Uniform Motion and Non Uniform Motion - Definition, Example, Types, FAQs
Motion is one of the most important topics in physics as it helps us understand how objects move. When an object changes its position with time, it is said to be in motion. Based on how the object moves, motion can be of two types uniform motion and non-uniform motion. In uniform motion, an object covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, while in non-uniform motion, the distance covered keeps changing with time. These concepts are very important for understanding speed, velocity, and acceleration in physics. In this article, students will learn about their definitions, examples, types and some frequently asked questions (FAQs).
This Story also Contains
- Uniform Motion:
- Non-Uniform Motion:
- Motion: Definition, Example, Types
- Applications of Uniform Motion:
- Applications of Non-Uniform Motion:
- Difference Between Uniform and Non-Uniform Motion
Also read -
Uniform Motion:
When an object moves in a straight line and covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, it is said to be in uniform motion.
In this type of motion, the speed of the object remains constant, and it does not accelerate or decelerate. The direction of motion also stays the same.
Examples of Uniform Motion:
- A car moving on a straight road at a constant speed of 60 km/h.
- The hands of a clock moving at a steady rate.
- A train moving at a constant speed on a straight track.
Non-Uniform Motion:
When an object covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time, it is said to be in non-uniform motion.
In this type of motion, the speed or direction (or both) of the object keep changing. This means the object is accelerating or decelerating during its motion.
Examples of Non-Uniform Motion:
- A car slowing down at a traffic signal.
- A ball rolling down a hill.
- A bus moving through a crowded street with varying speed.
Motion: Definition, Example, Types
Motion Definition: When an object changes its position by the time along with surroundings it is to be known as in motion. For example: moving cars, buses, trains, flying birds, running man etc.
(Source: using MS word shapes)
Applications of Uniform Motion:
- Vehicles moving at constant speed – Highways with speed-limit zones help maintain uniform motion.
- Conveyor belts in factories – Move objects steadily without changing speed.
- Clock hands – Move uniformly to show time accurately.
- Trains on straight tracks at constant speed – Helps in scheduling and time calculation.
Applications of Non-Uniform Motion:
- Vehicles in traffic – Speed changes due to stops, turns, and signals.
- Roller coasters – Speed varies as they go up and down hills.
- Sports motion – A ball accelerating or slowing down when thrown or kicked.
- Runners in a race – Speed changes during start, sprint, and finish.
Difference Between Uniform and Non-Uniform Motion
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Uniform motion
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Non-Uniform motion
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An object covers equal distance which is equal interval of the time then object is said to have uniform motion.
| An object covers the unequal distance which is equal intervals of time then the object is said to have non uniform motion. |
| In uniform motion the object have steady speed or velocity. | In non uniform motion the object have variable speed or velocity. |
| Graph plotting between distance and time is always a straight line. | Graph plotting between distance and time is a not a straight line. |
| In uniform motion acceleration is Zero. | In non uniform motion acceleration is non-zero. |
Terms related to Uniform and Non-Uniform motion
Define uniform speed?
Uniform speed: An object is having the motion with uniform speed, and if it covers equal distance which is in equal distance in the equal interval of time. For example if the car is still in the motion on straight road from home to office, where the distance between office as well as home is 80km in 4 hour and covers 20km in every one hour10km in every half an hour 5km and so on, then we can say that car is with a uniform speed of 20km/h.
Define uniform velocity?
Uniform velocity: A body having motion with uniform velocity if the body over equal displacement in equal intervals of time however small-time intervals may be.
Define uniform acceleration?
Uniform acceleration: The acceleration of the object is uniformly accelerated when the velocity changes by the equal amount in that particular interval of time however small-time intervals may be.
Also Read:
- NCERT solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 Motion in a straight line
- NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter 3 Motion in a straight line
- NCERT notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 Motion in a straight line
Also check-
- NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Physics Solutions
- NCERT Exemplar Class 12th Physics Solutions
- NCERT Exemplar Solutions for All Subjects
NCERT Physics Notes:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A body is said to be in the motion with uniform velocity even it covers the equal displacement by an equal interval of time although small time intervals may be.
Uniform motion | Non-uniform motion |
An object covers equal distance which is equal interval of the time then object is said to have uniform motion. | An object covers the unequal distance which is equal intervals of time then the object is said to have non-uniform motion. |
Steady speed or velocity | Variable speed or velocity |
Graph plotting between distance and time is always a straight line. | Graph plotting between distance and time is a not a straight line. |
Acceleration is Zero. | Acceleration is non-zero. |
The acceleration of an object is said to be uniform acceleration if its velocity changes by equal amounts in equal intervals of time however small-time intervals may be.
Velocity is the vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction. It can be positive, negative and zero.
The speedometer of the motorcycle measures instantaneous speed at a given instant of time. Instantaneous speed: is the speed of the object at a given instant of time is called instantaneous speed.