Physics and Chemistry Formula Guide for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
In this note
PDF Notes: Physics and Chemistry Formula Guide for SSC Exams
Premium PDF · one-time payment of ₹5 · instant access
Science questions in SSC exams are mostly factual, but a few formulas of physics and some chemical formulas are asked again and again. This physics and chemistry formula guide for SSC gives the formulas of motion, force, energy, electricity, waves and light, the temperature conversions and the common chemical formulas, with solved examples.
Motion and Force
| Formula | Meaning |
|---|---|
| v = u + at | Velocity after time t; u is the initial and v the final velocity |
| s = ut + ½at² | Distance covered |
| v² = u² + 2as | Without time |
| F = ma | Force = mass × acceleration (unit: newton) |
| p = mv | Momentum |
| Weight = mg | g is about 9.8 m/s² |
Work, Energy and Power
| Formula | Meaning |
|---|---|
| W = F × s | Work done (unit: joule) |
| KE = ½mv² | Kinetic energy |
| PE = mgh | Potential energy |
| P = W / t | Power (unit: watt) |
| Pressure = Force / Area | Unit: pascal |
| Density = Mass / Volume | Unit: kg per cubic metre |
Electricity
| Formula | Meaning |
|---|---|
| V = IR | Ohm’s law |
| P = VI | Electric power |
| Resistances in series | R = R₁ + R₂ |
| Resistances in parallel | 1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ |
Waves and Light
| Formula | Meaning |
|---|---|
| v = f × λ | Wave speed = frequency × wavelength |
| n = c / v | Refractive index |
| Mirror formula: 1/v + 1/u = 1/f | For spherical mirrors |
| Lens formula: 1/v − 1/u = 1/f | For lenses |
Temperature Conversion
| Conversion | Formula |
|---|---|
| Celsius to Fahrenheit | F = (9/5) C + 32 |
| Celsius to Kelvin | K = C + 273 |
Chemistry Basics
| Item | Formula or fact |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | Number of protons |
| Mass number | Protons + neutrons |
| pH | pH = −log[H+]; below 7 acid, 7 neutral, above 7 base |
| Avogadro number | 6.022 × 10²³ |
| Moles | Mass / molar mass |
Common Chemical Formulas
| Substance | Formula |
|---|---|
| Water | H₂O |
| Common salt | NaCl |
| Baking soda | NaHCO₃ |
| Washing soda | Na₂CO₃·10H₂O |
| Limestone | CaCO₃ |
| Quicklime | CaO |
| Slaked lime | Ca(OH)₂ |
| Carbon dioxide | CO₂ |
| Ammonia | NH₃ |
| Hydrochloric acid | HCl |
Solved Examples
Example 1. A car starts from rest and has an acceleration of 2 m/s² for 5 s. Find its final velocity.
v = 0 + 2 × 5 = 10 m/s.
Example 2. Find the kinetic energy of a 2 kg body moving at 3 m/s.
½ × 2 × 9 = 9 J.
Example 3. Convert 100°C into Fahrenheit.
(9/5) × 100 + 32 = 212°F.
Quick Tips
- Write the units with every answer.
- Learn the three equations of motion together.
- Use g = 10 m/s² if the question says so.
- Learn the chemical formulas of the common substances in groups.
Quick Revision Points
- F = ma and W = Fs.
- KE = ½mv² and PE = mgh.
- V = IR and P = VI.
- v = f λ.
- F = (9/5)C + 32 and K = C + 273.
Practice Questions With Answers
- A car starts from rest with an acceleration of 2 m/s² for 5 s. Find its final velocity.
Answer: 10 m/s - Find the force on a 5 kg mass with an acceleration of 3 m/s².
Answer: 15 N - Find the kinetic energy of a 2 kg mass moving at 3 m/s.
Answer: 9 J - Find the potential energy of a 10 kg mass at a height of 5 m (g = 10 m/s²).
Answer: 500 J - Find the current in a 6 ohm resistor connected to 12 V.
Answer: 2 A - A wave has a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 6 m. Find its speed.
Answer: 300 m/s - Convert 100°C into Fahrenheit.
Answer: 212°F - Convert 0°C into Kelvin.
Answer: 273 K - What is the chemical formula of baking soda?
Answer: NaHCO₃ - Find the mass number of an atom with 6 protons and 6 neutrons.
Answer: 12
How to Practise This Chapter
Write each formula on a card, with a solved example on the back, and revise the cards every day. Then test yourself with our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all guides on the Formula Guide page, and also read the Mathematics notes and Quantitative Aptitude notes. The previous guide is Statistics and Probability. For facts, read the General Science mind map and the General Science notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula for force?
Force is mass times acceleration (F = ma).
What is the formula for kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy is half times mass times velocity squared.
What is the formula for potential energy?
Potential energy is mass times g times height.
What is Ohm's law?
Voltage is equal to current times resistance (V = IR).
What is the formula for wave speed?
Wave speed is frequency times wavelength.
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
Multiply by 9/5 and add 32.
How do I convert Celsius to Kelvin?
Add 273.
What is the chemical formula of baking soda?
NaHCO3.
What is the chemical formula of common salt?
NaCl.
What is the mass number?
The total of the protons and the neutrons in an atom.
Is this topic asked in SSC exams?
Yes. Physics and chemistry questions are asked in every SSC General Awareness paper.
How many questions come from this topic in SSC exams?
Usually two to four questions, but the number changes from exam to exam.
Previous chapter
Statistics and Probability Formula Guide for SSC Exams
Next chapter
Number System, HCF and LCM Formula Guide for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.