Rearranging equations
What Rearranging equations means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Rearranging equations
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Reference: AQA
Rearranging gives change in velocity = acceleration × time and time = change in velocity ÷ acceleration, useful when the question supplies different quantities.
Changing the relationship v = f × λ into f = v ÷ λ or λ = v ÷ f when the unknown is frequency or wavelength.
The equation p = F ÷ A can be rearranged to F = p × A or A = F ÷ p when the question asks for force or area.
Changing the subject of the equation, for example v² = u² + 2as, u² = v² − 2as and s = (v² − u²) ÷ (2a).
The equation Vp/Vs = Np/Ns can be rearranged, for example as Vs = Vp × Ns/Np or Ns = Np × Vs/Vp.
The equation can be rearranged to a = F ÷ m to find acceleration or m = F ÷ a to find mass.
Topics that use Rearranging equations
- Acceleration (AQA GCSE)
- Newton's Second Law (AQA GCSE)
- Pressure in a fluid 1 (AQA GCSE)
- Uses of magnetism (OCR GCSE)
- Wave behaviour (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
Using Rearranging equations in the exam
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