Physics Formula Booklet IBDP

The IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) Physics Formula Booklet is a comprehensive resource for students to quickly reference key formulas needed to solve physics problems across topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity. Here, we’ll cover some commonly used formulas with examples to illustrate their use.

1. Newton’s Second Law of Motion

Newton's Second Law of Motion describes how force (F) is related to mass (m) and acceleration (a).

Formula: F = ma

Example: Calculate the force required to accelerate a 5 kg object at 3 m/s².

Given: m = 5 kg, a = 3 m/s²
Calculation: F = 5 kg × 3 m/s² = 15 N
Result: The force is 15 Newtons.

2. Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy (KE) represents the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Formula: KE = 1/2 mv²

Example: Find the kinetic energy of a 2 kg object moving at 4 m/s.

Given: m = 2 kg, v = 4 m/s
Calculation: KE = 1/2 × 2 kg × (4 m/s)² = 16 J
Result: The kinetic energy is 16 Joules.

3. Ohm’s Law

Ohm's Law relates voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit.

Formula: V = IR

Example: Calculate the voltage across a resistor with resistance 10 Ω carrying a current of 2 A.

Given: R = 10 Ω, I = 2 A
Calculation: V = 10 Ω × 2 A = 20 V
Result: The voltage is 20 Volts.

4. Gravitational Potential Energy

Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy stored in an object due to its height above ground level.

Formula: GPE = mgh

Example: Calculate the GPE of a 3 kg object positioned 10 meters above the ground (using g = 9.8 m/s²).

Given: m = 3 kg, g = 9.8 m/s², h = 10 m
Calculation: GPE = 3 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 10 m = 294 J
Result: The gravitational potential energy is 294 Joules.

Conclusion

The IBDP Physics Formula Booklet provides students with a quick reference to essential physics formulas, facilitating problem-solving across different physics topics. Mastery of these formulas, along with their applications, is vital for success in the IBDP Physics curriculum.