Physics Cheatsheet

Physics Cheatsheet MASTER KINEMATICS (MOTION IN 1D MADE EASY) Struggling with motion concepts? Let's break it down step-by-step 1. Vectors vs Scalars Scalars = magnitude only Examples: distance, speed, time, mass Vectors = magnitude + direction Examples: displacement, velocity, acceleration Quick Tip: ✔ Scalars → "how much" ✔ Vectors → "how much + which direction" 2. Displacement, Velocity & Acceleration Displacement (Δx): change in position (vector) Velocity (v): rate of change of displacement v = Δx / Δt Acceleration (a): rate of change of velocity a = Δv / Δt Quick Tip: ✔ Velocity tells you how fast AND where ✔ Acceleration tells you how velocity is changing 3. Equations of Motion (SUVAT) Used when acceleration is constant. Formulas: v = u + at Δx = ut + ½at² v² = u² + 2aΔx Δx = (u + v)/2 · t Quick Tip: ✔ Identify: u, v, a, t before choosing formula ✔ No time? → use v² = u² + 2aΔx 4. Graphs of Motion Position–Time Graph: ✔ Slope = velocity Velocity–Time Graph: ✔ Slope = acceleration ✔ Area = displacement Acceleration–Time Graph: ✔ Area = change in velocity Quick Tip: ✔ "Slope = rate" ✔ "Area = total change" 5. Vertical Projectile Motion (Free Fall) Object moves under gravity only. Acceleration: g = 9.8 m·s⁻² (downwards) Key ideas: ✔ Upward motion slows down ✔ At the top: v = 0 ✔ Downward motion speeds up Quick Tip: ✔ Always choose a direction (up or down) as positive ✔ Stay consistent with signs Want to master Physics and boost your exam marks? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER NEWTON'S LAWS & FORCES (CLEAR & SIMPLE) Forces confusing you? Let's break everything down step-by-step 1. Types of Forces Weight (W): force due to gravity W = mg Normal Force (N): support force from a surface Tension (T): force in a rope/string Friction (f): force opposing motion Quick Tip: ✔ Weight always acts downwards ✔ Normal force is perpendicular to surface ✔ Tension pulls away from object 2. Free-Body Diagrams A diagram showing all forces acting on an object. How to draw: ✔ Represent object as a dot/block ✔ Draw ALL forces as arrows ✔ Label each force clearly Quick Tip: ✔ No motion arrows — only forces ✔ Keep it simple and neat 3. Static & Kinetic Friction Static Friction (fₛ): prevents motion fₛ ≤ μₛN Kinetic Friction (fₖ): acts during motion fₖ = μₖN Quick Tip: ✔ Static = "stopping motion from starting" ✔ Kinetic = "slowing motion down" ✔ μ (mu) = coefficient of friction 4. Newton's Laws First Law (Inertia): Object stays at rest or constant velocity unless acted on Second Law: Fₙₑₜ = ma Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction Quick Tip: ✔ No net force → no acceleration ✔ Acceleration follows direction of net force 5. Applications (Real Exam Problems) Inclined Planes: ✔ Break forces into components ✔ Parallel and perpendicular to slope Pulleys: ✔ Tension usually same in one rope Lifts (Elevators): ✔ Moving up/down changes normal force Two-Body Systems: ✔ Treat as one system OR separate carefully Quick Tip: ✔ Always start with a free-body diagram ✔ Resolve forces before using F = ma Want to master force problems and stop losing easy marks? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER MOMENTUM, WORK, ENERGY & POWER (SIMPLIFIED) These topics are where most exam marks come from — let's make them easy 1. Momentum Formula: p = mv Momentum = mass × velocity (vector) Quick Tip: ✔ Bigger mass or speed = bigger momentum ✔ Direction matters (velocity is a vector) 2. Impulse & Change in Momentum Formula: Impulse = Δp = FΔt Force acting over time changes momentum Quick Tip: ✔ Longer time → smaller force (safety idea: airbags!) ✔ Area under force–time graph = impulse 3. Conservation of Momentum Total momentum before = total momentum after Applies when: ✔ No external forces Quick Tip: ✔ Always define a direction as positive ✔ Use: m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ 4. Elastic & Inelastic Collisions Elastic: ✔ Momentum conserved ✔ Kinetic energy conserved Inelastic: ✔ Momentum conserved Kinetic energy NOT conserved Perfectly inelastic: ✔ Objects stick together Quick Tip: ✔ "Stick together" → same final velocity 5. Work Formula: W = FΔx cosθ Work = force × displacement in direction of force Quick Tip: ✔ No movement → no work done ✔ Opposite direction → negative work 6. Kinetic & Potential Energy Kinetic Energy: KE = ½mv² Gravitational Potential Energy: PE = mgh Quick Tip: ✔ Moving = KE ✔ Height = PE 7. Conservation of Mechanical Energy Total Energy: ME = KE + PE If no losses: Total before = total after Quick Tip: ✔ Use when no friction/air resistance ✔ Energy changes form, not lost 8. Power & Efficiency Power: P = W/t Efficiency: Efficiency = (useful output / input) × 100% Quick Tip: ✔ Power = how fast work is done ✔ Efficiency is ALWAYS ≤ 100% Want to master calculations and score easy marks in exams? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER GRAVITATIONAL & ELECTRIC FIELDS (MADE SIMPLE) Fields can feel abstract — but once you get them, they're easy marks 1. Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation Formula: F = G(m₁m₂ / r²) Every object attracts every other object Quick Tip: ✔ Bigger masses → stronger force ✔ Greater distance → weaker force (inverse square!) 2. Gravitational Field Strength (g) Definition: Force per unit mass Formula: g = F/m OR g = GM / r² Quick Tip: ✔ Near Earth: g = 9.8 m·s⁻² ✔ g decreases as distance increases 3. Coulomb's Law Formula: F = k(q₁q₂ / r²) Force between charged particles Quick Tip: ✔ Like charges repel ✔ Opposite charges attract ✔ Also follows inverse square law 4. Electric Fields & Field Strength Definition: Force per unit charge Formula: E = F/q Direction: ✔ From positive → negative Quick Tip: ✔ Positive test charge is always assumed ✔ Field lines show direction of force 5. Resultant Forces & Fields When multiple forces/fields act: ✔ Add vectors Can be: ✔ Same direction → add ✔ Opposite → subtract Quick Tip: ✔ Always consider direction carefully ✔ Draw diagrams to avoid mistakes Want to master field questions and avoid common exam traps? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER ELECTRIC CIRCUITS (EASY BREAKDOWN) Circuits can be confusing — but once you know the rules, it's straightforward 1. Ohm's Law Formula: V = IR Voltage = current × resistance Quick Tip: ✔ V (volts), I (amps), R (ohms) ✔ If resistance increases → current decreases 2. Series & Parallel Circuits Series: ✔ One path ✔ Current is the same everywhere ✔ Voltage is shared Parallel: ✔ Multiple paths ✔ Voltage is the same across branches ✔ Current splits Quick Tip: ✔ Series → "same current" ✔ Parallel → "same voltage" 3. Resistance Calculations Series: Rₜ = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ Parallel: 1/Rₜ = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃ Quick Tip: ✔ Series → total resistance increases ✔ Parallel → total resistance decreases 4. Power & Energy in Circuits Power: P = VI OR P = I²R OR P = V²/R Energy: E = Pt Quick Tip: ✔ Power = rate of energy use ✔ Units: watts (W) and joules (J) 5. Internal Resistance Real batteries have internal resistance (r) Formula: V = ε − Ir Quick Tip: ✔ Terminal voltage decreases when current flows ✔ Lost energy = heat inside battery 6. EMF (Electromotive Force) Definition: Total energy supplied per coulomb Symbol: ε Quick Tip: ✔ EMF is not a force — it's energy per charge ✔ Measured in volts Want to master circuit problems and stop losing marks in exams? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER ELECTRODYNAMICS (SIMPLIFIED & CLEAR) Electricity + magnetism = easy marks if you understand the basics 1. Magnetic Fields Around a current-carrying conductor: ✔ Field forms concentric circles Around a solenoid: ✔ Acts like a bar magnet Quick Tip: ✔ Use right-hand rule to find direction ✔ Thumb = current, fingers = field direction 2. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor A current in a magnetic field experiences a force Formula: F = BIL Quick Tip: ✔ Use left-hand rule ✔ Thumb = force, first finger = field, second finger = current 3. Generators Convert mechanical energy → electrical energy Works by electromagnetic induction Quick Tip: ✔ Movement in magnetic field → current produced ✔ AC generators produce alternating current 4. Transformers Change voltage levels Formula: Vₚ / Vₛ = Nₚ / Nₛ Quick Tip: ✔ Step-up → increases voltage ✔ Step-down → decreases voltage ✔ Works with AC only 5. Induced EMF Voltage produced when magnetic flux changes Factors affecting it: ✔ Speed of motion ✔ Strength of magnetic field ✔ Number of coils Quick Tip: ✔ Faster change → bigger induced emf ✔ Direction given by Lenz's Law (opposes change) Want to master electromagnetism and secure exam marks easily? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER PHOTONS & ELECTRONS (QUICK & CLEAR) Modern physics can feel tricky — but it's actually very logical 1. Photoelectric Effect Definition: Emission of electrons when light shines on a metal Key idea: ✔ Light behaves like particles (photons) Quick Tip: ✔ No electrons emitted if frequency is too low ✔ Increasing intensity ≠ more energy per electron 2. Energy of Photons Formula: E = hf (h = Planck's constant, f = frequency) Quick Tip: ✔ Higher frequency → higher energy ✔ Frequency matters more than intensity 3. Threshold Frequency Definition: Minimum frequency needed to eject electrons Symbol: f₀ Quick Tip: ✔ If f < f₀ → no emission ✔ If f ≥ f₀ → electrons are emitted 4. Kinetic Energy of Emitted Electrons Formula: KE = hf − W (W = work function) Quick Tip: ✔ Extra energy becomes kinetic energy ✔ Higher frequency → faster electrons Want to master modern physics and boost your exam confidence? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY (CALCULATIONS MADE EASY) Struggling with chemistry calculations? Let's simplify everything 1. Mole Concept Definition: 1 mole = 6.02 × 10²³ particles Key formulas: n=m/M n = N / Nₐ Quick Tip: ✔ "mole = amount of substance" ✔ Always convert to moles first before solving 2. Concentration Calculations Formula: c=n/V Units: mol·dm⁻³ Quick Tip: ✔ Volume must be in dm³ ✔ 1 dm³ = 1000 cm³ 3. Stoichiometry Uses balanced equations to calculate quantities Steps: ✔ Balance equation ✔ Convert to moles ✔ Use mole ratio ✔ Convert to required unit Quick Tip: ✔ Mole ratio comes from coefficients ✔ Never skip balancing! 4. Gas Calculations Molar gas volume: ✔ 22.4 dm³ (at STP) Useful formula: n = V / 22.4 Quick Tip: ✔ Only use 22.4 dm³ at STP ✔ Always check conditions given Want to master chemistry calculations and stop losing marks? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER CHEMICAL BONDING (SIMPLE & CLEAR) Bonding is the foundation of chemistry — once you get this, everything gets easier 1. Types of Bonding Ionic Bonding: ✔ Transfer of electrons ✔ Metal + non-metal Covalent Bonding: ✔ Sharing of electrons ✔ Non-metal + non-metal Metallic Bonding: ✔ "Sea of electrons" around metal ions Quick Tip: ✔ Ionic → transfer ✔ Covalent → share ✔ Metallic → free-moving electrons 2. Electronegativity Definition: Ability of an atom to attract electrons Key idea: ✔ Difference determines bond type Quick Tip: ✔ Big difference → ionic ✔ Small difference → covalent 3. Intermolecular Forces Forces between molecules (not bonds!) Types: ✔ London forces (weakest) ✔ Dipole-dipole ✔ Hydrogen bonding (strongest) Quick Tip: ✔ Stronger forces → higher boiling point ✔ Hydrogen bonding = H with N, O, or F 4. Molecular Shape Determined by electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) Examples: ✔ Linear ✔ Trigonal planar ✔ Tetrahedral Quick Tip: ✔ Electron pairs repel → shape changes ✔ Shape affects polarity Want to master bonding and understand chemistry deeper? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER ENERGY CHANGE & REACTION RATES (EASY BREAKDOWN) Understanding energy and rates = easy marks in exams 1. Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions Exothermic: ✔ Releases energy (heat) ✔ Temperature increases Endothermic: ✔ Absorbs energy ✔ Temperature decreases Quick Tip: ✔ Exo = "exit heat" ✔ Endo = "energy in" 2. Activation Energy Definition: Minimum energy needed for a reaction to occur Symbol: Eₐ Quick Tip: ✔ Even exothermic reactions need activation energy ✔ Catalyst lowers activation energy 3. Factors Affecting Reaction Rate Main factors: ✔ Temperature ✔ Concentration ✔ Surface area ✔ Catalysts Quick Tip: ✔ Higher temperature → faster particles → more collisions ✔ More concentration → more frequent collisions 4. Collision Theory Reactions occur when particles collide Effective collisions: ✔ Correct orientation ✔ Enough energy Quick Tip: ✔ Not all collisions lead to reactions ✔ Think: "energy + correct position" Want to master reaction questions and boost your chemistry marks? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM (CLEAR & SIMPLE) Equilibrium is all about balance — not "stopping" reactions 1. Dynamic Equilibrium Definition: Forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate Key idea: ✔ Concentrations stay constant ✔ Reactions still happening Quick Tip: ✔ "Dynamic" = always moving ✔ "Equilibrium" = balanced rates 2. Le Chatelier's Principle If a system at equilibrium is disturbed, it shifts to oppose the change Changes include: ✔ Concentration ✔ Temperature ✔ Pressure Quick Tip: ✔ System always tries to "fix the disturbance" ✔ Think: balance restoring itself 3. Equilibrium Constant (Kc) Formula (general): Kc = [products] / [reactants] Uses concentrations at equilibrium Quick Tip: ✔ Large Kc → more products ✔ Small Kc → more reactants 4. Kc Calculations Steps: ✔ Write balanced equation ✔ Set up expression ✔ Substitute equilibrium values ✔ Calculate Quick Tip: ✔ Only include gases and aqueous substances ✔ Solids and liquids are ignored Want to master equilibrium and stop losing calculation marks? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER ACIDS & BASES (SIMPLIFIED FOR EXAMS) Acids and bases are everywhere — once you understand the patterns, calculations become easy 1. pH Calculations Formula: pH = −log[H⁺] Meaning: ✔ pH shows how acidic or basic a solution is Quick Tip: ✔ Low pH → strong acid ✔ High pH → strong base ✔ Each pH unit = 10× change in acidity 2. Strong vs Weak Acids and Bases Strong acids/bases: ✔ Fully dissociate in water Weak acids/bases: ✔ Partially dissociate Quick Tip: ✔ Strong ≠ concentrated ✔ Weak ≠ dilute (These are NOT the same!) 3. Ka and Kb Acid dissociation constant: Ka = measure of acid strength Base dissociation constant: Kb = measure of base strength Quick Tip: ✔ Large Ka → strong acid ✔ Small Ka → weak acid 4. Neutralisation Reactions Acid + Base → Salt + Water Example: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O Quick Tip: ✔ Always forms water + salt ✔ "H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O" is the key reaction Want to master pH and acid-base calculations confidently? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER ELECTROCHEMISTRY (REDOX MADE SIMPLE) Electrochemistry is just electron transfer + energy changes in reactions 1. Redox Reactions Definition: Reactions involving oxidation and reduction Key idea: ✔ Oxidation = loss of electrons ✔ Reduction = gain of electrons Quick Tip: ✔ OIL RIG → Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain ✔ Always happens together 2. Galvanic Cells Definition: Device that converts chemical energy → electrical energy Key parts: ✔ Anode (oxidation happens) ✔ Cathode (reduction happens) Quick Tip: ✔ Anode = negative ✔ Cathode = positive ✔ "AnOx, RedCat" helps memory 3. Standard Electrode Potentials Definition: Measure of tendency to gain electrons Symbol: E° Quick Tip: ✔ More positive E° → stronger oxidising agent ✔ More negative E° → stronger reducing agent 4. Electrolysis Definition: Using electricity to force a chemical reaction Happens in: ✔ Molten compounds ✔ Aqueous solutions Quick Tip: ✔ Anode = oxidation ✔ Cathode = reduction ✔ "Electrolysis uses electricity to break compounds" Want to master redox and electrochemistry exam questions easily? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868 MASTER ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (SIMPLIFIED & EXAM-READY) Organic chemistry is all about carbon compounds and patterns — once you learn the rules, it becomes very predictable 1. IUPAC Naming Definition: System for naming organic compounds Basic steps: ✔ Find longest carbon chain ✔ Identify functional group ✔ Number chain correctly ✔ Add prefixes/suffixes Quick Tip: ✔ Meth = 1 carbon, Eth = 2, Prop = 3, But = 4 ✔ Always number from closest functional group 2. Functional Groups Definition: Atoms or groups that determine chemical properties Examples: ✔ Alkanes (single bonds) ✔ Alkenes (double bonds) ✔ Alcohols (–OH) ✔ Carboxylic acids (–COOH) Quick Tip: ✔ Functional group = "reaction centre" ✔ It determines how the compound behaves 3. Organic Reactions Addition: ✔ Small molecules add to double bonds (alkenes) Substitution: ✔ One atom replaces another Elimination: ✔ Small molecule is removed (often forms double bond) Quick Tip: ✔ Alkenes → addition reactions ✔ Alkanes → substitution reactions 4. Isomerism Definition: Same molecular formula, different structures Types: ✔ Structural isomers ✔ Positional isomers ✔ Functional group isomers Quick Tip: ✔ Same formula ≠ same structure ✔ Structure changes properties 5. Properties of Organic Compounds Key trends: ✔ Low boiling points (usually) ✔ Poor electrical conductivity ✔ Solubility depends on polarity Quick Tip: ✔ More carbon chains → higher boiling point ✔ Polar groups → more soluble in water Want to master organic chemistry and improve your exam confidence? Book a session with MindShift Learning today: +27 63 945 4868