NSW HSC Physics Formula Sheet: 5 Essential Exam Tips

The HSC Physics formula sheet is one of your most powerful allies during Year 12. It covers all the equations you’ll need for every core topic: motion, forces, waves, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, quantum mechanics, relativity, and nuclear physics.

You don’t have to waste valuable brain space memorising formulas. Even Physicists don’t memorise them; they look up formulas when needed and save their thinking for solving new problems!

But you need to know how to use the formulas 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.

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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. You need to know what each formula calculates, which variables it uses, and where it fits in the syllabus.

Test yourself:

• 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: Print a blank copy of the formula sheet and annotate it. Write:

• What it’s used for
• What each variable means
• The topic it relates to

For extra practice, create flashcards with one side showing a formula and the other side explaining its application.

Tip 2. Combine 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. Look for explicit values and 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

Many questions in the exam will ask you to solve for variables that aren’t already isolated. Make a habit of rearranging equations before plugging in numbers. This will reduce making mistakes or messy calculations.

Examples:

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

• In kinematics, given initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), and displacement (s), solve for acceleration (a):
  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 data sheet lists constants like:

• Speed of light \(c = 3.00 \times 10^8\) m/s

• Planck’s constant \(h = 6.63 \times 10^{-34}\) Js

• Gravitational constant \(G = 6.67 \times 10^{-11}\) Nm²/kg²

But in some questions, these won’t be handed to you; you’re expected to know when to reach for them!

Examples:

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

\(v = f\lambda\).

• When calculating the 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: Always check the units

Many students lose marks in the HSC Physics exams because they mismatch 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 by dividing by 3.6.
• SI prefixes matter! They indicate the scale of a unit, so getting them wrong can lead to big calculation errors. For example:
  • 1 kilometre = \(10^3\) metres
  • 1 micrometre = \(10^{-6}\) metres
• Watch out for similar-looking units:
  • Speed = \(m/s\)
  • Acceleration = \(m/s^{-2}\)
• Know units for less common quantities:
  • Charge = coulombs (C), not volts (V)
  • Magnetic flux = webers (Wb)
  • Energy is in joules (J), not watts (W); watts are power!
• For vectors like velocity, include both magnitude and direction unless only magnitude is asked.

Tip: When substituting values, write units for every variable. It forces you to double-check conversions and prevents careless mistakes.

What are the other common Physics exam errors, you ask? Read our guide on 6 Common Mistakes HSC Physics Students Make in Exams to learn what to watch out for and how to fix your mistakes.

Now, practise using your formula sheet!

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. Try this practice paper.

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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;

• Understand each formula’s role
• Combine equations logically
• Rearrange variables confidently
• Know when to apply constants
• Check that units are consistent

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