Difference between Uniform Motion and Non-Uniform Motion
Motion is a fundamental concept in physics, and we often talk about the difference between uniform and non-uniform motion.
The main difference is in uniform motion, an object moves at a constant speed in a straight line whereas in non-uniform motion, an object travels at different speeds or makes stops along the way.
Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Uniform Motion and Non-Uniform Motion:
- Uniform Motion: Uniform motion is when a body moves along a straight line with constant speed. A body that is undergoing uniform motion will move in a straight line at a constant velocity.
- Non-Uniform Motion: Non-uniform motion is when a body changes its speed or direction during its movement. If the object moves in curved lines, then it is undergoing non-uniform motion.
Now, let’s move to Uniform Motion vs Non-Uniform Motion:
Major differences between Uniform Motion and Non-Uniform Motion
| Uniform Motion | Non-Uniform Motion |
|---|---|
| The object does not change direction or speed over time, so it is moving uniformly. | The object changes its speed or direction during its movement. |
| In uniform motion, both velocity and acceleration are constant. | Non-uniform motion both velocity and acceleration change with time. |
| The average speed of a body undergoing uniform motion is equal to zero. | The bodies undergoing non-uniform motions average speed varies with time because it changes over time (i.e., increasing or decreasing). |
| The distance traveled by the object in uniform motion is always equal to its displacement. | It can be more than or less than the displacement depending on whether it is increasing or decreasing its velocity respectively. |
| The distance traveled in uniform motion over a certain amount of time is predictable. | The distance traveled in non-uniform motion over the same amount of time isn’t always predictable. |
That’s it.
Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Uniform Motion and Non-Uniform Motion”.
Also see:
- Difference between Bhangar Plains and Khadar Plains
- Difference between Lotion and Liniment
- Difference between Plateau and Mountain
Final words
So we can conclude that uniform motion occurs when an object moves at a constant speed in a straight line while non-uniform motion occurs when an object’s speed or direction changes over time.
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