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Overview of Motion Concepts

Jul 6, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains the concepts of motion, including types of motion, measurement of speed and velocity, acceleration, graphical representation, equations of motion, and uniform circular motion.

Introduction to Motion

  • Motion is when an object's position changes over time; at rest means no such change.
  • Perception of motion depends on the observer's reference point or origin.
  • Objects can move in straight lines, circles, rotate, or vibrate.

Describing Motion

  • Position is described relative to a chosen reference point (origin).
  • Distance is the total path length traveled, regardless of direction.
  • Displacement is the shortest straight-line distance from initial to final position, considering direction.

Types of Motion

  • Uniform motion: equal distances covered in equal time intervals.
  • Non-uniform motion: unequal distances covered in equal time intervals.

Measuring Rate of Motion

  • Speed = distance travelled / time taken; SI unit: m/s.
  • Average speed = total distance travelled / total time taken.
  • Velocity = speed with direction; average velocity = displacement / time.
  • For changing velocity at a uniform rate: average velocity = (initial velocity + final velocity) / 2.

Acceleration

  • Acceleration = change in velocity / time taken; SI unit: m/s².
  • Uniform acceleration: velocity changes equally in equal intervals (e.g., free fall).
  • Non-uniform acceleration: velocity changes unequally in equal intervals.

Graphical Representation of Motion

  • Distance-time graphs:
    • Straight line: uniform speed.
    • Curved line: non-uniform speed.
  • Velocity-time graphs:
    • Straight parallel to time axis: uniform velocity.
    • Slope represents acceleration.
    • Area under graph = distance (or displacement) covered.

Equations of Motion (for uniform acceleration)

  • v = u + at (final velocity)
  • s = ut + ½ at² (distance)
  • v² = u² + 2as (velocity-displacement relation)
  • u: initial velocity, v: final velocity, a: acceleration, t: time, s: displacement.

Uniform Circular Motion

  • Uniform circular motion: object moves at constant speed along a circular path.
  • Only the direction of velocity changes, so acceleration is present.
  • Speed in a circle: v = 2πr / t, where r is radius, t is time for one rotation.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Reference Point (Origin) — Chosen fixed position to describe motion.
  • Distance — Total length of path covered by an object.
  • Displacement — Shortest distance from initial to final position (with direction).
  • Speed — Rate of covering distance (no direction).
  • Velocity — Speed in a specified direction.
  • Acceleration — Rate of change of velocity per unit time.
  • Uniform Motion — Constant speed and direction.
  • Non-uniform Motion — Changing speed and/or direction.
  • Uniform Circular Motion — Movement in a circle at constant speed.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Complete textbook exercises at the chapter’s end.
  • Practice plotting and interpreting distance-time and velocity-time graphs.
  • Memorize and apply the equations of motion for problem solving.
  • Perform suggested activities to deepen understanding of concepts.