Class 9 Science – Motion

Introduction

Motion refers to the change in position of an object with respect to time. An object is said to be in motion when its position changes compared to a fixed reference point.


Types of Motion

  1. Rectilinear Motion – Motion along a straight line.
    Example: A car moving on a straight road.
  2. Circular Motion – Motion along a circular path.
    Example: Hands of a clock.
  3. Periodic Motion – Motion that repeats at regular intervals.
    Example: Pendulum motion.
  4. Uniform Motion – Object covers equal distances in equal intervals of time.
  5. Non-uniform Motion – Object covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time.

Distance and Displacement

DistanceDisplacement
Total path coveredShortest distance between two points
Scalar quantityVector quantity
Always positiveCan be zero or negative

Speed

  • Distance travelled per unit time.
  • Formula:
    Speed = Distance ÷ Time
  • Unit: m/s

Types of Speed

  • Uniform speed
  • Non-uniform speed
  • Average speed

Velocity

  • Displacement per unit time.
  • Formula:
    Velocity = Displacement ÷ Time
  • Unit: m/s

Acceleration

  • Rate of change of velocity.
  • Formula:
    Acceleration = Change in velocity ÷ Time
  • Unit: m/s²

Equations of Motion

  1. v = u + at
  2. s = ut + ½at²
  3. v² = u² + 2as

Where:
u = initial velocity
v = final velocity
a = acceleration
t = time
s = distance


Graphical Representation of Motion

  • Distance–Time Graph
    • Straight line → Uniform motion
    • Curve → Non-uniform motion
  • Velocity–Time Graph
    • Area under graph → Distance travelled
    • Slope → Acceleration

Uniform Circular Motion

  • Speed is constant but velocity changes due to continuous change in direction.
  • Acceleration acts towards the center.

Quick Short Q&A (Most Possible)

QuestionShort Answer
What is motion?Change in position with time
Unit of speed?m/s
Unit of acceleration?m/s²
Uniform motion?Equal distance in equal time
Non-uniform motion?Unequal distance in equal time
Speed vs velocity?Velocity has direction
Distance–time graph of uniform motion?Straight line
Area under velocity–time graph gives?Distance
Formula for acceleration?(v − u)/t
Equations of motion count?Three