Motion

"Motion is change
of position of an
object with time."

1. Motion
If we look around us, we find that there are number of objects which are in motion.
An object is said to be in motion if it changes its position with the passage of time.
Now observe the following bodies or objects to understand the meaning of the term "motion". Cars, cycles,
motorcycles, scooters, buses, rickshaws, trucks, etc. running on the road, birds flying in the sky, fish swimming in
water, all these objects are in motion. Very small objects like atoms and molecules and very large objects like
planets, stars and galaxies are also in motion.
Thus, all objects ranging from the smallest atom to the largest galaxy are in continuous motion.
Kinematics is the science of describing the motion of objects using words, diagrams, numbers, graphs and
equations.
"Motion is the change in position of an object with time."
2. Understanding motion
Concept of a point object (or particle)
Point object
An extended object can be treated as a point object when the distance travelled by the object is much greater
than its own size.
A point object (or particle) is one, which has no linear dimensions but possesses mass.
Examples : (i) Study of motion of a train travelling from Kota to New Delhi. (ii) Revolution of earth around the sun
for one complete revolution.
Describing motion
When a tree is observed by an observer A standing at the railway station, the tree is at rest. This is because position
of the tree is not changing with respect to the observer A (see fig.1).

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Motion (Class-9)

Fig.1 Describing motion

Now, when the same tree is observed by an observer B sitting in a superfast train moving with a velocity v, then
the tree is moving with respect to the observer because the position of tree is changing with respect to the
observer B.
Rest and motion are relative terms : There is nothing like absolute rest or motion. This means that an object
can be at rest and also in motion at the same time i.e. all objects, which are stationary on earth, are said to be at
rest with respect to each other, but with respect to the sun they are making revolutions. In order to study motion,
therefore, we have to choose a fixed position or point with respect to which the motion has to be studied. Such a
point or fixed position is called a reference point or the origin.

Discuss whether the walls of your classroom are at rest or in motion.

Explanation
The walls of our classroom are at rest with respect to the ground or earth. But, they are in motion with respect to
an object or an observer outside the earth. This is because the earth is moving about its own axis as well as it is
revolving around the sun. Thus, the state of rest and motion are not absolute, they are relative terms.
3. Types of motion
Translational motion (or translatory motion) A
Motion of a body in which all the points in the body follow parallel paths is
called ‘translational motion’. It is a motion in which the orientation of an
B C
object remains the same throughout the journey (see fig.2). The path of a
translatory motion can be straight or curved.
Examples of translational motion
(1) A car moving down a highway. x x x
(2) A person walking on the road.
(3) An athlete running on the track.
(4) Motion of a piston in the cylinder. A'
(5) A train running on the rails.
B' C'
On the basis of the path travelled by an object, the translational motion can
classified as :
(1) Rectilinear motion : If an object moves in a straight line, its motion is Fig.2 Translational motion : The
called rectilinear motion or one dimensional motion (see fig.3). Motion of a particles of the object shown
cover same distance in a given
car along a straight path, motion of a piston in the cylinder are examples of
time.
rectilinear motion.

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Motion (Class-9)

A book moved along a straight path without changing its orientation

Fig.3 Rectilinear motion
(2) Curvilinear motion : If an object moves along a curved path without change in its orientation, its motion is
called curvilinear motion (see fig.4). Motion of a car along a curved or circular path, motion of an athlete on a
circular track are examples of curvilinear motion.

A book moved along a curved path without changing its orientation

Fig.4 Curvilinear motion
Rotational motion (Rotatory motion)
Motion of a body turning about an axis is called rotational motion. In other words, ‘a motion in which an object
spins about a fixed axis is called rotational motion’. It is a motion in which the orientation of an object continuously
changes throughout the motion. The path of an object in a rotational motion is always circular (or curved).

(a) Motion of a ceiling fan (b) Motion of Earth about its axis (c) Motion of a spinning top
Fig.5 Examples of rotational motion
Examples of rotational motion
(1) The Earth’s spin on its axis.
(2) Motion of a fan or motor.
(3) Motion of blades of windmill.
(4) Motion of a spinning top.
(5) Motion of a grinding stone.
 In rotational motion, the particles of the object move through the unequal distances in a given time depending
on their location in the object (see fig.6).

A y
B A'
B' x<y

Axis of
rotation

Fig.6 Rotational motion : Particles cover unequal distances in a given time.

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Motion (Class-9)

The particle which is located near the axis of rotation, covers less distance as compared to the particle that is
located far away from the axis. Motion of a car or cycle wheels is a combination of translational and rotational
motion (see fig.7).

Fig.7 Motion of a cycle wheel is a combination of translational and

rotational motion. Motion of a wheel is also called ‘rolling motion’.

Circular motion
When an object moves along a circular path, this type of curvilinear motion is called ‘circular motion’. For example,
motion of an athlete along a circular track is a circular motion. (see fig. 8)

Fig. 8 An athlete running on a circular path is an example of circular motion not the rotational motion.

Periodic motion
A motion that occurs when an object moves in a repeated pattern (a cycle)
over equal periods of time is called a periodic motion. The vibration (or
Examples : Motion of a pendulum, rotational motion of Earth, revolution of oscillation) of an object
is a cycle or a motion
Earth around the Sun, all are periodic motions. that is repeated over
Oscillatory motion and over with the same
time interval each time.
A motion that occurs when an object moves to and fro about its mean position
over equal periods of time is called an oscillatory motion or vibratory
motion.

Examples : Motion of a simple pendulum, motion of a vibrating stretched string, motion of an oscillating spring.

Mean position
A position in the path of an oscillating particle at which the net force acting on the particle is zero is called its
equilibrium position or mean position.

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Motion (Class-9)

Examples : The vertical position or the lowest position of an oscillating pendulum is its equilibrium position or
mean position (see fig.9). When a pendulum is moved away from the mean position and then released, then it
again come towards the mean position and starts oscillating about its mean position. It moves and reaches
extreme positions on both sides of the mean position.

Extreme Extreme
position Mean position
position

Fig.9 Motion of a simple pendulum

4. Scalar and vector quantities
Scalar quantity
A physical quantity that is defined by its magnitude only is called a scalar quantity.
Examples : Mass, time, distance, speed, work, power, energy, electric charge, volume, density, pressure, electric
potential, temperature, etc.
Scalar quantities follow the algebraic (scalar) laws of addition.
Vector quantity
A physical quantity that is defined by its magnitude as well as direction is called a Two vectors are
vector quantity. equal if they have
Examples : Velocity, acceleration, force, displacement, momentum, weight, torque, the same magnitude
and the same
electric field, magnetic field, etc.
direction.
Vector quantities follow the vector laws of addition.
Arrows (or rays) are used to represent vectors. The direction of the arrow gives the
direction of the vector. The length of the arrow is proportional to the magnitude of the vector.

Difference between scalar & vector quantities

Scalar quantities Vector quantities
These quantities are completely These quantities are completely
1 specified by their magnitude specified by their magnitude as
Electric current has a
only. well as direction.
direction, still it is
These quantities change by These quantities change by considered as a scalar
quantity. It does not follow
2 change in their magnitude only. change in either their
the vector laws of
magnitude or direction or both. addition, it simply follows
These quantities are added or These quantities are added or the scalar (algebraic) laws.

3 subtracted by laws of ordinary subtracted by laws of vector

algebra. addition.

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Motion (Class-9)

5. Distance and displacement

Distance
The length of the actual path between the initial and the final position of a moving object in the given time interval
is known as the distance travelled by the object.
Distance = Length of path I (ACB) (see fig.10)
 Distance is a scalar quantity. It is always taken positive.
Distance is measured by odometer in vehicles.
Units
In SI system : metre (m).
In CGS system : centimetre (cm).
Displacement
The shortest distance between the initial position and the final position of a moving object in the given interval
of time is known as the displacement of the object.
Displacement = Length of path II (AB) (see fig.10)

I C

II
A B

Fig. 10 Concept of distance and displacement

Displacement of an object may also be defined as the change in position of the object in a particular direction.
That is,
Displacement of an object = Final position – Initial position of the object = xf – xi.
During motion, displacement of an object may be zero but the distance travelled by the object is never zero.
Distance travelled by an object is either equal to or greater than
+ y-axis
the magnitude of displacement of the object.
(Vertical direction)
 Displacement is a vector quantity.
Displacement can be positive, negative or zero.
Units x-axis
– +
In SI system : metre (m) (Horizontal direction)
In CGS system : centimetre (cm)

2 Fig. 11 Sign convention for displacement

A honeybee leaves the hive and travels 2 m as it returns to the hive. Is the displacement for the trip the
same as the distance travelled? If not, why not?
Honey bee

Hive

Fig. 12 Building concepts 2

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Motion (Class-9)

Explanation
No, the displacement and the distance are not same. This is because the
The displacement of
displacement is the change of position of object in motion while distance is length
a particle in a given
of path travelled by it. interval of time is
Here, the distance travelled = 2 m independent of choice
of origin.
While, the displacement = 0, because the position of honey bee is not changed.

1. Motion of a particle is shown below on a number line. Find the displacement from (a) A to B (b)
B to C (c) overall journey. Also, find distance for overall journey.
Final position
Initial position
C A
B
Intermediate position

-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 (in meters)

Fig. 13 Numerical Ability 1 (1)

Solution Distance  |Displacement|

Distance is equal to
(a) Displacement from A to B = xf – xi = (6) – (0) = +6 m
magnitude of displacement
(b) Displacement from B to C = xf – xi = (–6) – (6) = –12 m when a body moves in a
straight line in a particular
(c) Displacement of overall journey (i.e. A to B, B to C) direction or it is in uniform
= xf – xi = (–6) – (0) = –6 m motion.

Here, distance can also be found by adding positive values of displacement

AB & displacement BC. i.e.,
Distance travelled during overall journey = AB + BC = 6 + 12 = 18 m
Here Distance > |Displacement|
Whenever a particle changes its direction, distance is greater than displacement.

2. A body falls from a height of 3 m. Find displacement and distance.

3m

Fig.14 Numerical Ability 1 (2)

Solution
Displacement = –3 m
Distance = 3 m (see fig.14)

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Motion (Class-9)

3. A particle moves along a circular path as shown in figure 15. Find distance travelled and displacement.

A body moving in a circular

path when reaches its original
position after one round, then
Fig. 15 Numerical Ability 1 (3) the displacement at the end of
Solution one round is zero, but the
1 1 distance travelled by it is equal to
Distance travelled = × (circumference of the circle) = (2R) = R the circumference of circular
2 2
path.
Displacement = diameter AB = 2R

Comparison between distance and displacement

Distance Displacement
It is defined as the length of the actual path It is the shortest distance between two points in
1
traversed by a body. which the body moves.

2 It is a scalar quantity. It is a vector quantity.

3 It is always positive. It can be negative, positive or zero.

Distance can be equal to or greater than the Displacement can be equal to or less than the
4
displacement. distance.

Distance travelled is not a unique path Displacement is a unique path between two
5
between two points. points.

The distance between two points gives full Displacement between two points does not give

6 information of the type of path followed by full information of the type of path followed by
the body. the body.

Distance never decreases with time. For a Displacement can decrease with time. For a
7
moving body, it is never zero. moving body, it can be zero.

8 Distance in SI unit is measured in meter. Displacement in SI unit is measured in meter.

1. In a long distance race, the athletes were expected to take four rounds of the track such that the line of finish was
same as the line of start. Suppose the length of the track was 200 m.

(i) What is the total distance to be covered by the athletes?

(ii) What is the displacement of the athletes when they touch the finish line?

(iii) Is the displacement of an athlete and the distance moved by him at the end of the race equal?

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Motion (Class-9)

6. Speed
Speed of a body is the distance travelled by the body per unit time. The rate of change of distance is called speed.

dis tance travelled

speed 
time taken

If a body covers a distance s in time t then speed,

s
v=
t

Unit
In SI system : m/s or ms–1

In CGS system : cm/s or cms–1

A commonly used unit of speed is km/h or kmh–1.

 Speed is a scalar quantity, because it has magnitude but no direction. Speed is always taken positive.

Uniform speed
When a body covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, the body is to be moving with a uniform speed or

constant speed.

Examples : (i) A train running with a speed of 120 km/h. (ii) An aeroplane flying with a speed of 600 km/h.

Non-uniform speed
When a body covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time, the body is said to be moving with non-uniform
speed or variable speed.

Examples : (i) A car running on a busy road.

(ii) An aeroplane landing on a runway.

Average speed
The average speed of the body in a given time interval is defined as the total distance travelled, divided by total
time taken.

Totaldis tance travelled

Average speed 
Totaltime taken

1. (i) Total distance covered = 4 × 200 m = 800 m

(ii) As the athletes finish at the starting line,

Displacement = final position-initial position = xA–xA = 0

(iii) Displacement and distance moved are not equal.

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Motion (Class-9)

1. A car travels first half distance with a uniform speed u and next half distance with a uniform speed v. Find
its average speed.
Solution

d d
Total distance = + =d [See fig.16]
2 2

Total time = t1 + t2 = t
d
d/2  s d/2 B
 t1 = ...(i) t  v  A d/2
u  
t1 t2
d/2 u v
t2 = ...(ii)
v Fig. 16 Numerical Ability 2 (1)
d
Vav = Putting the value of equation (i) and (ii),
t

d d 2 2uv
Vav     Vav 
d/2 d/2 d1 1 vu u v
   
u v 2u v uv

2. A car travels first half time with a uniform speed u and next half time with a uniform speed v. Find its
average speed.
Solution
t t
d1  u  , d2  v  [See fig.17]
2 2
t
t
Total distance d = d1  d 2  u  t/2 t/2
2
A B
ut vt t d1 d2
d=   (u  v)
2 2 2 u v

Total time = t Fig.17 Numerical ability 2 (2)

Total dis tance

Average speed 
Totaltime taken

t
(u  v)
2 u v
Vav =  Vav 
t 2

Instantaneous speed
The speed of a body at any particular instant of time during its motion is called the instantaneous speed of the
body. It is measured by speedometer in vehicles.

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Motion (Class-9)

1. On a 120 km track, a train travels the first 30 km with a uniform speed of 30 km/h. How fast
must the train travel the next 90 km so as to average 60 km/h for the entire trip?
Solution
Given; Total distance d = 120 km, Average speed Vav = 60 km/h
Total time = t =?
Totaldistance
Average speed =
Totaltimetaken
d d
= Vav = or t=
t v av
Putting the values,
120km
t= = 2 h .............(i)
60km / h
Distance travelled in first part of trip, d1 = 30 km, Speed in first part of the trip, v1 = 30 km/h
d1
Time taken in first part of trip, t1 =?, t1 =
v1
30km
Putting the values, t1 = =1h
30km / h
Time taken to complete second part of the trip
t2 = t – t1 = 2 – 1 = 1 h
Distance to be covered in second part of the trip, d2 = 90 km
Required speed in second part, v2 =?
dis tance d2 90km
Speed = ,  v2 = = = 90 km/h
time t2 1h
2. A bus going from Kota to Jaipur passed the 100 km, 160 km and 220 km points at 10.30 am,
11.30 am and 1.30 pm. Find the average speed of the bus during each of the following intervals:
(a) 10.30 am to 11.30 am,
(b) 11.30 am to 1.30 pm and
(c) 10.30 am to 1.30 pm.
Solution
(a) The distance covered between 10.30 am and 11.30 am is 160 km – 100 km = 60 km. The time interval is 1 hour.
The average speed during this interval is –
60km
v1 = = 60 km/h
1h
(b) The distance covered between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm is 220 km – 160 km. = 60 km. The time interval is 2 hours.
The average speed during this interval is –
60km
v2 = = 30 km/h
2h
(c) The distance covered between 10.30 am and 1.30 pm is 220 km – 100 km = 120 km. The time interval is 3
hours. The average speed during this interval is –
120km
v3 = = 40 km/h
3h

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Motion (Class-9)

3. The average speed of a bicycle, an athlete and a car are 18 km/h, 7 m/s and 2 km/min.
respectively. Which of the three is the fastest and which is the slowest?
Solution
18km 18000m
18 km/h = = = 5 m/s
1h 3600s
2km 2000m
2 km/min = = = 33.3 m/s
1 min. 60s
Thus, the average speeds of the bicycle, the athlete and the car are 5 m/s, 7 m/s and 33.3 m/s respectively. So the
car is the fastest, and the bicycle is the slowest.
7. Velocity
The velocity of a body is the displacement of a body per unit time.
Displacement
Velocity 
Time
The displacement covered by a body per unit time or the speed of a body in specified direction is called
velocity. y-axis (Vertical direction)
 Velocity is a vector quantity. It can be positive, negative or zero (see fig.18). +

Unit
In SI system : m/s or ms–1 x-axis
– +
In CGS system : cm/s or cms–1 (Horizontal direction)

–
Uniform velocity Fig.18 Sign convention for velocity
When a body covers equal displacements in equal intervals of time in a
particular direction, the body is said to be moving with a uniform velocity (see fig.19).
A B C D motion
5m 5m 5m

1s 1s 1s

Fig.19 Body moving with uniform velocity

Conditions for uniform velocity
(i) The body must cover equal displacements in equal intervals of time.
(ii) The direction of motion of the body should not change.
Example : A train running towards south with a speed of 120 km/h.

Non-uniform velocity/variable velocity

When a body covers unequal displacements in equal intervals of time, the body is said to be moving with variable
velocity (see fig.20).
A B C D
5m 3m 7m motion

1s 1s 1s

Fig.20 Body moving with non-uniform velocity

When a body covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, but its direction changes, then the body is said to
be moving with variable velocity.

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Motion (Class-9)

Example : In circular motion, a particle may have constant speed but its direction changes continuously thus, its
velocity is non-uniform (see fig.21).
A

5m
1s 5m
1s

D B

1s 1s
5m
5m
C

Fig.21 Body moving with variable velocity

Conditions for variable velocity
(i) It should cover unequal displacements in equal intervals of time.
(ii) It should cover equal distances in equal intervals of time but its direction must
change.
Examples
(i) A car running towards north on a busy road has a variable velocity as the
displacement covered by it per unit time changes with change in the road
condition.
(ii) The blades of a rotating ceiling fan, a person running around a circular track with constant speed etc. are the
examples of variable velocity.
Average velocity
Total displacement of a particle divided by total time taken is called average velocity.

Totaldisplacement
Average velocity 
Totaltimetaken

x 2  x1
Vav =
t 2  t1
 Average speed is always greater than or equal to magnitude of average velocity. Average speed is equal to average
velocity when particle moves in a straight line without change in direction.

Instantaneous velocity
The velocity of a body at any particular instant of time during its motion is called the instantaneous velocity of
the body.

A particle is thrown vertically upwards under gravity. What are the signs of
displacement and velocity in the given fig.22 [(a) & (b)] (P to Q) :
Explanation
(a) Here, displacement and velocity (average & instantaneous) both are positive.

(b) Here, displacement is positive. Instantaneous velocity is negative & average

velocity is positive.

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Motion (Class-9)

A particle moves along a path ABC as shown in figure 23. The time taken during the journey is
2 seconds. Find the average speed and average velocity during the journey.
Final
position

8m

Initial
A B
position
6m
Fig.23 Numerical ability 4
Solution
Total distance travelled, s = AB + BC = 6 + 8 = 14 m
s 14
Average speed, Vav =   7m / s
t 2

Here, displacement = s  AC  AB2  BC2  (6)2  (8)2  100  10m
 
s 10
 Average velocity, V av   5 m/s
t 2
 Here, average speed is greater than average velocity because the direction of particle changes during motion.

1. Two buses depart from Jaipur, one going to Kota and one to Delhi. Each bus
travels at a speed of 30 m/s. Do they have equal velocities? Explain. Direction of velocity
2. One of the following statements is incorrect. (a) The car travelled around the represents direction of
motion of body. Also, sign
track at a constant velocity. (b) The car travelled around the track at a constant
of velocity represents the
speed. Which statement is incorrect and why? direction of motion of
3. At a given instant of time, a car and a truck are travelling side by side in adjacent body.

lanes of a highway. The car has a greater velocity than the truck. Does the car
necessarily have a greater acceleration? Explain.
4. The average velocity for a trip has a positive value. Is it possible for the instantaneous velocity at any point during
the trip to have a negative value? Justify your answer.

On any cloudy day or night, sometimes we see frequent lightning and hear the sound of thunder. The sound of
thunder takes some time to reach us after we see the lightning. This is because light travels with very high speed
(= 3 × 108 m/s) while sound travels with much lower speed (= 346 m/s).
To measure the distance (s) to the nearest point of thunder, we first measure the time interval (t) between the
lightning and thunder as observed by us using a stop watch (see fig.26).

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Motion (Class-9)

Fig.26 Active physics 1

Thus, distance = speed of sound × time, or s = v × t = 346 × t
For example, if the time interval is 3 s then, s = 346 × 3 = 1038 m
1km 1000m 5
   m/s
h 60  60s 18

5
Velocity in m/s = × velocity in km/h
18
5
18 
  ms
1
Km h–1 
18
5

Comparison between speed and velocity

Speed Velocity
1 It is defined as the rate of change of distance. It is defined as the rate of change of displacement.
2 It is a scalar quantity. It is a vector quantity.
3 It is always positive. It can be negative, positive or zero.
4 Speed is velocity without direction. Velocity is directed speed.
5 Speed in SI unit is measured in ms–1. Velocity in SI unit is measured in ms–1.

1. No, they do not have equal velocities. This is because the velocities have same magnitude but they do not have
same direction.
2. Statement (a) is incorrect. When a car travels around a track, its velocity is not constant because its direction
changes continuously.
3. The car may or may not have a greater acceleration. The instantaneous velocity of the car is greater than that of
the truck, but its acceleration may be positive, negative or even zero. The acceleration of car may be less than that
of truck (see fig.24).

Fig.24 Check your answers 2 (3)

4. Yes, the average velocity for a trip has a positive value but its instantaneous velocity at any point may be negative.
This is possible when the particle or object has reversed its direction and moved towards the initial position, but
stopped before reaching the initial position (see fig.25).

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Motion (Class-9)

Initial Intermediate
Net displacement is
position position
B +ve for the trip
A A B
Final Average velocity is
C
position +ve for the trip
Instantaneous (b)
(a) Velocity is
negative

Fig.25 Check your answers 2 (4)

1. Nisha swims in a 90 m long pool. She covers 180 m in one minute by swimming from one end
to the other and back along the same straight path. Find the average speed and average velocity
of Nisha.
Solution
Total distance = 180 m
Total displacement = 0
Time taken, t = 1 min. = 60 s
total distance
Average speed (Vav) =
total time taken
180m
Vav = = 3 m/s
60s
total displacement
Average velocity (Vav) =
total time taken
0
Vav = = 0 m/s
60s
8. Uniform and non-uniform motion
A moving body may cover equal distances in equal intervals of time or different distances in equal intervals of
time. On the basis of above assumption, the motion of a body can be classified as uniform motion and non-
uniform motion.
Uniform motion
When a body covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, however small may be the time intervals, in a
particular direction, the body is said to describe a uniform motion. (see fig.27)

Time (in second) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Distance covered (in metre) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60

60
Distance (m)

50
40
30
20
10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Times (s)
Fig. 27 Distance-time graph for uniform motion

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Motion (Class-9)

 Uniform motion always takes place in a straight line.

Examples of uniform motion

(i) An aeroplane flying at a speed of 600 km/h along north. In uniform motion,
(ii) A train running at a speed of 120 km/h along east. velocity of particle
(iii) Light energy travelling at a speed of 3 × 108 m/s in vacuum. remains constant i.e.,
its magnitude as well
Non-uniform motion as direction are
When a body covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time, the body is constant.

said to be moving with a non-uniform motion. (see fig.28)

 Any motion along a curved path is always non-uniform motion. Also, any motion in which particle changes its
direction is also non-uniform motion.

Time (in second) 0 1 2 3 4

Distance (in metre) 0 1 4 9 16

16
Distance (m)

1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Times (s)
Fig. 28 Distance-time graph for non-uniform motion
Examples of non-uniform motion
(i) An aeroplane running on a runway before taking off.
(ii) A freely falling stone under the action of gravity. In uniform motion,
average speed/velocity
(iii) When the brakes are applied to a moving car.
is equal to
(iv) A fan rotating with constant speed is also a non-uniform motion.
instantaneous
9. Acceleration speed/velocity at any
point of time.
In uniform motion, the velocity remains constant with time. Thus, the change
in velocity for any time interval is zero. But, in non-uniform motion, velocity

changes with time. Thus, the change in velocity for any time interval has a non zero value.

In non-uniform motion, a new physical quantity called 'acceleration' is used.

The rate of change of velocity of a moving body with time is called acceleration.
Change in velocity
Acceleration 
Time taken for change

But, change in velocity = final velocity – initial velocity.

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Motion (Class-9)

Final velocity  Initial velocity

Acceleration 
Time taken for change

v u
a
t

If body moves with uniform velocity, then v = u and then acceleration is zero i.e. a = 0.
 Acceleration is a vector quantity. It can be negative, positive or zero (see fig.29).
y-axis (Vertical
+ direction)
If acceleration of a
x-axis particle is zero, this
– + (Horizontal direction) means its velocity is
constant i.e. the
–
particle is in uniform
motion.
Fig.29 Sign convention for acceleration
Unit of acceleration
In SI system : m/s2 or ms–2

In CGS system : cm/s2 or cms–2

If the velocity of an object increases with time, such a motion is called 'accelerated motion'. In such motion,
acceleration 'a' is considered positive for numerical problems.

Example : An object starts from rest and its velocity goes on increasing with time.

If velocity of an object decreases with time, such a motion is called 'retarded motion'.

In such a motion, acceleration is called 'retardation' or 'deceleration' and it is considered negative for numerical

problems.

Example : A vehicle in motion is stopped by applying brakes.

Uniform acceleration
When a body moving in a straight line undergoes equal changes of velocity in equal intervals of time, the body is
said to be moving with a uniform acceleration. Also, uniform acceleration means an acceleration having a constant
magnitude and a constant direction (see fig.30).
A B C D

1s 1s 1s motion

2m/s 4m/s 6m/s 8m/s

Fig.30 Uniformly accelerating body
Examples : (i) Motion of a freely falling body.
(ii) Motion of a ball rolling down on an inclined plane.
Non-uniform acceleration or variable acceleration
When a body undergoes unequal changes of velocity in equal intervals of time, the body is said to be moving
with non-uniform acceleration (see fig.31).

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Motion (Class-9)

A B C D
motion
1s 1s 1s

2m/s 5m/s 11m/s 13m/s

Fig. 31 Non-uniformly accelerating body
Examples : (i) The motion of a bus leaving or entering the bus stop.
(ii) A car moving on a busy road has non-uniform acceleration.

1. An object is sliding down on an inclined plane. The velocity changes at a constant rate from 10
cm/s to 15 cm/s in 2 seconds. What is its acceleration?
Solution
The situation is shown in fig. 32

A C
Fig. 32 Numerical Ability 6 (1)
Let us take BA as the positive direction. The velocity at t = 0 is u = +10 cm/s and that at t = 2s is v = +15 cm/s.
v  u 15cm / s  10cm / s
Thus, a = =
t 2s
5cm / s
= = 2.5 cm/s2
2s
The acceleration is positive, which means it is in the direction BA.

Two cars are moving on straight sections of a highway. The acceleration of the first car A is greater than
the acceleration of the second car B and both accelerations have the same direction. Which one of the

following is true?
(a) The velocity of the first car is always greater than the velocity of the second car.
(b) The velocity of the second car is always greater than the velocity of the first car.

(c) In the same time interval, the velocity of the first car changes by a greater amount than the velocity of
the second car does.
(d) In the same time interval, the velocity of the second car changes by a greater amount than the velocity
of the first car does.
Explanation

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Motion (Class-9)

Option (c) is true because the acceleration of the first car is greater than the acceleration of the second car, thus
in the same time interval, the velocity of the first car changes by a greater amount than the velocity of the second
car does.

Option (d) is reverse of option (c), thus it cannot be true simultaneously. It is therefore, a false statement.

Option (a) is false because initial velocity of car A may be less than the velocity of car B. After a certain time
interval, velocity of A will become more than the velocity of B.

Option (b) is also false because initial velocity of car A may be less or more than the velocity of car B. Even if the
initial velocity of car B is more than velocity of car A, after a certain time interval it will become less than that of
car A.

10. Equations of uniformly accelerated motion

When an object moves with a uniform acceleration, its motion is called 'uniformly
accelerated motion'.
In case of uniformly accelerated motion, the average velocity is given by
In uniformly accelerated
v u motion, acceleration is
Vav = , here v = final velocity, u = initial velocity
2 constant in both
magnitude as well as
These equations give relationship between initial velocity, final velocity, time taken,
direction.
acceleration and distance travelled by the body.

First equation of motion

A body having an initial velocity 'u' acted upon by a uniform acceleration 'a' for time 't' such that final velocity of
the body is 'v'.
Change in velocity Final velocity  Initial velocity
Acceleration = 
Time taken Time taken

v u
a= , or v – u = at, or
t

Second equation of motion

It gives the distance travelled by a body in time 't'.
A body having an initial velocity 'u' acted upon by a uniform acceleration 'a' for time 't' such that final velocity of
the body is 'v' and the distance covered is 's'.
vu
Vav =
2
The acceleration of
Distance covered = average velocity × time taken
the body does not
 v u determine its direction
s = × t ... (1)
 2  of motion while the
but v = u + at (from first equation of motion) ... (2) velocity determines its
 u  at  u   2u at  direction of motion.
 at 
Using (1) & (2), we get, s  t     t  u   t
 2   2 2  2

1
or s = ut + at 2
2

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Motion (Class-9)

Third equation of motion

A body having an initial velocity 'u' moving with a uniform acceleration 'a' for time 't' such that final velocity is 'v'
and the distance covered is 's'.
v u
Vav =
2
Distance covered = average velocity × time taken
 v u
s=  × t ... (1)
 2 
Now, v = u + at, or v – u = at
 v u
or t=   ... (2)
 a 
From (1) & (2), we get,
 v  u   v  u  v 2  u2
s  
 2  a  2a

or 2as = v2 – u2 , or

When a body falls

In your everyday life, you come across a range of motions in which
freely under gravity, the
(a) Acceleration is in the direction of motion.
acceleration produced in
(b) Acceleration is against the direction of motion.
body due to earth's
(c) Acceleration is uniform.
gravitational attraction is
(d) Acceleration is non-uniform. called acceleration due
Identify one example each of the above types of motion. to gravity.
Ans. (a) While increasing the speed of vehicle using the accelerator, the
acceleration is in the direction of motion.
(b) While applying brakes of a vehicle, its speed decreases with time. Here, the acceleration is against the
direction of motion.
(c) Motion of a particle under gravity has a uniform acceleration
(g = 9.8 m/s2, vertically downwards).
(d) Motion of a car in a crowded traffic has non-uniform acceleration as its speed varies (increases or decreases)
as per the need.

1. A car accelerates uniformly from 18 kmh–1 to 36 kmh–1 in 5 s. Calculate (i) acceleration, (ii)
distance covered by the car in that time.
Solution
Given, u = 18 km/hr = 5 m/s ; v = 36 km/h = 10 m/sec ; t = 5 s
v  u 10m / s  5m / s
(i) a = 
t 5s
a= 1 m/s2
1 2
(ii) s = ut + at
2
1
s=5×5+ ×1×5×5
2
s = 25 m + 12.5 m = 37.54 m

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Motion (Class-9)

2. A train starting from rest, picks up a speed of 20 ms–1 in 200 s. It continues to move at the same speed for
the next 500 s. It is then brought to rest in the next 100 s. Calculate the value of uniform acceleration and
uniform retardation. Also calculate the distance covered by the train during retardation.
Solution
Given, u = 0, v = 20 m/s, t = 200 s
v  u 20m / s  0m / s
a= 
t 200 s

a = 0.1 m/s2
The train then moves with a constant velocity of 20 m/s for next 500 s, so the acceleration of the train is zero.
Now, the train comes to rest in next 100 s. So,
v = 0, u = 20 m/s, t = 100 s
v  u 0m / s  20m / s
retardation = 
t 100 s

a = – 0.2 m/s2
Distance covered by train during retardation
1 2
s = ut + at
2
1
s = 20 × 100 + × (– 0.2) × 100 × 100
2
s = 1000 m
3. A car initially at rest starts moving with a constant acceleration of 0.5 m s–2 and travels a distance of 25 m.
Find its final velocity.
Solution
Given, u = 0, a = 0.5 m/s2, s = 25 m
v2 = u2 + 2as
v2 = (0)2 + 2 × 0.5 × 25 = 25
v= 25 = 5 m/s
4. A body with an initial velocity of 18 km h–1 accelerates uniformly at the rate of 18 cm s–2 over a distance of
100 m. Calculate :
(i) The acceleration in m s–2
(ii) its final velocity in m s–1
Solution
18
(i) Acceleration = 18 cm/s2 = m/s2 = 0.18 m/s2
100
1800
(ii) Given, u = 18 km/h = = 5 m/s ; a = 0.18 m/s2 ; s = 100 m
60  60
In uniformly
v2 = u2 + 2as accelerated motion,
v2 = (5)2 + 2 × 0.18 × 100 acceleration is
v2 = 25 + 36 = 61 constant in both
magnitude as well
v= 61 = 7.8 m/s
as direction.

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Motion (Class-9)

11. Graphical representation of motion

Graph
A graph is a line, straight or curved, showing the relation between two variable quantities, of which one varies as
a result of the change in the other.
The quantity which changes independently is called independent variable and the one which changes as a result
of the change in the other is called dependent variable.
Distance/displacement–time graph
This graph is plotted between the time taken and the distance covered. The time is taken along the x-axis and the
distance covered is taken along the y-axis.
 The slope of the distance-time graph gives the speed of the body.
 The slope of the displacement-time graph gives the velocity of the body.
When the body is at rest
When position of the body does not change with time then it is said to be stationary. The distance-time graph of
such a body is a straight line parallel to x-axis (see fig.33).

y-axis
Distance (m)

x-axis
Time (s)
Fig.33 s-t graph for a body at rest
When the body is in uniform motion
In uniform motion, v = constant.
Now, s = v × t
Since v is constant
 s  t, thus, the distance-time graph of such a body is a straight line, inclined to x-axis.
measure on y  axis
Slope = = tan 
measure on x  axis
x 2  x1
Slope = =v
t 2  t1
Thus, slope of distance-time graph gives speed of the body (see fig.34).

600
Distance (m)

500
B
x2 400
300 (x2–x1)
A θ
x1 200 C
(t2– t1)
100

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Time (s)
t1 t2
Fig.34 s-t graph for a body in uniform motion (a = 0)

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Motion (Class-9)

 In a distance-time graph, more the slope of the graph of an object in motion, more will be its speed and vice-
versa.
 Example : In given graph (see fig.35) speed of particle A is greater than the speed of particle B because slope of
graph of particle A is greater than slope of graph of particle B.

Distance (m)
B

VA>VB

θ1 θ2
time (s)

Fig.35 Two particles moving with different velocities

 In the given graph (see fig.36), speed of particle A is equal to speed of particle B because graphs of both have
same slope.

x same velocity
B

x0 A

O t

Fig.36 Two particles moving with same velocities

When the body is in non-uniform motion
In this case, distance-time graph is a curve. For example, in uniformly
1 2
accelerated motion, s = ut + at
2
Since s  t2, definitely the graph is not a straight line, it is a curve (see fig.37, 38).
Distance

Distance

time time
Fig.37 s-t graph of an accelerated Fig.38 s-t graph of a retarded motion
motion (speed increasing with time) (speed decreasing with time)
 A distance-time graph can never be parallel to y-axis (representing distance) because this line has inclination of
90°, and slope = tan  = tan 90° = infinite, which means infinite speed; it is impossible.
Speed/velocity-time graph
The variation in velocity with time for an object moving in a straight line can be represented by a velocity-time
graph. In this graph, time is represented along the x-axis and velocity is represented along the y-axis.
The slope of the speed/velocity-time graph gives the acceleration of the body.
Area enclosed under a speed-time graph or velocity-time graph gives the distance covered by the body.

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Motion (Class-9)

When the body is in uniform motion

Here, the body moves with constant velocity. The speed or velocity of the body is uniform, hence the magnitude
remains same. The graph is a straight line parallel to x-axis (time-axis). Since the velocity is uniform, its acceleration
is zero. The slope of the graph in this case is zero (see fig.39).

Speed or velocity
Time

Fig.39 v-t graph for an object in uniform motion

When the body is moving with a uniform acceleration
x 2  x1
Slope = = tan  = a
t 2  t1
Thus, slope of v–t graph gives acceleration of a body (see fig.40).

v2
Speed or velocity

v2 – v1
v1
t2 – t1

θ
t1 t2
Time

Fig. 40 v-t graph for an object moving with uniform acceleration

When the body is moving with a non-uniform (variable) acceleration.

In this case, the speed or velocity-time graph is not a straight line, but is a curve (see fig.41).

Fig.41 v-t graph for an object moving with non-uniform acceleration

 Speed or velocity-time graph line can never be parallel to y-axis (speed axis), because inclination becomes 90°,
then tan 90° is infinite; ie. infinite acceleration is impossible.
Distance from speed or velocity-time graph
As distance = speed × time, hence the distance can be calculated from speed or velocity-time graph.
When speed or velocity is uniform (constant)
Distance = Area of rectangle ABCD = AB × AD [see fig.42(a)]
When acceleration is uniform (constant)
Distance or displacement = Area of right-angled triangle OAB [see fig. 42(b)]
1 1
  base  height   OB  BA
2 2

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Motion (Class-9)

B C
y-axis

Speed or velocity
v2 – v1 A

Speed or velocity
O A D Time x-axis
O time B

(a) (b)
Fig. 42 Area under v-t graph gives distance travelled by a body

1. What is represented by the slope of v–t graph?

2. Give velocity-time graph for a motion in which velocity and acceleration are in the same direction.
3. State with reasons which of these cannot possibly represent one-dimensional motion of a particle (see fig.43).
Speed

Speed

t t
(a)
(b)
Fig.43 Check your concepts 3 (3)
12. Equations of motion by graphical method
Figure 1 represents a velocity-time graph, in which AB represents the initial velocity u, CE represents final velocity
v, such that the change in velocity is represented by CD, which takes place in time t, represented by AE (see fig.
45).
y-axis

C
Velocity (m/s)

at
B
v
D
u u
A
x-axis
E
t
time (seconds)
Fig. 45 An object moving with certain initial velocity u and attains final velocity v after time t.
Derivation of v = u + at
Acceleration = slope of the graph line BC
 DE  AB  u
CD CE  DE v u  
a=
BD
=
BD
or a=
t  BD  AE  t 
  CE  v 
 
v – u = at
v  u  at

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Motion (Class-9)

Derivation of s = ut + at2

Distance travelled = Area of trapezium ABCE

= Area of rectangle ABDE + Area of triangle BCD

1 1  BD  AE  t 
= AB × AE + (BD × CD) = u × t + [t × (v–u)]  
2 2  CD  CE  DE  v  u

1
 =u×t+ [t × (u + at – u)] [ v = u + at]
2

1
s  ut  at2
2

Derivation of v2 = u2 + 2as
From the velocity-time graph, distance covered = Area of trapezium ABCE

1 1
  s= (AB + CE) × AE s = (u + v) × t ...(i)
2 2

Change in velocity
Acceleration =
Time

v u v u
a= t= ...(ii)
t a

Substituting the value of t in equation (i)

(v  u) (v  u)
s=  [ A2 – B2 = (A + B) × (A – B)]
2 a

v 2  u2
s= , or v2 – u2 = 2as, or v 2  u2  2as
2a

1. Slope of v-t graph gives 'acceleration'.

2. Since velocity and acceleration are in same direction, the velocity of particle increases with time (see fig.44).

↑
v

y
t→

Fig.44 Check your answers 3 (2)

3. (1) Graph (a) is incorrect as time always increases, it cannot be reversed.

(2) Graph (b) is also incorrect as speed is always positive, it can never be negative.

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Motion (Class-9)

1. Figure shows distance-time graph of two objects A and B. Which object is moving with greater speed when
both are moving?
B

Displacement
A

time

Fig. 46 Numerical Ability 7 (1)

Solution
The line for object B makes a larger angle with the time-axis. Its slope is larger than the slope of the line for object
A. Thus, the speed of B is greater than that of A.
2. Figure represents the speed-time graph for a particle. Find the distance covered by the particle between t
= 10 min. and t = 30 min.
Speed (km/h) →

15 Speed (km/h) →
15
D C
10 10

5 5
A B
0 10 20 30 40 10 20 30 40
time (min)  time (min) 
(a) (b)

Fig. 47 Numerical Ability 7 (2)

Solution
We draw perpendicular lines from the 10-minute point and the 30-minute point to the line of graph (see fig. (b)).
The distance covered is equal to the area of the rectangle ABCD. Its value is
ABCD = (30 min.–10 min.) × (10 km/h)
= 20 min. × 10 km/h
20 10
= h × 10 km/h = km.
60 3
3. Find the distance covered by a particle during the time interval t = 0 to t = 20 s for which the speed-time
graph is shown in figure.
Solution
The distance covered in the time interval 0 to 20 s. is equal to the area of the shaded triangle. It is
Speed (in m/s) →

20
15
10
5

0 5 10 15 20 25
time (in sec.) →

Fig. 48 Numerical Ability 7 (3)

1 1
s = base × height = (20 s) × (20 m/s) = 200 m.
2 2

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Motion (Class-9)

4. Figure shows the velocity-time graphs for two objects, A and B, moving along the same direction. Which
object has greater acceleration?
B

Velocity →
A

Time →
Fig. 49 Numerical Ability 7 (4)
Solution
The slope of the velocity-time graph of B is greater than that for A. Thus, the acceleration of B is greater than that
of A.
13. Circular motion
When a particle moves along a circular path, its motion is called 'circular motion' (see fig. 50).

v v

v v

Fig. 50 Circular motion of a particle

 In a circular motion, velocity of a particle is tangential to the circular path.
If the body covers equal distances along the circumference of the circle, in equal intervals of time, then motion is
said to be a uniform circular motion. When a body moves along a circular path, then its direction of motion
changes continuously. Thus, a circular motion is always a non-uniform motion.
 A uniform circular motion is a motion in which speed remains constant but direction of velocity changes
continuously.
Examples of uniform circular motion
(i) An athlete running on a circular track with constant speed.
(ii) Motion of tips of the second hand, minute hand and hour hand of a wrist watch.
Difference between uniform linear motion and uniform circular motion
Uniform linear Motion Uniform circular motion
(1) The direction of motion does not change The direction of motion changes continuously.
(2) The motion is non-accelerated. The motion is accelerated
Radian
It is the SI unit for measuring plane angles in physics.
The arc AB of the circle has length  and subtends an angle θ at the centre C (see fig. 51).
B


C r A

Fig. 51 Plane angle in terms of radian

arc 
If Ð ACB =radians Then, = r
radius

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Motion (Class-9)

when  = r, then  = 1 radian.

One radian is defined as the angle subtended at the centre of the circle by an arc which is equal in length
to its radius.
Angle subtended by the circumference at the centre,
2r 360 o
= = 2 radians; 2 radians = 360° ; 1 radian =
r 2
1 radian  57.3o

Take a piece of thread and tie a small piece of stone at one of its ends. Move the stone to describe a circular path
with constant speed by holding the thread at the other end (see fig. 52).

Fig. 52 Active Physics 1

When the stone is released, it will move in a direction tangential to the circular path. If we release the stone from
different positions, direction of movement of stone will be different for different positions. But, it is always

tangential to the circular path at the position where the stone is released.

Angular displacement and angular velocity

The angle covered by a body moving along a circular path in a given interval of time is called 'angular

displacement'. It is denoted by θ.

The angle covered by a body per unit time is called angular velocity.

It is usually denoted by  and measured in radians per sec.

If  is the angle covered in time 't' then,

Angular displacement θ
Angular velocity = \ω=
Time taken t

Unit
Angular displacement : radian

Angular velocity  rad/s

Relation between linear speed and angular velocity

Let us consider a particle moving along a circular path of radius 'r' with constant angular velocity ''. Let it covers

an angle '' during a time interval 't'. Let the distance covered during time interval 't' be '  ' (see fig. 53)


Angular displacement =  = r

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Motion (Class-9)

   = r ... (1)

θ
Also, angular velocity, ω  ... (2)
t Q

 
Now, linear speed, v =
t
C P
r r
or v [using (1)]
t
θ
or v  r  Fig. 53 An object in circular motion
t

or v  r [using (2)]

2πr
Also, linear speed =
T
where 'T' is the time period for 1 revolution.
Centripetal acceleration
Circular motion is always accelerated and it has a radially inward acceleration called 'centripetal acceleration' (see

fig. 54).
v
v2 The acceleration
ac  needed to keep an object
r
moving in a circular path
ac is called centripetal
(r)2 r 2 2
Also, ac    r2 acceleration. It always
r r
acts towards the centre of
Fig. 54 Circular motion circular path.
always has radially inward
acceleration

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