topic 1 - key concepts

• SI Units


  • Metre, m
  • Kilogram, kg
  • Second, s
  • Ampere, A
  • Kelvin, K
  • Mole, mol
  • Volt, V
  • Frequency, hertz, Hz
  • Force, newton, N
  • Energy, joule, J
  • Power, watt, W
  • Pressure, pascal, Pa
  • Charge, coulomb, C
  • Resistance, ohm, Ω
  • Magnetic Flux Density, tesla, T
• Prefixes


  • giga G x 10^9 1 billion
  • mega M x 10^6 1 million
  • kilo k x 10^3 1 thousand
  • centi c x 10^-2 1 hundredth
  • mili m x 10^-3 1 thousandth
  • micro µ x 10^-6 1 millionth
  • nano n x 10^-9 1 billionth
• Equations to Learn


  1. distance = speed × time

  2. a = (v - u) / t

  3. F = ma

  4. weight = mg

  5. ∆GPE = mg∆h

  6. KE = 1/2 mv^2

  7. efficiency = usefully energy output / total energy input

  8. wave speed = v = fλ

  9. wave speed = v = x/t

  10. work done = force × distance (moved in the direction of the force) = E = Fd

  11. Power = work done / time = energy transferred / time taken

  12. Moment of force = force × perpendicular distance

  13. energy transferred = charge moved × pd = E = QV

  14. charge = current × time = Q = It

  15. Voltage = Current × Resistance = V = IR

  16. Electrical Power = current × pd = P = IV

  17. Electrical power = current^2 × resistance = P = I^2R

  18. density = mass / volume = ρ = m/V

  19. force on spring = spring constant × extension = F = k∆x

  20. pressure = force / area = P = F/A
• Equations Given