What are the most important physics formulas every student should know?

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Physics combines theoretical concepts with mathematical formulas to explain real-world phenomena. Mastering key formulas is crucial for excelling in exams like NEET, JEE, and Class 9-12 Boards. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most essential physics formulas categorized by motion, force, work-energy, and optics.

1. Kinematics (Motion) Formulas:

Formula	Meaning
v = u + at	Final velocity after time t
s = ut + ½ at²	Displacement after time t
v² = u² + 2as	Relation of velocity, displacement
s = (u + v)t / 2	Average displacement

2. Newton's Laws of Motion:

F = ma (Force = Mass × Acceleration)
Action = -Reaction (Third Law)

3. Work, Power, Energy:

Work Done (W) = Force × Displacement = F × d × cosθ
Kinetic Energy = ½ mv²
Potential Energy = mgh
Power = Work/Time

4. Gravitation:

Force of Gravity = G (m₁m₂)/r²
Acceleration due to gravity = g = 9.8 m/s²

5. Circular Motion:

Centripetal Force = mv²/r

6. Optics:

Lens Formula = 1/f = 1/v - 1/u
Magnification = h₂/h₁ = v/u

7. Electricity:

Ohm's Law: V = IR
Power = VI = I²R = V²/R
Resistance in series = R = R₁ + R₂ + ...
Resistance in parallel = 1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + ...

Important Physics Formulas Chart

Category	Formula	Description
Kinematics	v = u + at	Final velocity after time t
Kinematics	s = ut + ½at²	Displacement after time t
Kinematics	v² = u² + 2as	Relation between velocity & displacement
Kinematics	s = (u + v)t / 2	Average displacement
Newton's Laws	F = ma	Force = mass × acceleration
Newton's Laws	Action = -Reaction	Every action has an equal and opposite reaction
Work & Energy	W = Fd cosθ	Work done
Work & Energy	KE = ½mv²	Kinetic energy
Work & Energy	PE = mgh	Potential energy
Work & Energy	P = W / t	Power (rate of doing work)
Gravitation	F = Gm₁m₂ / r²	Universal law of gravitation
Gravitation	g = 9.8 m/s²	Acceleration due to gravity
Circular Motion	F_c = mv² / r	Centripetal force
Optics	1/f = 1/v - 1/u	Lens formula
Optics	M = h₂/h₁ = v/u	Magnification
Electricity	V = IR	Ohm's Law
Electricity	P = VI	Electrical power
Electricity	P = I²R	Power in terms of current
Electricity	P = V²/R	Power in terms of voltage
Electricity	R_series = R₁+R₂+...	Series resistance
Electricity	1/R_parallel = 1/R₁+1/R₂+...	Parallel resistance

These formulas are high frequency exam questions. Memorizing them aids in quick problem-solving and better conceptual clarity.

What are the most important physics formulas every student should know?

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