Formula · equation · reference-sheet gateway
AP Physics C Formula & Equation Sheet 2027
Search Mechanics and E&M relationships together, distinguish exam-reference equations from derived/course relationships, and route into the two course-specific sheets without mixing the exams.
∫MechanicsE & M
What is actually given—and what you still have to know?
The exam supplies reference information, so this resource is organized around a more useful distinction than “memorize everything.” Exam reference marks relationships present in the current course reference information. Derived / course marks relationships, special cases, or model extensions that are useful for the course but are not being treated here as printed equation entries.
244Mechanics + E&M unique relationships
80exam-reference relationships
164derived / course relationships
2027exam-prep target
The equation is not the model.
Before substitution, identify the system or source, representation/geometry, governing law, assumptions, sign convention, and limiting behavior. On Physics C problems, the missing step is often deciding what to differentiate or integrate—not recalling the final algebraic form.
Use the combined sheet as a gateway
Mechanics
Units 1–7: motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation, and oscillations.
Electricity & Magnetism
Units 8–13: electrostatics, potential, capacitance, circuits, magnetic fields, induction, and RC/LR/LC models.
More than an equation list: know the reference information around the equations
The current Physics C reference information supplied for exam use includes equations plus supporting constants, unit symbols, prefixes, standard modeling conventions, vector/calculus identities, and geometry/trigonometry. This page reorganizes those tools for learning rather than copying the official booklet layout.
Mechanics reference context
Mechanics supplies G and g plus prefixes, common-angle trigonometric values, unit symbols, modeling assumptions, equation tables, and shared math/geometry identities.
E&M reference context
E&M adds electrostatic/magnetic constants, particle constants and conversions, circuit/electrostatic conventions, its equation tables, and the same kind of vector/calculus/geometry support.
Vector identities
Resolve components first. Dot products control work/flux-type projections; cross products control torque and magnetic-force directions. Magnitude and unit-vector notation are part of the supplied mathematical toolkit.
Calculus identities
The reference information supports standard derivative/integral identities, but it does not choose limits, signs, paths, surfaces, or the physical integrand for you. Those decisions remain part of the physics.
Geometry + trigonometry
Area/volume relations, right-triangle relations, arc-length geometry, and common-angle trig values are reference aids. They are most useful after you draw and label the geometry correctly.
Formula-library coverage by course
| Course | Exam-reference | Derived / course | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics | 39 | 87 | Units 1–7: motion → oscillations |
| E&M | 41 | 77 | Units 8–13: electrostatics → induction |
High-value derivation routes
Mechanics
Derive from definitions and governing laws: derivatives/integrals for motion, F=dp/dt, work-energy, momentum, torque/angular momentum, and restoring equations.
Electricity & Magnetism
Derive from source geometry, fields/potential, boundary conditions, circuit topology, magnetic symmetry, and changing flux. Calculus carries the accumulation or rate after the physical model is chosen.
Symbol collisions that cause avoidable errors
| Symbol | Meaning here | How to disambiguate |
|---|---|---|
| I | current in E&M / rotational inertia in Mechanics | Units decide the meaning immediately: A versus kg·m². |
| k | spring constant / Coulomb constant | N/m versus N·m²/C². Never carry a symbol meaning across courses without checking context. |
| L | angular momentum / inductance | kg·m²/s versus henry (H). |
| R | resistance; r often radius/distance | Keep capitalization and units explicit in mixed derivations. |
| P / p | power / momentum | W versus kg·m/s. |
| Φ | flux | Attach E or B and define the surface orientation. |
Search · filter · recall · print
Interactive equation library
Search by quantity, equation, unit, model, or purpose. Switch between exam-reference and derived/course relationships, isolate a formula family, or hide equations for active-recall practice.
Five-step equation check before you calculate
Represent
Draw or label the graph, free-body diagram, field/circuit geometry, axis, path, surface, or state variables.
Choose the model
Name the governing law or definition before choosing a special-case result.
State conditions
Check symmetry, constancy, idealizations, system isolation, no-slip constraints, or transient endpoint assumptions.
Set signs/orientation
Fix axes, loop directions, area vectors, torque signs, current directions, and potential references before substitution.
Verify
Check units, direction, t=0/∞ endpoints, zero-angle/zero-field limits, and whether the result matches the original qualitative prediction.
Independent educational resource
Explanations, examples, interactive tools and study organization are original Salar Cafe content. AP® is a registered trademark of College Board, which is not affiliated with or endorsing this site.