What is the Difference Between Uniform Motion and Non Uniform Motion?

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The main difference between uniform motion and non-uniform motion lies in the speed and direction of an object during its motion. Here are the key differences between the two types of motion:

  1. Definition: Uniform motion is characterized by an object moving at a constant speed and direction, covering equal distances in equal intervals of time. Non-uniform motion, on the other hand, involves an object moving with changing speed and direction, resulting in unequal distances covered in equal intervals of time.
  2. Speed and Velocity: In uniform motion, the object maintains a constant speed and velocity throughout its motion. In non-uniform motion, the object's speed and velocity change, with the object accelerating, decelerating, or changing direction at different points during its motion.
  3. Acceleration: Uniform motion has zero acceleration, as the object maintains a constant speed. Non-uniform motion has non-zero acceleration, as the object's speed and direction change.
  4. Distance-Time Graph: In uniform motion, the distance-time graph shows a straight line, indicating that the object travels equal distances in equal time intervals. In non-uniform motion, the distance-time graph shows a curved line, indicating that the object travels unequal distances in equal time intervals.

Examples of uniform motion include a car moving at a constant velocity and a boy running in a straight path with constant speed. Examples of non-uniform motion include a car accelerating from rest to a higher speed, a ball rolling down a slope and gradually gaining speed, and the oscillation of a pendulum.

Comparative Table: Uniform Motion vs Non Uniform Motion

Here is a table comparing uniform motion and non-uniform motion:

Feature Uniform Motion Non-Uniform Motion
Definition The motion of an object in which the object travels in a straight line, and its velocity remains constant along that line as it covers equal distances in equal intervals of time. The motion of an object in which the object travels with varied speed, covering unequal distances in equal time intervals.
Speed and Velocity Constant speed and velocity, covering equal distances in equal intervals of time. Changing speed and velocity, covering unequal distances in equal intervals of time.
Acceleration Zero acceleration, as the object maintains a constant velocity. Non-zero acceleration, as the object's velocity changes.
Examples A car moving at a constant speed on a straight highway, a pendulum swinging back and forth with the same amplitude and time period, or a satellite orbiting the Earth at a fixed speed. A car accelerating from rest to a higher speed, a ball rolling down a slope and gradually gaining speed, a cyclist traveling at different speeds during different time intervals.

In summary, uniform motion involves constant speed and direction, covering equal distances in equal intervals of time, while non-uniform motion encompasses changing speed and direction, resulting in unequal distances covered in equal intervals of time.