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OCR GCSE Combined Science equation sheet (J250 and J260): every physics equation

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Formula sheet

OCR issues two physics sheets for Combined Science, one per course. Press the card to open today's paper with a sheet in the drawer. The list shown is Gateway, J250 papers 05, 06, 11 and 12. Twenty First Century, J260 papers 03 and 07, comes after.

Formula sheet

GCSE Combined Science Foundation

Open formula sheet

P1 Matter

\rho=\frac{m}{V}density = mass ÷ volume
\Delta E=mc\Delta\thetachange in thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change
E=mLthermal energy for a change of state = mass × specific latent heat

P2 Forces

s=vtdistance travelled = speed × time
a=\frac{v-u}{t}acceleration = (final velocity − initial velocity) ÷ time taken
v^2-u^2=2asfinal velocity² − initial velocity² = 2 × acceleration × distance
E_k=\frac{1}{2}mv^2kinetic energy = ½ × mass × speed²
F=maresultant force = mass × acceleration
p=mvmomentum = mass × velocity (Higher Tier only)
W=Fswork done = force × distance moved in the direction of the force
P=\frac{W}{t}power = work done ÷ time
F=keforce on a spring = spring constant × extension
E_e=\frac{1}{2}ke^2elastic potential energy (energy stored in a stretched spring) = ½ × spring constant × extension²
W=mgweight = mass × gravitational field strength
E_p=mghgravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height

P3 Electricity and magnetism

Q=Itcharge flow = current × time
V=IRpotential difference = current × resistance
E=QVenergy transferred = charge flow × potential difference
P=VIpower = potential difference × current
P=I^2Rpower = current² × resistance
E=Ptenergy transferred = power × time
F=BIlforce on a conductor at right angles to a magnetic field = magnetic flux density × current × length (Higher Tier only)

P4 Waves and radioactivity

v=f\lambdawave speed = frequency × wavelength

P5 Energy

\text{efficiency}=\frac{\text{useful output energy transfer}}{\text{input energy transfer}}efficiency = useful output energy transfer ÷ input energy transfer

P6 Global challenges

V_pI_p=V_sI_sprimary potential difference × primary current = secondary potential difference × secondary current

Combined Science B (J260) is different

OCR prints a separate sheet for Combined Science B, headed by its own P1 to P4 and P6 topics. It has 28 lines, with 3 marked HT: p = mv, force on a conductor in a magnetic field, and change in momentum = force × time. It has equations that Combined Science A does not: potential difference = work done ÷ charge, power = energy transferred ÷ time, and change in momentum = resultant force × time. It has no equation for power = work done ÷ time, and prints the speed equation as average speed = distance ÷ time.

Combined Science A (J250)Combined Science B (J260)
Papers05, 06, 11 and 1203 and 07
Lines on the sheet2528
Marked HT23
Efficiencyuseful output ÷ input energy transferuseful ÷ total energy transferred

Gateway, line by line

The J250 sheet is the shortest of any board we read: 25 equations, two marked HT. It is sorted by OCR modules, P1 Matter to P6 Global challenges, and has no moments, pressure or gas law. Efficiency is in words under P5, and the transformer power line stands alone under P6.

Twenty First Century is a different list

The J260 sheet has 28 lines, headed P1 to P4 and P6, with three HT: p = mv, Δp = Ft and F = BIl. It adds V = W/Q and power as energy ÷ time, and it drops power as work done ÷ time. Note that its P3 section holds both the HT force line and a transformer power line with no HT mark.

Not given

  • Numbers: g, c and L come from the question.
  • Units, which you convert yourself.
  • A rule for series and parallel circuits.

Worked example: gravitational energy

A 2.0 kg book is lifted 3.0 m, and the question says g is 10 N/kg.

E=mgh=2.0\times10\times3.0=60\ \text{J}

Worked example: potential difference from work done (J260)

36 J of work moves 4.0 C through a lamp.

V=\frac{W}{Q}=\frac{36}{4.0}=9.0\ \text{V}

Worked example: change in momentum (J260, Higher)

A resultant force of 12 N acts for 0.50 s.

\Delta p=Ft=12\times0.50=6.0\ \text{kg m/s}

Worked example: average speed (J260)

A trolley covers 450 m in 90 s.

v=\frac{s}{t}=\frac{450}{90}=5.0\ \text{m/s}

Practise picking the right equation in our Laws of Motion course, then press Mark to check it there:

Choose the equation of motion that solves each problem.

Press Mark to have your answer marked in the Laws of Motion course.

Beside the other boards

Our AQA and Edexcel guides give their lists, and the comparison shows what the four sheets share.

Daily mock

Today's Foundation or Higher paper is 8 questions and 25 to 35 marks, not an OCR paper.

Exam answers

The marked paper carries worked answers and a mark scheme from us. OCR's official answers and past paper solutions are never published here.

Common questions

Which OCR sheet is for J250?
The Gateway Combined Science A physics sheet, 25 equations with 2 marked HT.
Which is for J260?
The Twenty First Century Combined Science B physics sheet for papers 03 and 07, 28 lines with 3 HT.
Can I write on the J250 sheet?
Yes, but it is not marked. The J260 sheet says not to send it in.
Is V = W/Q on the Gateway sheet?
No, only on Twenty First Century.
Is a sheet given in June 2027?
Both are headed June 2027.

Revision cards

Say the answer first, then flip the card to check it.

Where to go next

  • Solve it

    Specific Heat Capacity Calculator

    Work out heating energy and specific and latent heat

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  • Learn it

    Laws of Motion

    Newton's laws, momentum, and the forces that shape our world

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  • Test it

    GCSE Combined Science Foundation

    A new exam-style paper every day, with instant marking and a mark scheme

    Start today's paper
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UK · GCSEGCSE Combined Science equation sheet: every boardThe GCSE Combined Science physics equation sheets for AQA, Edexcel and OCR compared: the 22 equations every sheet gives, and where they differ.