Uniform and Non-Uniform Motion

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; aeroplanes fly at a constant speed in the air. The velocity of uniform motion remains constant i.e. unchanged. 

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 and Non-uniform Motion: Differnece

Uniform Circular Motion and Non-Uniform Circular Motion

Uniform Circular Motion: When an object at constant speed moves in a circular motion then it is referred to as uniform circular motion. In this motion, the velocity and direction are not constant with a constant speed. For example; the blade of a mixer grinder moves in a uniform circular motion. The formula for the speed of uniform circular motion is;

Speed = (2πr)/t

where t represents the time in completing one circle in seconds and 2πr represents the circle’s circumference.

Non-Uniform Circular Motion: When an object at a variable speed moves in a circular motion then it is referred to as non-uniform circular motion. In this motion, the angular velocity as well as the speed of the object changes. For example; a giant wheel moves in a non-uniform circular motion.

Uniform and Non-Uniform Speed and Velocity

Uniform speed: When an object covers an equal (similar) distance in an equal (similar) time interval then it is referred to as uniform speed.

Uniform velocity: When an object covers equal (similar) displacement in equal (similar) intervals of time then it is called uniform velocity.

Non-uniform speed: When an object covers unequal or different distances in equal (similar) time intervals then it is referred to as non-uniform speed.

Non-uniform velocity (Variable velocity): When an object covers unequal or dissimilar displacement in equal (similar) intervals of time then it is referred to as non-uniform velocity.

Conclusion

Uniform motion is the rectilinear motion of a body when it covers a similar distance in similar time intervals while non-uniform motion is the rectilinear motion of a body when it covers unequal or variable distance in similar time intervals. The acceleration of uniform motion is zero while that of non-uniform motion is not zero. Uniform circular motion is a type of uniform motion in a circular direction and the non-uniform circular motion is a type of non-uniform motion in a circular direction in equal time intervals.

Related Links: