Physics Regents Reference Table: 6 Pages, 9 Constants, and Formulas Explained
The physics Regents reference table is the official New York State Education Department booklet of constants, prefixes, equations, and charts for the Regents Examination in Physics. The 2025 Edition has 6 numbered pages and applies from the June 2026 exam. This article covers the edition, page contents, constants, formulas, changes from the 2006 edition, worked examples, and exam materials.
For a reliable reference, see The New York State Education Department publishes the official Physics Regents reference tables.
The AP exam reference offers a comparison in the Physics 1 Formula Sheet: Equations, Constants, and Exam Rules for 8 Units.
What Is the Physics Regents Reference Table?
The physics Regents reference table is the official NYSED booklet of constants, equations, and charts that students use during the Regents Examination in Physics.
According to the NYSED Educator Guide, the table holds information that students are expected to locate and apply, but not necessarily memorize. NYSED does not provide printed copies. Schools print the online version and give each student a clean copy.
Which Edition of the Physics Regents Reference Table Is Current?
The 2025 Edition of the Reference Tables for Physical Science: Physics is the current edition. NYSED states that schools use it in the classroom beginning in the 2025 to 2026 school year, and the first exam that uses it is the June 2026 Regents Examination in Physics.
The earlier 2006 Edition belongs to the legacy Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Physics. NYSED lists both editions for school duplication, and the directions of the June 2025 legacy exam cite the 2006 edition. A teacher or the NYSED exam schedule confirms which edition applies to a given administration.
Where Can You Get the Physics Regents Reference Table?
The official PDF is on the NYSED page named Reference Tables for Physics (nysed.gov/state-assessment/reference-tables-physics). NYSED offers a large-type version for printing on 11 × 17 inch paper. Braille copies come from NYSED by request.
What Is on Each Page of the 2025 Physics Regents Reference Table?
The 2025 edition has 6 numbered pages. Table 1 lists the content of each page. The equation counts in this article treat each separate equation line as 1 equation.
Table 1: Contents of the 2025 Physics Reference Tables
| Page | Section | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Constants, prefixes, and vectors | 9 constants, 10 prefixes, and 4 vector equations |
| 2 | Motion and Forces | 12 equations for kinematics, Newton’s laws, momentum, gravitation, and circular motion |
| 3 | Energy | 9 equations for kinetic energy, potential energy, work, power, thermal energy, and efficiency |
| 4 | Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation | 9 equations for wave speed, period, photon energy, reflection, refraction, and focal length |
| 5 | The Electromagnetic Spectrum | Chart of frequency from 10⁵ Hz to 10²¹ Hz |
| 6 | Electricity | 7 equations, 8 circuit symbols, and series and parallel circuit rules |
What Constants Are on the Physics Regents Reference Table?
The 2025 table lists 9 constants. Table 2 gives the name, symbol, and magnitude of each constant.
Table 2: Physical constants on the 2025 Physics Reference Tables
| Name | Symbol | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration due to gravity near Earth’s surface | g | 9.8 m/s² |
| Gravitational field strength near Earth’s surface | g | 9.8 N/kg |
| Universal gravitational constant | G | 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg² |
| Speed of light in a vacuum | c | 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s |
| Speed of sound in air at STP | none | 3.31 × 10² m/s |
| 1 electronvolt (eV) | none | 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ J |
| Electrostatic constant | k | 9.0 × 10⁹ N·m²/C² |
| 1 elementary charge | e | 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ C |
| Planck’s constant | h | 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s |
The prefix list has 10 entries: tera (T, 10¹²), giga (G, 10⁹), mega (M, 10⁶), kilo (k, 10³), deci (d, 10⁻¹), centi (c, 10⁻²), milli (m, 10⁻³), micro (μ, 10⁻⁶), nano (n, 10⁻⁹), and pico (p, 10⁻¹²). The 4 vector equations are Ax = A cos θ, Ay = A sin θ, tan θ = Ay/Ax, and A² = Ax² + Ay².
What Motion and Forces Equations Are on the Physics Regents Reference Table?
Page 2 lists 12 equations for motion and forces. Table 3 gives each equation and its use.
Table 3: Motion and Forces equations
| Equation | Name or use |
|---|---|
| v̄ = d/t = (vf + vi)/2 | Average velocity or average speed |
| a = Δv/t = (vf − vi)/t | Acceleration |
| vf = vi + at | Final velocity under constant acceleration |
| d = vit + ½at² | Displacement under constant acceleration |
| vf² = vi² + 2ad | Final velocity from displacement |
| Fnet = ma | Newton’s second law |
| Fg = mg | Weight |
| Fnet t = mΔv | Impulse and change in momentum |
| p = mv | Momentum |
| Fg = Gm1m2/r² | Universal gravitation |
| ac = v²/r | Radial acceleration in circular motion |
| C = 2πr | Circumference |
What Energy Equations Are on the Physics Regents Reference Table?
Page 3 lists 9 equations for energy. Table 4 gives each equation and its use.
Table 4: Energy equations
| Equation | Name or use |
|---|---|
| KE = ½mv² | Kinetic energy |
| ΔPEg = mgΔh | Change in gravitational potential energy |
| PEs = ½kx² | Spring potential energy |
| W = Fd | Work |
| Wnet = ΔET | Net work equals the change in total energy |
| ET = PE + KE + Eother | Total energy |
| P = W/t = Fd/t = Fv | Power |
| Q = mcΔT | Change in thermal energy |
| % efficiency = (output/input) × 100 | Efficiency |
What Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation Equations Are on the Physics Regents Reference Table?
Page 4 lists 9 equations for waves and electromagnetic radiation. Table 5 gives each equation and its use.
Table 5: Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation equations
| Equation | Name or use |
|---|---|
| v = fλ | Wave speed |
| T = 1/f | Period |
| Ephoton = hf | Photon energy |
| θi = θr | Law of reflection |
| n = c/v | Absolute index of refraction |
| n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2 | Snell’s law |
| n2/n1 = v1/v2 = λ1/λ2 | Relative index of refraction |
| 1/F = 1/do + 1/di | Focal length, object distance, and image distance |
| hi/ho = −di/do | Image height and object height |
What Does the Electromagnetic Spectrum Page Show?
The electromagnetic spectrum page is a chart of frequency from 10⁵ Hz to 10²¹ Hz. The chart labels radio waves, including AM, FM, and TV, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. It marks the frequencies of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cell phones, and GPS. The visible-light frequencies on the chart range from 4.28 × 10¹⁴ Hz to 7.50 × 10¹⁴ Hz. The chart states that spectral boundaries are not discrete, and adjacent forms overlap in biological effects.
What Electricity Equations Are on the Physics Regents Reference Table?
Page 6 lists 7 electricity equations, 8 circuit symbols, and the series and parallel circuit rules. Table 6 gives the 7 equations. Table 7 compares series and parallel circuits.
Table 6: Electricity equations
| Equation | Name or use |
|---|---|
| Fe = kq1q2/r² | Electrostatic force |
| Fe = qE | Force on a charge in an electric field |
| W = qV | Electrical work |
| P = VI = I²R = V²/R | Electrical power |
| W = Pt = VIt = I²Rt = V²t/R | Electrical energy |
| V = IR | Ohm’s law |
| I = Δq/t | Current |
Table 7: Series and parallel circuit rules
| Quantity | Series circuit | Parallel circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Current | I = I1 = I2 = I3 = … | I = I1 + I2 + I3 + … |
| Potential difference | V = V1 + V2 + V3 + … | V = V1 = V2 = V3 = … |
| Equivalent resistance | Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + … | 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + … |
The 8 circuit symbols are battery, power supply, switch, voltmeter, ammeter, resistor, variable resistor, and light bulb.
What Changed Between the 2006 and 2025 Physics Reference Tables?
The 2025 edition rounds some constants and drops several constants and tables that the 2006 edition listed. Table 8 compares 8 items.
Table 8: Constants in the 2006 and 2025 editions
| Item | 2006 Edition | 2025 Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration due to gravity | 9.81 m/s² | 9.8 m/s² |
| Electrostatic constant | 8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C² | 9.0 × 10⁹ N·m²/C² |
| Universal gravitational constant | 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg² | 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg² |
| Speed of light in a vacuum | 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s | 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s |
| Planck’s constant | 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s | 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s |
| Gravitational field strength near Earth’s surface | Not listed | 9.8 N/kg |
| Mass of Earth | 5.98 × 10²⁴ kg | Not listed |
| Rest mass of the electron | 9.11 × 10⁻³¹ kg | Not listed |
The rounding changes results slightly. A 2.0 kg mass has a weight of 19.62 N with g = 9.81 m/s² and 19.6 N with g = 9.8 m/s².
What Is Missing From the 2025 Physics Regents Reference Table?
The 2025 table has no tables of indices of refraction, resistivities, friction coefficients, energy levels, or Standard Model particles. A Castle Learning copy of the 2006-style tables lists those tables in its contents. The 2025 table also has no equations for Hooke’s law, magnetic force, or resistivity. Cluster stimuli include passages, data tables, graphs, diagrams, and photos, which can carry needed values.
How Do You Use the Physics Regents Reference Table?
To use the physics Regents reference table, identify the quantity, find the matching page, select the equation, and substitute values in SI units. The 6 steps are:
- Identify the quantity that the question asks for, such as force, energy, wavelength, or current.
- Locate the page for that topic: Motion and Forces, Energy, Waves, or Electricity.
- Select the equation that contains the known and unknown quantities.
- Check the variable definitions that the table lists beside the equation.
- Convert all values to SI units with the prefix list.
- Substitute the values and write the answer with a unit.
What Are 4 Worked Examples Using the Physics Regents Reference Table?
The 4 worked examples below use the table for weight, light, a series circuit, and refraction.
How Do You Find the Weight of a 2.0 kg Mass With the Reference Table?
- Table entry: Fg = mg, and g = 9.8 m/s² (page 1 and page 2).
- Calculation: Fg = 2.0 × 9.8.
- Answer: Fg = 19.6 N toward Earth.
How Do You Find the Wavelength and Photon Energy of 5.0 × 10¹⁴ Hz Light?
- Table entries: v = fλ, c = 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s, Ephoton = hf, h = 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s, and 1 eV = 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.
- Calculation: λ = c/f = (3.00 × 10⁸) / (5.0 × 10¹⁴), and Ephoton = (6.63 × 10⁻³⁴)(5.0 × 10¹⁴).
- Answer: λ = 6.0 × 10⁻⁷ m (600 nm), and Ephoton = 3.3 × 10⁻¹⁹ J = 2.1 eV.
How Do You Find the Current and Potential Differences for 3.0 Ω and 6.0 Ω Resistors in Series on 12 V?
- Table entries: Req = R1 + R2, V = IR, and V = V1 + V2.
- Calculation: Req = 3.0 + 6.0 = 9.0 Ω, I = 12 / 9.0 = 1.33 A, V1 = 1.33 × 3.0 = 4.0 V, and V2 = 1.33 × 6.0 = 8.0 V.
- Answer: I = 1.3 A, V1 = 4.0 V, and V2 = 8.0 V.
How Do You Find the Refraction Angle for Light That Enters Glass at 30°?
- Given: n1 = 1.00 for air, n2 = 1.50 for glass, and θ1 = 30°. The table has no index table, so the question supplies the n values.
- Table entries: n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2 and n = c/v.
- Calculation: sin θ2 = (1.00 × 0.500) / 1.50 = 0.333, and v = (3.00 × 10⁸) / 1.50.
- Answer: θ2 = 19.5°, and the speed in glass is 2.00 × 10⁸ m/s.
What Are the Physics Regents Exam Format and Materials?
The Regents Examination in Physical Science: Physics has 9 to 11 question clusters and 45 to 55 questions. Table 9 lists the format and materials from the NYSED Educator Guide.
Table 9: Physical Science: Physics exam facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clusters | 9 to 11 |
| Questions | 45 to 55, each worth 1 credit |
| Question types | About 60% multiple choice with 4 answer choices and about 40% constructed response |
| Testing time | 3 hours |
| Reference table | The 2025 edition, printed by the school, 1 clean copy per student |
| Required materials | Scientific calculator, centimeter ruler, and protractor |
| Calculator rules | Graphing calculators allowed with the memory cleared, reset, or disabled; no symbol manipulation and no infrared communication |
| Topic weights | Forces and Interactions 20 to 32%, Energy 26 to 38%, Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation 26 to 38%, Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science 5 to 11%, Earth and Space Systems 2 to 8%, Structure and Properties of Matter 2 to 5% |
| Admission requirement | Successful completion of the course Investigations, as defined locally |
What Mistakes Occur Most Often With the Physics Regents Reference Table?
5 mistakes occur most often with the physics Regents reference table:
- Using 2006 edition values with the 2025 edition exam.
- Using g = 9.81 m/s² from memory instead of the table value of 9.8 m/s².
- Searching for an equation that the table does not list, such as Hooke’s law.
- Skipping the variable definitions beside each equation.
- Forgetting to convert prefixes such as milli, micro, and nano to base units.
What Do People Also Ask About the Physics Regents Reference Table?
Is a Reference Table Provided on the Physics Regents?
Schools supply a clean copy of the reference table to each student.
Where Can You Download the Physics Regents Reference Table?
The PDF is on the NYSED website under Reference Tables for Physics.
Which Edition of the Physics Regents Reference Table Is Current?
The current edition is the 2025 Edition, first used on the June 2026 exam.
What Is g on the Physics Regents Reference Table?
The 2025 edition lists g as 9.8 m/s², and the 2006 edition lists 9.81 m/s².
What Is the Speed of Light on the Physics Regents Reference Table?
The speed of light in a vacuum is 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s.
Is E = hf on the Physics Regents Reference Table?
The table lists Ephoton = hf on page 4.
How Many Pages Does the 2025 Physics Reference Table Have?
The 2025 edition has 6 numbered pages.
Is a Calculator Allowed on the Physics Regents?
Each student has a scientific calculator, and graphing calculators are allowed with the memory cleared.
Do You Need to Memorize the Physics Regents Reference Table?
NYSED states that students are expected to locate and apply the information, not necessarily memorize it.
Can You Bring Your Own Physics Regents Reference Table?
Schools provide 1 clean copy to each student during the exam.
What Are the Key Takeaways About the Physics Regents Reference Table?
The physics Regents reference table is the NYSED booklet of constants, equations, and charts, and the 2025 Edition applies from the June 2026 exam. The 6 key takeaways are:
- Edition: The 2025 Edition serves Physical Science: Physics, and the 2006 Edition serves the legacy Physical Setting/Physics exam.
- Contents: 6 pages with 9 constants, 10 prefixes, vector equations, and equations for motion, energy, waves, and electricity.
- Constants: g = 9.8 m/s², k = 9.0 × 10⁹ N·m²/C², c = 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s, and h = 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s.
- Gaps: No tables of indices of refraction, resistivities, or friction coefficients.
- Use: Locate and apply the equation, not memorize it.
- Access: The school prints 1 clean copy per student from the NYSED website.
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