Graphical Method to Study Motion: Uniform and Non-Uniform Motion

Physics Activity

Graphical Method to Study Motion

This activity explains how distance-time graphs help us understand uniform and non-uniform motion in a simple and visual way.

Activity 1: Uniform Motion

Aim: To understand uniform motion using a distance-time graph.

Key Idea

Motion is the change in the position of an object with time. A distance-time graph shows the relationship between distance travelled and time taken.

Introduction

In a distance-time graph, time is represented on the X-axis and distance is represented on the Y-axis. The shape of the graph helps us identify whether the motion is uniform or non-uniform.

• X-axis: Time is shown in seconds.
• Y-axis: Distance is shown in metres.
• Straight line: Shows uniform motion.
• Changing slope: Shows non-uniform motion.

Materials Required

• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Observation table

Activity 1: Uniform Motion

In uniform motion, the object covers equal distances in equal intervals of time.

Observation Table

Time (s)	0	5	10	15	20
Distance (m)	0	10	20	30	40

Plot the Graph

1. Draw two perpendicular axes.
2. Mark Time (s) on the X-axis.
3. Mark Distance (m) on the Y-axis.
4. Plot the given points on the graph paper.
5. Join the points with a straight line.

Points to Plot

(0, 0) (5, 10) (10, 20) (15, 30) (20, 40)

Uniform motion graph

Uniform motion activity image

Conclusion: A body is said to be in uniform motion when it covers equal distances in equal intervals of time.

• Speed remains constant.
• The distance-time graph is a straight line.
• The motion is non-accelerating.

Speed Calculation Speed = Distance ÷ Time Speed = 40 m ÷ 20 s Speed = 2 m/s The speed remains constant throughout the journey.

Activity 2: Non-Uniform Motion

In non-uniform motion, the object covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time.

Observation Table

Time (s)	0	5	10	15	20
Distance (m)	0	5	15	25	25

Plot the Graph

1. Draw two perpendicular axes.
2. Mark Time (s) on the X-axis.
3. Mark Distance (m) on the Y-axis.
4. Plot the given points on the graph paper.
5. Join the points carefully to observe the changing motion.

Points to Plot

(0, 0) (5, 5) (10, 15) (15, 25) (20, 25)

Observation

• From 0–5 s, the object covers 5 m.
• From 5–10 s, the object covers 10 m.
• From 10–15 s, the object covers 10 m.
• From 15–20 s, the object covers 0 m.
• The object covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time.
• During the last 5 seconds, the object does not move.

Non-uniform motion graph

Non-uniform motion activity image

Conclusion: A body is said to be in non-uniform motion when it covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time.

• Speed changes continuously.
• The distance-time graph is not a straight line with uniform slope.
• The motion may be accelerating, decelerating, or may include rest.

Real-Life Examples

Uniform Motion

• Escalator moving at constant speed
• Conveyor belt in a factory
• A train moving steadily on a straight track

Non-Uniform Motion

• A bicycle moving in city traffic
• A car moving through a crowded road
• A runner speeding up and slowing down

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a distance-time graph?

A distance-time graph is a graph that shows the relationship between the distance travelled by an object and the time taken.

What does a straight line on a distance-time graph show?

A straight line on a distance-time graph shows uniform motion because the object covers equal distances in equal intervals of time.

What is uniform motion?

Uniform motion is the motion in which a body covers equal distances in equal intervals of time.

What is non-uniform motion?

Non-uniform motion is the motion in which a body covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time.

How is speed calculated from distance and time?

Speed is calculated by dividing distance by time. The formula is Speed = Distance ÷ Time.

DESIGNED BY SHALEEN SHEKHAR AND CONCEPT BY TEACHER RITU