Physics Symbols
Sep 19, 2022, 16:45 IST
In physics, there are a large number of physical quantities we include while performing calculations. To make it more convenient for users and easy to use and remember, we often use notations and symbols to represent these physical quantities. These notations and symbols used to represent physical quantities while solving problems related to them or for other purposes are symbols. These symbols are also used in Physics Formulas.
With the help of physics symbols and physics formulas you can clear all your Physics Doubts. In this article, you will find the most popular physics symbols and also those we commonly use in physics with their names, the type of quantities along with their respective units in tabular format.
Symbols for Basic Quantities in Physics:
| Physical Quantity | Symbol(s) | Symbol Name | Scalar/ Vector | SI Unit |
| Mass | m | – | Scalar | Kilogram (Kg) |
| Time | t | – | Scalar | Seconds (s) |
| Distance, Length | l, d, r | – | Scalar | Meter (m) |
| Area | A | – | Scalar | m² |
| Volume | V | – | Scalar | m³ |
| Density | D | – | Scalar | kg/m³ |
| Temperature | T | – | Scalar | Kelvin (K) |
| Frequency | f,v | – | Scalar | Hertz (Hz) |
| Heat | Q | – | Vector | Joule (J) |
| Specific Heat Capacity | c | – | Scalar | J kg−¹ K−¹ |
| Wavelength | λ | lambda | Scalar | meter (m) |
| Angular Displacement | θ | theta | Scalar | Radian (rad) |
| Speed of light & sound | c | – | Scalar | m/s |
| Angular frequency | ω | omega | Pseudovector | Radian per second (rad/s) |
Symbols of Physics in Mechanics
| Physical Quantity | Symbol(s) | Symbol Name | Scalar/ Vector | SI Unit |
| Velocity | v | – | Vector | m/s |
| Acceleration | a | – | Vector | meters per second squared (m/s²) |
| Angular acceleration | α | alpha | Vector | radian per second squared (rad/s²) |
| Momentum | p | – | Vector | kg⋅m/s |
| Period | T | – | Scalar | S or sec |
| Force | F | – | Vector | Newton (N) |
| Torque | T | tau | Vector | N⋅m |
| Power | P | – | Scalar | Watt (W) |
| Mechanical Work | W | – | Scalar | Joule (J) |
| Energy | E | – | Scalar | Joule (J) |
| Pressure | P | – | Scalar | Pascal (Pa) |
| Moment of Inertia | I | – | Scalar | kg m2 |
| Angular Momentum | L | – | Vector | kg⋅m²s−¹ |
| Friction | f | – | Vector | Newton (N) |
| Coefficient of Friction | µ | mu | Scalar | unitless |
| Kinetic Energy | K | – | Scalar | Joule (J) |
| Potential Energy | U | – | Scalar | Joule (J) |
Symbols of Physics in Electricity & Magnetism
| Physical Quantity | Symbol(s) | Symbol Name | Scalar/ Vector | SI Unit |
| Charge | q, Q | – | scalar | Coulomb (C) |
| Current | I | – | scalar | Ampere (A) |
| Resistance | R | – | scalar | Ohms (Ω) |
| Inductance | L | – | scalar | Henry (H) |
| Capacitance | C | – | scalar | Farad (F) |
| Electric Potential Difference | V | – | scalar | Volt (V) |
| Electric Field | E | – | vector | Newton per coulomb (N C−¹) |
| Magnetic Field | B | – | scalar | Tesla |
From the above text and symbols, we can understand in Physics, we use different symbols and notations. These symbols can be helpful at the time of examination as you don’t have to find them from different chapters. If you want to prepare for exams you can solve for better understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the symbol of omega?
Ans. Omega is represented by the symbol (ω).
Q2. What is the symbol of mu?
Ans. Mu is represented by the symbol (μ).
Q3. Where can I find the notes of class 11 physics?
Ans. You can find Physics Notes for class 11 and download them as well.
