Tips for Memorising O Level / A Level Physics Formulae Easily

Which is your most dreaded part about studying physics at O Levels or A Levels? For some, it is all the calculations. For others, it might be difficulty understanding certain concepts. But one thing you can’t overlook in order to excel in physics is: memorising the formulae.

Compared to subjects like biology and chemistry, physics involves more application rather than memorisation. However, you need to know the formulae well in order to start solving the problems. If you have trouble memorising the physics formulae, here are some tips to help you out!

1. Create mnemonics

Some formulae have well known mnemonics to help you remember them. For example, one of the well-known tips for trigonometry is TOA CAH SOH to help you remember the trigonometric ratios. Similarly, in physics there are existing mnemonics or you can create your own!

Some great examples found online include:

Work done

“Work makes me mad”

Work = m x a x d

(Derived from f = m x a and Work = f x d)

Ohm’s Law

“Very Important Rats”

V= IR

Pressure

“Filthy Apple Pie”

F = A x p

2. Understand how the formulae are connected

When memorising physics formulae, it’s useful to know how they work and how different formulae are interrelated. We suggest grouping the formulae according to topics and finding overlapping points between related formulae. You can also draw a flowchart to link the formulae that are connected.

An advantage to this is that you might not even need to memorise every single formulae. For example, consider the following formulae:

P = V x I

V = I x R

Although the formulae does not directly connect P to R, you can manipulate them to get from P to R if you need. In fact, that will get you the formula P = I²R.

So, instead of memorising all 3 formulae, you just need to know 2 of them and you can link all the variables together. It all depends on whether you find it easier to memorise all the different permutations of formulae, or you find it easier to re-arrange the formula on the spot.

3. Repeated exposure

If you find it difficult to just sit down and memorise formulae, you can spread out the work over time. The key is to display the formulae in prominent places so that you see them often. Soon, you will be able to remember them with little effort!

For example, you can write different formulae on post-its and stick them in your planner and study desk. You can even set the formulae as the wallpaper on your phone or computer. From time to time, try testing yourself by covering the post-it and trying to recall what was written. You can also create flashcards to quiz yourself.

4. Put them into practice

In the exams, it is not enough to memorise the formulae. You need to know how to apply them! As you solve more practice questions, recalling the formulae and using them will become more intuitive.

Doing past year papers will also reveal common question types and ‘traps’ that occur for each topic and formulae. As an example, many students might mix up the units for certain formulae, or forget that some values can only be positive numbers, while some can be negative.

Conclusion

We hope these tips serve you well in memorising your O Level or A Level Physics formulae, or even formulae in math and chemistry! It may feel difficult, but memorisation should really be the first step in mastering these subjects.

In reality, the toughest questions in O Level and A Levels are no longer about memorisation, but about applying the concepts and skills to novel problems. Need more help or advice on how to study more effectively? Our JC Physics tutors are here to help!

Similar to our IP Math Tuition and other math and science tuition classes, our tutors will guide you with patience and clear explanations, along with plenty of skill-appropriate practices and individual feedback on how you can improve quicker. Enquire today to transform your grades today!