Interactive physics simulator
Non-uniform Motion
Non-uniform motion happens when an object covers unequal distances in equal time intervals, or when its speed changes with time.
Non-uniform Motion Simulator
Watch the gaps change each second. Unequal gaps mean speed is changing, so the motion is non-uniform.
Live Result
- Initial speed
- 2 m/s
- Current speed
- 2 m/s
- Average speed
- 2 m/s
- Acceleration
- 1.5 m/s²
- Total time
- 6 s
- Timer
- 0 s
- Distance
- 0 m
- Position
- 0 m
- Formula
- v = u + at
What is Non-uniform Motion?
Non-uniform motion means the motion is changing. The object may speed up, slow down, or cover different distances in each equal second. When velocity changes, acceleration is present.
Key Definition
Non-uniform motion is motion in which an object covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time, or its speed changes with time.
- Speed is not constant.
- Distance covered in each equal time interval is different.
- Acceleration may be present.
- Motion can speed up or slow down.
- Distance-time graph is usually curved.
- Speed-time graph is not horizontal.
Useful Formulas
Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time a = (v - u) / t v = u + at s = ut + 1/2at² Variables and units
- u = initial velocity or speed
- v = final velocity or speed
- a = acceleration
- t = time in seconds
- s = distance or displacement for straight-line motion
Uniform vs Non-uniform Motion
| Feature | Uniform Motion | Non-uniform Motion |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Speed is constant. | Speed changes. |
| Distance in equal time | Equal distances in equal time intervals. | Unequal distances in equal time intervals. |
| Acceleration | Acceleration is zero. | Acceleration may not be zero. |
| Distance-time graph | Straight line. | Usually curved. |
| Speed-time graph | Horizontal line. | Changes with time. |
| Example | Ball moving steadily at 2 m/s. | Rocket speeding up or ball slowing down. |
Real-life Example of Non-uniform Motion
A rocket starts slowly and speeds up every second.
Initial speed = 2 m/s Acceleration = 3 m/s² Time = 4 s Final speed = 2 + 3 x 4 = 14 m/s - A ball rolling down a slope speeds up.
- A train capsule slowing down before stopping at a station.
Solved Examples
View Solution: An object starts at 2 m/s and reaches 10 m/s in 4 s. Find acceleration.
Use a = (v - u) / t.
a = (10 - 2) / 4
a = 2 m/s²
Final answer: 2 m/s²
View Solution: A rocket starts from rest and accelerates at 3 m/s² for 5 s. Find final speed.
Use v = u + at.
v = 0 + 3 x 5
v = 15 m/s
Final answer: 15 m/s
View Solution: A ball moves unequal distances in each second: 2 m, 4 m, 6 m, and 8 m. Is this uniform or non-uniform motion?
The time intervals are equal.
The distances are not equal.
So the motion is non-uniform.
Final answer: Non-uniform motion
Common Mistakes
- Thinking non-uniform motion means random motion only.
- Forgetting that speed changes in non-uniform motion.
- Confusing unequal distance with unequal time intervals.
- Thinking acceleration must always be positive.
- Forgetting slowing down is also non-uniform motion.
- Thinking distance-time graph is always straight.
- Mixing up speed and acceleration.
Quick Summary
- Non-uniform motion means speed changes.
- Equal time intervals have unequal distances.
- Acceleration may be positive or negative.
- Distance-time graph is usually curved.
- Speed-time graph changes with time.
- A speeding up or slowing down object is in non-uniform motion.
Practice Questions
1. Show Answer: An object covers 2 m, 4 m, and 6 m in three equal seconds. Is it uniform or non-uniform motion?
Step: Check whether speed changes or distances are unequal in equal time intervals.
Non-uniform motion, because the distances are unequal in equal time intervals.
2. Show Answer: A rocket starts at 5 m/s and reaches 20 m/s in 5 s. Find acceleration.
Step: Check whether speed changes or distances are unequal in equal time intervals.
a = (20 - 5) / 5 = 3 m/s².
3. Show Answer: A ball slows from 12 m/s to 4 m/s in 4 s. Find acceleration.
Step: Check whether speed changes or distances are unequal in equal time intervals.
a = (4 - 12) / 4 = -2 m/s². The negative sign shows slowing down.
4. Show Answer: What happens to speed in non-uniform motion?
Step: Check whether speed changes or distances are unequal in equal time intervals.
Speed changes with time.
5. Show Answer: What shape is the distance-time graph usually in non-uniform motion?
Step: Check whether speed changes or distances are unequal in equal time intervals.
It is usually curved.
6. Show Answer: Can slowing down be non-uniform motion?
Step: Check whether speed changes or distances are unequal in equal time intervals.
Yes. Slowing down means velocity is changing, so the motion is non-uniform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is non-uniform motion?
Non-uniform motion is motion in which an object covers unequal distances in equal time intervals, or its speed changes with time.
Is speed constant in non-uniform motion?
No. In non-uniform motion, speed changes with time.
What is an example of non-uniform motion?
A rocket speeding up, a ball rolling down a slope, or a train slowing down before stopping are examples of non-uniform motion.
What is the difference between uniform and non-uniform motion?
In uniform motion, speed is constant and equal distances are covered in equal time intervals. In non-uniform motion, speed changes and unequal distances are covered in equal time intervals.
Is acceleration present in non-uniform motion?
Often yes. If velocity changes, acceleration is present.
Can slowing down be non-uniform motion?
Yes. Slowing down means velocity is changing, so it is non-uniform motion.
What does the distance-time graph look like for non-uniform motion?
It is usually curved because the object does not cover equal distances in equal time intervals.
What does the speed-time graph look like for non-uniform motion?
The speed-time graph changes with time instead of staying horizontal.
How does the non-uniform motion simulator work?
The simulator changes the object’s speed over time and shows unequal distances covered in equal time intervals.
Does non-uniform motion always mean acceleration is positive?
No. Acceleration can be positive when speeding up or negative when slowing down.