MDCAT Formulas Complete Physics & Chemistry Reference
All the essential Physics and Chemistry formulas you need for the MDCAT, organized by topic with clear descriptions. Your go-to reference for numerical problem solving.
Why a Dedicated Formula Sheet Matters for MDCAT
The MDCAT tests your ability to apply scientific formulas to solve problems quickly and accurately. Physics and Chemistry together account for 50% of the total marks (100 out of 200 MCQs), and a significant portion of these questions require formula application. Having every important formula at your fingertips is not optional — it is essential for scoring well.
This formula sheet covers all the critical equations from Mechanics, Waves, Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics, General Chemistry, Solutions, Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Kinetics, and Thermochemistry. Each formula includes a brief description to help you understand when and how to apply it. Use this page as a quick reference during your studies and as a revision tool before the exam.
Physics Formulas
Essential equations for MDCAT Physics (40 MCQs)
Mechanics
First Equation of Motion
v = u + at
Final velocity equals initial velocity plus acceleration multiplied by time.
Second Equation of Motion
s = ut + ½at²
Displacement equals initial velocity times time plus half acceleration times time squared.
Third Equation of Motion
v² = u² + 2as
Square of final velocity equals square of initial velocity plus twice acceleration times displacement.
Newton's Second Law
F = ma
Force equals mass times acceleration. The fundamental equation of classical mechanics.
Work Done
W = Fd cos θ
Work equals force times displacement times cosine of the angle between them.
Kinetic Energy
KE = ½mv²
Kinetic energy equals half the mass times the square of velocity.
Potential Energy
PE = mgh
Gravitational potential energy equals mass times gravitational acceleration times height.
Power
P = W/t
Power is the rate of doing work, measured in watts (joules per second).
Waves & Oscillations
Wave Equation
v = fλ
Wave speed equals frequency times wavelength. Applies to all types of waves.
Time Period & Frequency
T = 1/f
Time period is the reciprocal of frequency. Measured in seconds.
Electricity & Magnetism
Ohm's Law
V = IR
Voltage equals current times resistance. The most fundamental law of electric circuits.
Electrical Power
P = VI
Power equals voltage times current. Can also be written as I²R or V²/R.
Resistance
R = ρL/A
Resistance equals resistivity times length divided by cross-sectional area of the conductor.
Optics
Mirror/Lens Formula
1/f = 1/p + 1/q
Reciprocal of focal length equals sum of reciprocals of object distance and image distance.
Refractive Index
n = c/v
Refractive index equals the speed of light in vacuum divided by its speed in the medium.
Modern Physics
Mass-Energy Equivalence
E = mc²
Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared. Einstein's famous equation.
Photon Energy
E = hf
Energy of a photon equals Planck's constant times its frequency.
Chemistry Formulas
Essential equations for MDCAT Chemistry (60 MCQs)
General Chemistry
Number of Moles
n = m/M
Moles equal mass of substance divided by its molar mass. Foundation of stoichiometry.
Ideal Gas Law
PV = nRT
Pressure times volume equals moles times gas constant times temperature (in Kelvin).
Molarity
M = n/V
Molarity equals number of moles of solute divided by volume of solution in liters.
Solutions
Molarity
M = moles of solute / liters of solution
Concentration expressed as moles of solute per liter of total solution.
Molality
m = moles of solute / kg of solvent
Concentration expressed as moles of solute per kilogram of solvent. Temperature independent.
Chemical Equilibrium
Equilibrium Constant
Kc = [products] / [reactants]
Ratio of product concentrations to reactant concentrations, each raised to their stoichiometric coefficients.
pH Formula
pH = -log[H⁺]
pH is the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration. pH 7 is neutral.
pOH Formula
pOH = -log[OH⁻]
pOH is the negative logarithm of hydroxide ion concentration. pH + pOH = 14.
Ionic Product of Water
Kw = [H⁺][OH⁻] = 1 × 10⁻¹⁴
The product of hydrogen and hydroxide ion concentrations in water at 25°C.
Electrochemistry
Cell EMF
E°cell = E°cathode - E°anode
Standard cell potential equals the cathode potential minus the anode potential.
Faraday's Law
m = (MIt) / (nF)
Mass deposited equals molar mass times current times time, divided by number of electrons times Faraday constant.
Chemical Kinetics
Rate Law
Rate = k[A]ⁿ
Reaction rate equals rate constant times concentration of reactant raised to the order of reaction.
Half-Life (First Order)
t½ = 0.693/k
Half-life of a first-order reaction equals 0.693 divided by the rate constant.
Thermochemistry
Enthalpy Change
ΔH = ΔH(products) - ΔH(reactants)
Change in enthalpy equals the sum of enthalpies of products minus reactants.
Gibbs Free Energy
ΔG = ΔH - TΔS
Free energy change equals enthalpy change minus temperature times entropy change.
Hess's Law
ΔH(total) = ΣΔH(steps)
Total enthalpy change equals the sum of enthalpy changes of individual steps, regardless of path.
Study Tips
Tips for Memorizing Formulas
Memorizing formulas does not have to be a painful process. Use these proven strategies to internalize every equation before exam day.
Group Formulas by Topic
Instead of memorizing formulas randomly, group them by topic (e.g., all Mechanics formulas together). This creates mental associations that make recall easier during the exam.
Understand the Derivation
If you understand how a formula is derived, you can reconstruct it even if you forget it. Focus on the logic behind each equation rather than purely memorizing symbols.
Practice with Numericals Daily
The best way to memorize formulas is to use them repeatedly. Solve at least 10 numerical problems daily. Each time you apply a formula, it gets reinforced in your memory.
Create a Formula Flashcard Deck
Write the formula name on one side and the equation on the other. Review your flashcards using spaced repetition - test yourself daily and focus on the ones you keep forgetting.
Use Dimensional Analysis as a Check
If you are unsure about a formula, check if the units work out. For example, Force = ma gives kg × m/s² = Newton. If the units do not match, the formula is wrong.
Write Formulas Before Each Study Session
Spend 5 minutes at the start of each study session writing down all formulas from memory. This active recall technique is far more effective than passively reading a formula sheet.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to memorize all these formulas for the MDCAT?
Yes, you should aim to memorize all the formulas listed here as they cover the core Physics and Chemistry concepts tested in the MDCAT. However, understanding the derivation and application is more important than rote memorization. PMC rarely asks you to just state a formula - they test your ability to apply it in problem-solving scenarios.
Are formula-based numerical questions common in the MDCAT?
Yes, especially in Physics where approximately 60-70% of questions involve numerical calculations. In Chemistry, numerical questions are common in Physical Chemistry topics like stoichiometry, molarity, pH calculations, and electrochemistry. Having formulas memorized and practiced saves valuable time during the exam.
How can I quickly recall formulas during the exam?
Practice is the key to quick recall. Solve numerical problems daily until applying formulas becomes automatic. During the exam, if you blank on a formula, try to recall the derivation or use dimensional analysis to reconstruct it. Many students also find it helpful to write down key formulas on rough paper as soon as the exam starts.
Practice Formula-Based MCQs on PrepMDCAT
Knowing formulas is just the first step. Download the PrepMDCAT app to practice thousands of numerical MCQs and master formula application under exam conditions.