Build and study formula sheets for STEM courses

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AlphaNote’s formula cards bring together a clearly formatted equation, variable definitions and units, guidance on when to use it, important notes, and an example. Explore related formulas and see the source material a formula came from when available. Use Explain, Example, Derive, and Practice to study it, or Send to Lecture/Lab to add it to your notes.

Worked example: the period of a spring–mass system

For an ideal, undamped spring–mass system undergoing simple harmonic motion, the period is:

• $T$ is the period: the time for one complete cycle, in seconds.
• $m$ is the oscillating mass, in kilograms.
• $k$ is the spring constant, in $\mathrm{N/m}$.

For a mass of $0.50\,\mathrm{kg}$ and a spring constant of $200\,\mathrm{N/m}$:

The units inside the square root reduce to seconds squared, so the result is a time. This model assumes a linear spring, negligible spring mass, and no damping; check whether those assumptions fit your course problem.

Use Alpha’s formula helpersAI

• Explain: Review the variables, assumptions, and when a formula is useful.
• Example: Follow a worked calculation and compare its substitutions and units with your own.
• Derive: Explore the relationships and assumptions behind the equation.
• Practice: Practise applying the formula to a problem.

Start from course sources, describe the formula you need, or add it manually. Review suggested formulas before adding them. Once the explanations and examples are useful, switch to Exam Sheet mode for a compact reference.

Try changing one variable

If the mass becomes four times as large while the spring constant stays the same, what happens to the period?

Before using your sheet

Check notation against your lectures, convert quantities into compatible units, and include any conditions that limit a formula’s use. Confirm your instructor’s rules before taking an exam sheet into an assessment.