All Physics Formulas for MDCAT: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Medical Students

Preparing for the MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) can be an intense process, and the Physics section is often one of the most challenging for many students. Whether you're revising key concepts or solving practice problems, having a clear understanding of the essential Physics formulas for MDCAT is critical to your success.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a complete list of all essential Physics formulas you need to know for the MDCAT exam. These formulas cover everything from Mechanics to Fluid Mechanics, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any question you might face in the exam.

1. Mechanics (Kinematics and Dynamics)

Understanding the basic concepts of motion is crucial for solving many problems in Physics. Below are the essential formulas:

• Displacement (s):

  $$s = ut + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$$

  Where:

  • $u$ is the initial velocity
  • $a$ is acceleration
  • $t$ is time

• Velocity (v):

  $$v = u + at$$

  Where:

  • $u$ is initial velocity
  • $a$ is acceleration
  • $t$ is time

• Equation of Motion (without acceleration):

  $$v^2 = u^2 + 2as$$

  Where:

  • $v$ is final velocity
  • $u$ is initial velocity
  • $a$ is acceleration
  • $s$ is displacement

• Newton’s Second Law of Motion:

  $$F = ma$$

  Where:

  • $F$ is force
  • $m$ is mass
  • $a$ is acceleration

• Gravitational Force:

  $$F = \frac{GMm}{r^2}$$

  Where:

  • $G$ is the gravitational constant
  • $M$ and $m$ are the masses of the two objects
  • $r$ is the distance between the objects

2. Work, Energy, and Power

These concepts are frequently tested in the MDCAT Physics section. Below are the key formulas:

• Work (W):

  $$W = F \cdot d \cdot \cos \theta$$

  Where:

  • $F$ is force
  • $d$ is displacement
  • $\theta$ is the angle between force and displacement

• Power (P):

  $$P = \frac{W}{t}$$

  Where:

  • $W$ is work done
  • $t$ is time

• Kinetic Energy (KE):

  $$KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2$$

  Where:

  • $m$ is mass
  • $v$ is velocity

• Potential Energy (PE):

  $$PE = mgh$$

  Where:

  • $m$ is mass
  • $g$ is gravitational acceleration
  • $h$ is height

• Conservation of Mechanical Energy:

  $$KE_{\text{initial}} + PE_{\text{initial}} = KE_{\text{final}} + PE_{\text{final}}$$

3. Fluid Mechanics

Fluid mechanics is another crucial topic for MDCAT Physics. Here are some important formulas:

• Buoyant Force (Archimedes' Principle):

  $$F_{\text{buoyant}} = \rho \cdot g \cdot V$$

  Where:

  • $\rho$ is the density of the fluid
  • $g$ is gravitational acceleration
  • $V$ is the volume of displaced fluid

• Continuity Equation:

  $$A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2$$

  Where:

  • $A_1$ and $A_2$ are the cross-sectional areas
  • $v_1$ and $v_2$ are the velocities at these points

4. Wave Mechanics and Optics

Wave mechanics and optics also appear in the MDCAT exam. Here are some formulas related to waves:

• Wave Speed (v):

  $$v = f \cdot \lambda$$

  Where:

  • $f$ is the frequency
  • $\lambda$ is the wavelength

• Refraction (Snell’s Law):

  $$n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2$$

  Where:

  • $n_1$ and $n_2$ are the refractive indices of the mediums
  • $\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$ are the angles of incidence and refraction

• Lens Formula:

  $$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u}$$

  Where:

  • $f$ is the focal length
  • $v$ is the image distance
  • $u$ is the object distance

5. Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is also part of the MDCAT Physics syllabus. Here are the key formulas:

• Heat (Q):

  $$Q = mc\Delta T$$

  Where:

  • $m$ is mass
  • $c$ is specific heat capacity
  • $\Delta T$ is change in temperature

• First Law of Thermodynamics:

  $$\Delta U = Q - W$$

  Where:

  • $\Delta U$ is the change in internal energy
  • $Q$ is the heat added
  • $W$ is the work done

Conclusion

These are the essential Physics formulas you must remember for MDCAT preparation. Understanding and applying these formulas will give you the confidence and skills to tackle the MDCAT Physics section with ease. Remember to practice regularly with these formulas and apply them to various problems to enhance your understanding.

By mastering these Physics formulas for MDCAT, you are taking a major step toward achieving a top score in the exam. Make sure to stay consistent with your revision, and don’t forget to focus on time management and problem-solving techniques.

Good luck with your MDCAT preparation!