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Force and Motion I, SPM Physics Form 4

Force and Motion I is a Form 4 chapter in the KSSM SPM Physics syllabus (code 4531). This guide covers its content standards, the formulas you need, the experiments it involves, and how it is examined, with a one-to-one teacher a message away.

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What the syllabus covers

The DSKP lists these content standards for Force and Motion I:

Key formulas in this chapter

No formula sheet is given in the exam, so these must be recalled. Every symbol has an SI unit, keep units in every line of working.

First equation of motion
v = u + at

Not provided in the exam paper, recall it.

Second equation of motion
s = ut + ½at²

Not provided in the exam paper, recall it.

Third equation of motion
v² = u² + 2as

Not provided in the exam paper, recall it.

Acceleration
a = (v − u) / t

Not provided in the exam paper, recall it.

Momentum
p = mv

Not provided in the exam paper, recall it.

Newton's second law
F = ma

Not provided in the exam paper, recall it.

Impulse
Impulse = Ft = mv − mu

Not provided in the exam paper, recall it.

Impulsive force
F = (mv − mu) / t

Not provided in the exam paper, recall it.

Weight
W = mg

Not provided in the exam paper, recall it.

Experiments in this chapter

Paper 3 (practical) can draw on these DSKP experiments. You can practise the graph and analysis skills from home.

  • Determine the value of gravitational acceleration
  • Relationship between inertia and mass

How this chapter is examined

SPM Physics has three papers: 4531/1, 4531/2 and 4531/3 Paper 1 lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. Paper 2 lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. Paper 3 is a practical test of structured subjective items.

How to study this chapter

Learn the idea first, then practise turning it into a calculation with units. Do a few past-style questions with full working, and use the graph skills for any experiment in Force and Motion I. If one section keeps costing marks, a one-to-one lesson can fix exactly that.

What Force and Motion I covers

Force and Motion I is a Form 4 chapter of SPM Physics (KSSM, code 4531) with 8 content standards. It sits in the "Newtonian Mechanics (Form 4)" strand of the syllabus.

Master the standards below and you have the whole chapter, every SPM question on this topic is built from them.

The content standards you must master

  • 2.1 Linear Motion
  • 2.2 Linear Motion Graphs
  • 2.3 Free Fall Motion
  • 2.4 Inertia
  • 2.5 Momentum
  • 2.6 Force
  • 2.7 Impulse and Impulsive Force
  • 2.8 Weight

Formulas and how to use them

This chapter uses 9 relationships. None is printed in the exam, the SPM Physics papers carry no formula sheet, so recall each from memory and write the unit on every line of working.

  • v = u + at, First equation of motion
  • s = ut + ½at², Second equation of motion
  • v² = u² + 2as, Third equation of motion
  • a = (v − u) / t, Acceleration
  • p = mv, Momentum
  • F = ma, Newton's second law
  • Impulse = Ft = mv − mu, Impulse
  • F = (mv − mu) / t, Impulsive force
  • W = mg, Weight

Experiments and Paper 3 skills

The DSKP names these investigations for this chapter. Practise the science-process skills they test, identifying variables, tabulating with units, plotting a best-fit line and reading a gradient:

  • Determine the value of gravitational acceleration
  • Relationship between inertia and mass

How this chapter is examined and studied

In Paper 1 the 8 standards appear as objective questions; in Paper 2 as structured items (define, explain, calculate, describe) and sometimes a Section B/C essay; Paper 3 draws on any experiment above. Study in order: read each standard, write its definitions with units, derive each formula once, then attempt past-style questions with full working.

We never predict which questions will appear.

Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English), Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia: Format Pentaksiran mulai 2021, Fizik (4531) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)

Written by the spmphysics.com.my editorial team.· Updated 5 Sept 2026

Get help with this chapter

Frequently asked questions

How many formulas are in Force and Motion I?
This chapter involves 9 key relationships to recall; we list them above, each with SI units.
Does Force and Motion I appear in Paper 3?
This chapter has DSKP experiments that can be practical material. We do not predict questions.
What language are lessons in?
Lessons are in English; SPM Physics papers are bilingual (BM/EN).
How many content standards are in Force and Motion I?
8. They are listed above, and every SPM question on this chapter is built from them.
Is a formula sheet given in the exam?
No. SPM Physics (4531) provides no formula sheet, so every formula must be recalled from memory.
Is Force and Motion I a Form 4 or Form 5 chapter?
Form 4.
Can a tutor cover this chapter one-to-one?
Yes, online, one-to-one, from RM50/hr, with a one-hour paid trial. Message us on WhatsApp and name this chapter.

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