AQA GCSE Physics Equation Sheet

What is the AQA GCSE Physics equation sheet?

Most exam boards will provide an equation sheet for GCSE Physics exams. These sheets contain equations you should know but don’t need to memorise. This article is about the AQA GCSE Physics Equation Sheet, which is different for other subjects and exam boards. 

What does the AQA GCSE Physics equations sheet look like?

This is the equation sheet for students taking their Physics, Combined Science: Trilogy and Combined Science: Synergy exams with AQA in 2023. 

The Top Part of the AQA GCSE Physics Equation Sheet

Source: AQA Website  

Each year AQA may make some changes to this document. The latest version is available here, then select the month and year you will take your exams. For example, if it is January 2024 then select June 2023 as the most recent version. To give students affected by school closures additional support, in recent years, a revised version of the equation sheet has been provided which contains all equations and formulae that students may need to know. From 2025 normal exam arrangements will return and the equation sheet will no longer contain all equations.

Why do you get a Physics GCSE equations sheet?

To help you out! It saves you spending lots of time learning all equations by heart. The AQA equation sheet gives you some of the hardest equations. You only need to be able to use them. There is much more to Physics than memorising facts, such as conducting experiments and explaining how things work. Your examiner is assessing your application of physics knowledge, not your ability to regurgitate all the equations. 

Does the equation sheet for AQA GCSE Physics include all the equations I need to know?

This is important! The equation sheet is not an exhaustive list of all GCSE Physics equations, only a selection of the hardest ones. The AQA exam board thinks you should be confident and familiar with the equations not listed, so you don’t need to be reminded of them on the equation sheet. Remember to familiarise yourself with the units of all the quantities in each equation, as these are not on the AQA GCSE Physics equation sheet. You can find all the other equations you need for your course in your textbook or by asking your teacher. 

How can I use my AQA GCSE Physics equation sheet effectively in my exam?

Have the equation sheet visible on your desk whilst writing your exam, which makes it quick and easy to check equations. If you have time, use the equation sheet to check over the equations you have used. Don’t waste time during your exam by looking through the equation sheet. Make sure you know where each equation is. The examiner will not mark anything written on the equation sheet in the exam, so write all your workings on your exam paper. 

How can I prepare to use my GCSE equation sheet for Physics in my exam? 

Practice! Use the equation sheet in class, during your revision and absolutely during your mock exams. The more you use it, the more familiar it becomes. Before starting your exams you should know what equations are on the GCSE Physics equation sheet and where exactly they are so you can find them easily. For example, the equation for gravitational field strength is at the top of page 1.

An Example of Labelled Rows in the Equation Sheet

Rows 1,2 and 3 of AQA GCSE Physics Equations sheet 2023

Source: AQA Website  

Pin it on your wall where you study, keep a copy in your exercise or textbook, and have an annotated version with colours and reminders of things you found tricky or confusing (An example is below). Don’t try to take your annotated GCSE Physics equation sheet into the exam hall, as it won’t be allowed. You will be given a fresh, clean document just for that exam. 

What should I know about my AQA GCSE Physics equation sheet?

Any equations in bold are for students studying the higher-tier papers only. If you are studying the foundation tier then you can ignore those equations. The equations are grouped per topic and given in both words and symbols. You will use the same equation sheet for both papers 1 and 2. 

How do I know which course I am studying in Physics?

Look in your school report, on your school’s website, or ask your Physics teacher. You need to know and use different parts of your equation booklet if you are studying Physics as a single GCSE or Co-ordinated Science Course and if you are studying in the foundation or higher tier. Higher tier students will be aiming for a grade 6 to 9. 

An Example of An Annotated Equation Sheet