NSW HSC Physics Formula Sheet: 5 Essential Exam Tips

The HSC Physics formula sheet is one of the most valuable tools you have in Year 12 Phsyics exams. It contains key equations covering motion, forces, waves, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, quantum mechanics, relativity, and nuclear physics.

You don’t have to waste valuable brain space memorising formulas. That’s how scientists work; they look up formulas when needed and save their thinking for solving new problems!

Download your FREE foldable Physics Cheatsheet

Get the competitive edge for your next Physics assessment!

Download now

Download your FREE foldable Physics Cheatsheet

Fill out your details below to get this resource emailed to you.

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Postcode*

Grade in 2025*

Grade in 2025123456789101112

Hidden

Resource (DO NOT DELETE OR CHANGE)

By submitting this form, you agree to receive promotional messages from Matrix about its products and services. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of our emails.

But you need to know how to use them effectively and efficiently. Think of the formula sheet like a toolbox: If you don’t know which tool to pick or how to use it properly, you could easily make mistakes.

Here are five expert tips to help you make the most of your formula sheet during the HSC Physics exam:

• Tip 1: Understand what each formula represents
• Tip 2. Group and link formulas to solve complex problems
• Tip 3: Learn how to rearrange equations quickly
• Tip 4: Know when to use data values from the sheet
• Tip 5: Keep an eye on units

Tip 1: Understand what each formula represents

The formula sheet includes a lot of information—but there are no labels explaining what the symbols mean or what each formula is for! You might have added notes while studying, but you won’t have access to them in the exam.

Test yourself:
Print a blank copy of the formula sheet and write next to each formula what it calculates and when to use it.

For example:

• Magnetic fields:
  Do you know when to use:

\(B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2 \pi r}\) versus \(B = \frac{\mu_0 N I}{L}\)?

• Gravitational potential energy:
  Do you know when to use:

\(U = mgh\) and when to use \(U = -\frac{GMm}{r}\)?

• Variable meanings:
  Is \(r\) the radius of a planet, or the radius of its orbit?

Tip: Some symbols, like \(\lambda\), can mean different things in different equations (e.g., wavelength or decay constant). Always check the context before plugging in numbers.

Tip 2. Group and link formulas to solve complex problems

Many Year 12 HSC questions require you to combine multiple formulas to reach the final answer. Recognising how formulas connect will save time and reduce errors.

For example, when solving a projectile motion question:

1. Check what information you are given in the question. As well as explicit values, look for keywords like “dropped”, which tells you that the object starts with zero vertical velocity.
2. Choose the equation that links the known variables to the unknown you are trying to find.
3. Remember that even though vertical and horizontal motion are independent, one can give clues about the other: time of flight is usually found from vertical motion, and can be used to calculate range.

Other examples of formula combinations:

• Electric circuits: Use Ohm’s Law \(V=IR\) with the power formula \(P=VI\) to solve for energy dissipation \(P= I^2 R\) in resistors.
• Circular motion: If you can find an expression for the net force on an object in a uniform circular motion problem, it can be equated to the centripetal force \(F = \frac{m v^2}{r}\) to show useful results.
• Gravity: The formulas \(W=mg\) and \(F=\frac{GMm}{r^2}\) can both be used to calculate the force on an object due to gravity – equating them gives an expression for \(g\)

Tip: Practise “show” questions to get a feel for which equations can be combined.

Tip 3. Learn how to rearrange equations quickly

In exams, you’ll often need to solve for variables that aren’t already isolated. Rearranging equations before plugging in numbers reduces mistakes.

Examples:

• Given power (P) and resistance (R), asked for current (I):
  Start with \(P = I^2 R\),
  rearrange to \(I = \sqrt{\frac{P}{R}}\).

• Asked for acceleration (a) in kinematics:
  Start with \(v^2 = u^2 + 2as\),
  rearrange to \(a = \frac{v^2 – u^2}{2s}\).

Tip: Get comfortable with algebra. Rearrange first, then substitute numbers.

Tip 4: Know when to use data values from the sheet

Your formula sheet also includes important constants like the speed of light, Planck’s constant, and Earth’s radius. Some questions won’t explicitly give you these values—you’ll need to know when to apply them.

Examples:

• Given a radio wave’s wavelength, you’ll need to remember its speed equals the speed of light to use the wave equation,

\(v = f\lambda\).

• When calculating gravitational potential energy of an orbiting satellite, don’t forget to add the satellite’s altitude to Earth’s radius in:

\(U = -\frac{GMm}{r}\).

Tip: While revising, make a list next to your data sheet of past questions where you’ve used each constant. This helps you spot when they’re needed.

Tip 5: Keep an eye on units

Both sides of an equation must have matching units. Using SI units makes life easier and ensures your answers are correct.

Remember:

• Convert units as needed. For example, change kilometres per hour to metres per second.
• SI prefixes matter!
  • 1 kilometre = \(10^3\) metres
  • 1 micrometre = \(10^{-6}\) metres
• Watch out for similar-looking units:
  • Speed = \(m s^{-1}\)
  • Acceleration = \(m s^{-2}\)
• Know units for less common quantities:
  • Charge = coulombs (C)
  • Magnetic flux = webers (Wb)
• For vectors like velocity, include both magnitude and direction unless only magnitude is asked.

Tip: Always write units when listing variables. It forces you to double-check conversions and prevents careless mistakes.

Final thoughts

The formula sheet is your secret weapon—but only if you know how to use it well. You can solve problems faster and more accurately, if you;

• understanding each formula’s purpose
• combining equations strategically
• rearranging variables confidently
• knowing when to apply constants
• checking units carefully

Practise using the formula sheet under timed conditions before your exam. That way, it feels natural, and you’ll stay calm and focused on the day.

Download your FREE foldable Physics Cheatsheet

Get the competitive edge for your next Physics assessment!

Download now

Download your FREE foldable Physics Cheatsheet

Fill out your details below to get this resource emailed to you.

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Postcode*

Grade in 2025*

Grade in 2025123456789101112

Hidden

Resource (DO NOT DELETE OR CHANGE)

By submitting this form, you agree to receive promotional messages from Matrix about its products and services. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of our emails.