MOTION PRACTICAL

INTRODUCTION
Uniform Motion: A body is said to be in uniform motion when it moves with a constant or
uniform speed at a certain distance in an equal time interval. For example; airplanes fly at a
constant speed in the air. The velocity of uniform motion remains constant i.e. unchanged.
Sm= s / t
Non-Uniform Motion: A body is said to be in non-uniform motion when it moves with a
variable speed in equal time intervals at different distances. For example; a bike travels in
traffic. The velocity of non-uniform motion changes with time.

Uniform motion Non-Uniform Motion

1. A motion in which a body covers a similar 1. A motion in which a body covers

(equal) distance in a similar (equal) time dissimilar (unequal) distance in an equal
interval is referred to as uniform motion (similar) time interval is referred to as
non-uniform motion.

2. The speed is constant 2. The speed is not constant i.e. variable

3. The velocity of the object does not 3. The velocity of an object changes i.e.
change. variable.

4. The acceleration is constant. 4. The acceleration is variable.

5. It occurs when the velocity, speed, 5. It occurs either when a change in speed
acceleration and direction (all of them) of or direction or both take place
the object do not change or are constant

6. The speed of the object is equal to the 6. The speed of the object is not equal i.e.
average speed different to the average speed

7. In uniform motion, the straight line is 7. In non-uniform motion, the curved line
shown on the distance-time graph graph is shown on the distance-time graph

8. For example; a baby crawls on the floor 8. For example; a vehicle moves in traffic at
at a constant speed a variable speed

9. The body in uniform motion moves in a 9. The body in non-uniform motion moves in
straight line a curve or wavy line
 10. The pictorial representation of uniform 10. The pictorial representation of uniform
motion is shown below; motion is shown below;

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this experiment is to study and understand motion, and to use the general
equations to calculate speed and acceleration using adequate units.

PROCEDURE
1. Split the class into 2 groups.
2. You are going to do a relay race.
3. Draw a sketch with the trajectory to follow (4 stages).
4. Measure the distances of all stages and include them all in both the sketch and in the
table of results.
5. Measure the time everyone takes to cover each stage and include them in the table
of results.
6. Complete the rest of the columns of the table and show all your working, with the
corresponding equations. (MIND THE UNITS!)

CALCULATIONS
1. Complete the table. Show your working.

1st Name time ( ) distance ( ) S0 ( ) Sf ( ) a( )

stage

2nd Name time ( ) distance ( ) S0 ( ) Sf ( ) a( )

stage

3rd Name time ( ) distance ( ) S0 ( ) Sf ( ) a( )

stage
 4th Name time ( ) distance ( ) S0 ( ) Sf ( ) a( )
stage

2. Plot a distance vs time, speed vs time and acceleration vs time graph that includes all 4
stages.
3. Calculate the average speed.
4. Draw your conclusions.
i. Compare the results within the group.
ii. Explain the type of motion in study, support your statement with the evidence
collected.
iii. Suggest possible improvements.

The report must be submitted in google classroom as a word

document, all calculations must be there.