of A-level A2, so a strong command of these equations ensures you’re ready for advanced concepts of mechanics, fields, and quantum topics.
  
• Boosts numerical accuracy and problem-solving confidence: Regular practice with formulas sharpens your calculation skills, reduces errors, and builds confidence in tackling complex exam questions.
  

Topic-wise AS Physics Formula List:

The AS level of the physics syllabus consists of a vast topics. Each topic has its own essential formulas. Understanding how and when to apply these equations is the key to solving exam questions accurately and efficiently. Below is a topic-wise breakdown of the most important AS Physics formulas, neatly categorized for quick reference and revision.

1. Physical Quantities and Units

These are the basics that every student must know before tackling complex problems.

• Speed: v=dtv = \frac{d}{t}v=td​
  
• Acceleration: a=ΔvΔta = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}a=ΔtΔv​
  
• Density: ρ=mV\rho = \frac{m}{V}ρ=Vm​
  
• Force: F=maF = maF=ma

2. Kinematics (Motion in a Straight Line)

Kinematics deals with describing motion without considering the cause of it.

• v=u+atv = u + atv=u+at
  
• s=ut+12at2s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2s=ut+21​at2
  
• v2=u2+2asv^2 = u^2 + 2asv2=u2+2as
  
• s=(u+v)t2s = \frac{(u + v)t}{2}s=2(u+v)t​

3. Dynamics (Forces and Motion)

These formulas connect motion to the forces that cause it.

• Newton’s Second Law: F=maF = maF=ma
  
• Weight: W=mgW = mgW=mg
  
• Momentum: p=mvp = mvp=mv
  
• Impulse: FΔt=ΔpF\Delta t = \Delta pFΔt=Δp
  
• Frictional Force: F=μRF = \mu RF=μR

4. Work, Energy, and Power

Energy and work describe how forces cause movement and change.

• Work Done: W=Fdcos⁡θW = Fd\cos\thetaW=Fdcosθ
  
• Kinetic Energy: Ek=12mv2E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2Ek​=21​mv2
  
• Gravitational Potential Energy: Ep=mghE_p = mghEp​=mgh
  
• Power: P=WtP = \frac{W}{t}P=tW​ or P=FvP = FvP=Fv

5. Materials (Deformation and Elasticity)

These formulas describe how materials stretch and return to their original shape.

• Stress: σ=FA\sigma = \frac{F}{A}σ=AF​
  
• Strain: ϵ=ΔLL\epsilon = \frac{\Delta L}{L}ϵ=LΔL​
  
• Young’s Modulus: E=stressstrainE = \frac{\text{stress}}{\text{strain}}E=strainstress​
  
• Hooke’s Law: F=kxF = kxF=kx

6. Waves

Wave motion connects frequency, wavelength, and speed — core concepts for sound and light.

• Wave Speed: v=fλv = f\lambdav=fλ
  
• Frequency and Period: T=1fT = \frac{1}{f}T=f1​
  
• Snell’s Law (Refraction): n1sin⁡θ1=n2sin⁡θ2n_1\sin\theta_1 = n_2\sin\theta_2n1​sinθ1​=n2​sinθ2​
  
• Refractive Index: n=cvn = \frac{c}{v}n=vc​

7. Electricity

Understanding electrical relationships is crucial for circuit analysis and experiments.

• Ohm’s Law: V=IRV = IRV=IR
  
• Resistance in Series: RT=R1+R2+R3+…R_T = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + \dotsRT​=R1​+R2​+R3​+…
  
• Resistance in Parallel: 1RT=1R1+1R2+1R3+…\frac{1}{R_T} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} + \dotsRT​1​=R1​1​+R2​1​+R3​1​+…
  
• Power: P=IV=I2R=V2RP = IV = I^2R = \frac{V^2}{R}P=IV=I2R=RV2​
  
• Electrical Energy: E=VItE = VItE=VIt

8. Circular Motion (Extended AS Topics)

Describes the motion of objects moving in a circular path.

• Centripetal Force: F=mv2rF = \frac{mv^2}{r}F=rmv2​
  
• Centripetal Acceleration: a=v2ra = \frac{v^2}{r}a=rv2​
  
• Angular Velocity Relation: v=rωv = r\omegav=rω

9. Gravitational Fields (if included in syllabus)

Explains how masses attract each other with a force of gravity.

• Gravitational Field Strength: g=Fm=GMr2g = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{GM}{r^2}g=mF​=r2GM​
  
• Gravitational Potential Energy: Ep=−GMmrE_p = -\frac{GMm}{r}Ep​=−rGMm​

Formula sheet summary table:

Topic	Formula	Meaning / Description
Physical Quantities & Units	v=dtv = \frac{d}{t}v=td​	Speed = distance ÷ time
	a=ΔvΔta = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}a=ΔtΔv​	Acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time
	ρ=mV\rho = \frac{m}{V}ρ=Vm​	Density = mass ÷ volume
	F=maF = maF=ma	Force = mass × acceleration
Kinematics (Motion)	v=u+atv = u + atv=u+at	Final velocity after constant acceleration
	s=ut+12at2s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2s=ut+21​at2	Displacement with uniform acceleration
	v2=u2+2asv^2 = u^2 + 2asv2=u2+2as	Relationship between velocity, acceleration, and displacement
	s=(u+v)t2s = \frac{(u + v)t}{2}s=2(u+v)t​	Displacement = average velocity × time
Dynamics (Forces & Motion)	F=maF = maF=ma	Resultant force causes acceleration
	W=mgW = mgW=mg	Weight = mass × gravitational field strength
	p=mvp = mvp=mv	Momentum = mass × velocity
	FΔt=ΔpF\Delta t = \Delta pFΔt=Δp	Impulse = change in momentum
	F=μRF = \mu RF=μR	Frictional force = coefficient of friction × normal reaction
Work, Energy & Power	W=Fdcos⁡θW = Fd\cos\thetaW=Fdcosθ	Work done by a force
	Ek=12mv2E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2Ek​=21​mv2	Kinetic energy
	Ep=mghE_p = mghEp​=mgh	Gravitational potential energy
	P=WtP = \frac{W}{t}P=tW​ or P=FvP = FvP=Fv	Power = work ÷ time or force × velocity
Materials (Elasticity)	σ=FA\sigma = \frac{F}{A}σ=AF​	Stress = force ÷ cross-sectional area
	ϵ=ΔLL\epsilon = \frac{\Delta L}{L}ϵ=LΔL​	Strain = extension ÷ original length
	E=σϵE = \frac{\sigma}{\epsilon}E=ϵσ​	Young’s modulus = stress ÷ strain
	F=kxF = kxF=kx	Hooke’s law (force and extension)
Waves	v=fλv = f\lambdav=fλ	Wave speed = frequency × wavelength
	T=1fT = \frac{1}{f}T=f1​	Period = 1 ÷ frequency
	n1sin⁡θ1=n2sin⁡θ2n_1\sin\theta_1 = n_2\sin\theta_2n1​sinθ1​=n2​sinθ2​	Snell’s Law of refraction
	n=cvn = \frac{c}{v}n=vc​	Refractive index = speed of light in vacuum ÷ in medium
Electricity	V=IRV = IRV=IR	Ohm’s Law: voltage = current × resistance
	RT=R1+R2+R3+…R_T = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + \dotsRT​=R1​+R2​+R3​+…	Total resistance in series
	1RT=1R1+1R2+1R3+…\frac{1}{R_T} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} + \dotsRT​1​=R1​1​+R2​1​+R3​1​+…	Total resistance in parallel
	P=IV=I2R=V2RP = IV = I^2R = \frac{V^2}{R}P=IV=I2R=RV2​	Power formulas for electric circuits
	E=VItE = VItE=VIt	Electrical energy = voltage × current × time
Circular Motion (Extended AS)	F=mv2rF = \frac{mv^2}{r}F=rmv2​	Centripetal force
	a=v2ra = \frac{v^2}{r}a=rv2​	Centripetal acceleration
	v=rωv = r\omegav=rω	Relationship between linear and angular velocity
Gravitational Fields	g=Fm=GMr2g = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{GM}{r^2}g=mF​=r2GM​	Gravitational field strength
	Ep=−GMmrE_p = -\frac{GMm}{r}Ep​=−rGMm​	Gravitational potential energy (negative due to attraction)

Common mistakes to avoid:

Learning physics formulas can be tricky, not because they’re difficult, but because small misunderstandings often lead to big errors in exams. Besides these mistakes related to physics, there are some common mistakes students should avoid in O-level and A-level exams. Here are some common mistakes students should avoid when revising or applying AS Physics formulas:

1. Ignoring Units and Conversions: 

One of the most frequent errors is forgetting to convert values into SI units (e.g., cm → m, g → kg). Always check that all quantities are in base units before substituting into formulas.

2. Mixing Up Similar Symbols:

Many symbols look alike,  for instance, v (velocity) vs. V (potential difference) or f (frequency) vs. F (force). Be careful with uppercase and lowercase letters; they represent entirely different quantities.

3. Using Formulas Without Understanding:

Without knowing the application of a formula, memorizing formulas can be confusing when questions are phrased differently. Understand what each variable means and the physical relationship it represents before applying it.

4. Forgetting Vector Directions:

In physics, directions matter. Always indicate whether quantities like velocity, acceleration, and force act toward or away from a point. 

5. Putting in Wrong Values:

In multi-step problems, students often substitute incorrect intermediate results into formulas. Double-check your substitutions and maintain consistent variable labeling throughout.

6. Confusing Energy and Power Equations:

Energy (E=VItE = VItE=VIt) measures total work done, while Power (P=VIP = VIP=VI) measures the rate of doing work. Mixing these two is a classic exam mistake — remember, energy involves time, power does not.

7. Forgetting to Square or Square Root:

 Many formulas (e.g., v2=u2+2asv^2 = u^2 + 2asv2=u2+2as or Ek=12mv2E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2Ek​=21​mv2) require squaring terms. A single missed exponent can completely change your answer. 

8. Not Checking Formula Applicability:

Some equations, like the SUVAT formulas, are valid only under constant acceleration. Always verify the conditions before using a formula. Misplacing a formula will lead to a deduction of marks, affecting your A-level result. 

9. Ignoring Negative Signs:

In topics like gravitational potential or motion, a misplaced or missing negative sign can flip your direction or meaning entirely. Double-check signs for surety. They can change your answer completely.

10. Lack of Practice:

Formulas become second nature only through repetition. Avoid the mistake of memorizing once; instead, practice applying them in past paper questions and numerical problems. Practicing through past papers is a crucial step. Also, practice these formulas regularly during your revision strategies. 

How VACE Global Helps You Master AS Physics:

At VACE Global, we make mastering AS Physics easier, smarter, and more result-oriented. Our expert faculty focuses on building a strong conceptual foundation so you not only memorize formulas but also understand how and when to apply them. Whether you’re preparing for any board exams, our structured lessons, practice sessions, and real exam-style problem-solving strategies ensure you’re fully prepared.

VACE Global also offers merit-based scholarship programs to reward high-achieving students, along with short courses for quick and focused revision before exams. If you’re aiming for top grades in AS Physics or planning to continue to A-Level Physics, now is the perfect time to take the next step.

Enroll now or contact us today to start your journey with VACE Global, where academic excellence meets personalized learning.

FAQs:

Q1. Are all AS Physics formulas given in the data booklet?
No, some, especially the SUVAT and work-energy formulas, must be memorized.

Q2. Which topics are most formula-heavy in AS Physics?
Mechanics, Electricity, and Waves have the most numerical formulas.

Q3. Do Edexcel and Cambridge AS Physics have different formulas?
Most are similar, but some topics differ slightly in notation and constants.

Q4. What’s the best way to remember all formulas before the exam?
Practice past papers and create your own formula flashcards.

Q5. Does VACE Global provide AS Physics crash courses?
Yes! Our crash courses help students revise formulas and exam techniques efficiently.