Concept Builder: What is Uniform Motion?

🧠 Concept Builder: Uniform Motion

Understand constant velocity motion with interactive examples and quizzes

Definition

Uniform Motion occurs when an object travels equal distances in equal intervals of time along a straight line, maintaining constant velocity (speed + direction).

In simpler terms, uniform motion means:

• No acceleration (velocity doesn't change)
• Straight-line path (no change in direction)
• Constant speed (distance covered per unit time remains same)
• Position-time graph is a straight line with constant slope

Animation

Watch this car moving with uniform motion - notice how it covers equal distances in equal time intervals:

The car's speedometer would show the same speed value throughout its motion, and the steering wheel wouldn't turn (straight path).

Graphical Representation

Uniform motion appears as straight lines on motion graphs:

Position-Time Graph: Straight line with constant slope (slope = velocity)

Velocity-Time Graph: Horizontal line (constant velocity means zero acceleration)

Real-World Examples

Cruise Control on Highway

A car using cruise control at 60 mph on a straight highway maintains uniform motion (assuming no traffic or turns).

Train on Straight Tracks

A train moving at constant speed along straight railway tracks exhibits uniform motion.

Aircraft at Cruising Altitude

An airplane flying straight at constant speed and altitude (neglecting minor adjustments).

Concept Check

Test your understanding with these interactive questions:

1. Which of these represents uniform motion?

A car moving at 50 km/h straight on a highway

A ball thrown upward

A car slowing down at a red light

A bicycle going around a circular track

Correct! Only the car moving at constant speed in a straight line shows uniform motion. The others involve acceleration (speed or direction changes).

2. What does a horizontal line on a velocity-time graph indicate?

The object is accelerating

The object has constant velocity

The object is at rest

The object is changing direction

Right! A horizontal line on velocity-time graph means velocity isn't changing - the definition of uniform motion.

3. Which equation represents uniform motion?

x = x₀ + vt

v = u + at

x = x₀ + ut + ½at²

v² = u² + 2a(x-x₀)

Exactly! x = x₀ + vt is the equation for position with constant velocity (uniform motion). The others involve acceleration.