MCAT Physics Equations: Everything You Need to Know
/The equations you need to know to ace MCAT physics questions
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Part 1: Introduction
For many premeds, physics (and organic chemistry) was one of the more difficult classes they had to take in college. From long equations to complex math problems to a sea of formulas, college physics can make even the best student waver.
Fortunately, MCAT physics relies less on your math skills and more on your critical reasoning skills. On the MCAT, you’re not allowed to use a calculator, so physics problems written by the test-makers at the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) must be solvable using simple math, estimations, or no math at all. Not to fear—for additional help with using equations, be sure to refer to our guide on MCAT math.
As such, it is very important for premeds studying for the MCAT to build time for learning the important physics equations into their study schedules. Now, what is an important physics equation? An important physics equation is an equation that we’ve either seen on 1) AAMC practice materials from the MCAT Official Prep Hub or 2) the AAMC’s list of content covered on the MCAT.
Here, we’ll show you those important equations that you should know for any MCAT physics questions you get. By knowing these equations (like you know functional groups or amino acids), you’ll put yourself in the best position to score well on the MCAT and increase your odds of receiving that acceptance letter from the medical school of your dreams!
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Part 2: The MCAT Physics Equations You Need to Know
Heat during phase change$$ q = m \times L$$ Thermal expansion$$\Delta L = \alpha \times L \times \Delta T$$ Volumetric expansion $$\Delta V = \beta \times V \times \Delta T$$ First law of thermodynamics$$\Delta U = Q- W $$ Entropy$$\Delta S= \frac{Q_{rev}}{T} $$
Definition of velocity: $$v = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$$
Definition of acceleration$$a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$$
Under constant acceleration, $$v=v_0+at$$
$$\Delta x=(\frac{v+v_0}{2})t$$
$$\Delta x=v_0t+\frac{1}{2}at^2$$
$$v^2=v_0^2+2a\Delta x$$
Projectile motion, assuming g~10 m/s2
$$v_y = v_{y0}-10t$$
$$\Delta y=v_{y0}t-5t^2$$
$$\Delta x=v_{x0}t$$
Period of circular motion $$T=\frac{2\pi R}{v_T}$$
Frequency of circular motion $$f=\frac{1}{T}$$
Converting angular motion to linear motion $$\Delta x=\Delta \theta \times R$$
$$v_t=\omega \times R$$
*Note that θ must be in radians
Centripetal acceleration $$a_c=\frac{v_T^2}{R}=R\omega^2$$
Torque $$T=RFsin\theta=I\alpha$$
Newton’s 2nd Law$$\Sigma F =m\times a$$ Gravitational Force on earth$$F_g = m\times g;\space g=9.8\space {}^m/_{s^2}$$ Force of Friction$$f=F_N \times \mu$$ Translational Kinetic Energy$$K_T = \frac{1}{2}\times m \times v^2$$ Gravitational Potential Energy$$U_g = m\times g \times h$$ Conservation of Energy$$E_2 = E_1 - W_{NC}$$ Work done by Constant Force$$W=F\times d \times cos\theta$$ Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem$$W = \Delta K$$ Power: $$P = \frac{\Delta W}{\Delta t}$$
Density$$\rho = \frac{m}{V}$$ Specific Gravity$$ SG=\frac{\rho}{\rho_{\mbox{water}}}$$ Buoyant force$$F_B = m_{\mbox{displaced}}\times g = \rho_{\mbox{fluid}}\times V_{\mbox{object}} \times g$$ Hydrostatic pressure$$P = \rho \times g \times h$$ Atmospheric pressure $$\mbox{1 atm = 101,000 Pa}$$ Pascal’s law$$\frac{F_1}{A_1}=\frac{F_2}{A_2}=\mbox{constant}$$ Continuity equation $$\frac{\Delta V}{\Delta t} = \mbox{constant} = A\times v$$ Dynamic pressure $$q = \frac{1}{2}\times \rho \times v^2$$ Bernoulli’s equation $$P + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho gh=\mbox{constant}$$
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