CBSE CLASS 9 · SCIENCE

MOTION AROUND US
Describing Motion — Complete Study Guide

SECTIONS 1–2 Basic Concepts · Distance & Displacement

SECTIONS 3–4 Speed & Velocity · Acceleration

SECTION 5 Equations of Motion (3 Laws)

SECTIONS 6–7 Graphs · Uniform Circular Motion

SECTIONS 8–9 Formula Sheet · All Q&A; (Part A–H)

SECTION 10 Common Mistakes & Exam Tips

SECTION 11 50 Practice Numericals with Answers

SECTION 12 Important Q&A; (1M, 2M, 3M, 5M)

SECTION 13 CBSE Board Exam Questions (FAQs/HOTS/Cases)

SECTION 14 Revision Notes (3 Pages)

SECTION 15 Exam Tips & Strategies

SECTION 16 Final Formula Sheet

NCERT Chapter · Describing Motion Around Us · All Sections Combined

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 1

 BASIC CONCEPTS OF MOTION
1 What is Motion? · Types · Rest vs Motion

1.1 What is Motion?

An object is said to be in MOTION if it changes its position with respect to its surroundings over time.

An object is at REST if its position does not change with respect to its surroundings.

■ Rest and Motion are RELATIVE — the same object can be at rest for one observer and in motion for another.

1.2 Types of Motion

Type of Motion Description Example

Linear / Rectilinear Motion along a straight line. Car on a straight road, falling stone

Circular Motion along a circular path. Earth revolving around the Sun

Oscillatory/Vibratory To-and-fro motion about a fixed point. Pendulum of a clock

Rotational Spinning about an axis. Spinning top, ceiling fan

Random Irregular, unpredictable motion. Motion of gas molecules

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 2

 DISTANCE & DISPLACEMENT
2 Scalar vs Vector · Key Differences · Examples

Property Distance Displacement

Definition Total path length covered Shortest path from initial to final point

Quantity type Scalar Vector

Symbol d s

Value Always positive (≥ 0) Can be +, -, or 0

SI Unit metre (m) metre (m)

Depends on path? Yes — full path matters No — only start & end matter

DISTANCE Distance = Total path length covered

DISPL. Displacement = Shortest straight-line path (start → end)

Worked Example
A person walks 4 m East, then 3 m North. Distance = 4 + 3 = 7 m Displacement = √(42 + 32) = √25 = 5 m (in NE
direction)

* If an object returns to its starting point: Displacement = 0 but Distance != 0

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 3

 SPEED & VELOCITY
3 Definitions · Formulae · Unit Conversion · Comparison

3.1 Speed
Speed is the distance covered per unit time. It is a SCALAR quantity.

SPEED Speed = Distance / Time (v = d/t)

• Uniform Speed: Equal distances in equal time intervals.

• Non-uniform Speed: Unequal distances in equal time intervals.
• Average Speed: Total Distance / Total Time

3.2 Velocity
Velocity is the displacement per unit time. It is a VECTOR quantity.

VELOCITY Velocity = Displacement / Time (v = s/t)

AVG VEL. Average Velocity = (u + v) / 2 [only for uniform acceleration]

3.3 Comparison
Property Speed Velocity

Type Scalar Vector

Formula d/t s/t

Can be negative? No Yes (indicates reverse direction)

Circular motion Speed can be constant Velocity always changes (direction changes)

Unit m/s m/s

3.4 Unit Conversion

km/h → m/s m/s → km/h

Multiply by 5/18 Multiply by 18/5
72 km/h = 20 m/s 20 m/s = 72 km/h

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 4

 ACCELERATION
4 Definition · Types · Retardation · SI Unit

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. It is a VECTOR quantity.

ACCEL. a = (v - u) / t
where: u = initial velocity, v = final velocity, t = time taken

Type Condition Value of 'a'

Positive Acceleration Velocity increasing a>0

Negative Acceleration (Retardation) Velocity decreasing a<0

Zero Acceleration Uniform velocity a=0

Uniform Acceleration Equal ∆v in equal intervals Constant value

Non-uniform Acceleration Unequal change in velocity each second Variable value

■ Retardation (Deceleration) is negative acceleration — body is slowing down. When stating retardation
numerically, give it as a positive number with the word 'retardation'.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 5

 EQUATIONS OF MOTION
5 3 Laws + Derivations + When to Use Each

These three equations apply ONLY when acceleration is UNIFORM (constant).

1st Equation — Velocity-Time v = u + at Use: Find v when s not needed

2nd Equation —
Position-Time s = ut + ½at² Use: Find s when v not needed

3rd Equation —
Velocity-Position v² = u² + 2as Use: Find v or s when t not needed

Bonus — Average s = [(u+v)/2] × t Use: Find s when a not needed

Symbol Meaning SI Unit

u Initial velocity (at t = 0) m/s

v Final velocity m/s

a Acceleration (uniform) m/s²

t Time taken s

s Displacement covered m

n nth second of motion s (for s■ formula)

* If starts from rest: u = 0 · If comes to rest: v = 0 · If uniform velocity: a = 0

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 6

 DISTANCE-TIME & VELOCITY-TIME GRAPHS
6 Slopes · Areas · Reading Graphs

6.1 Distance-Time Graph

Graph Shape What It Means Speed

Horizontal line (parallel to x-axis) Object is at REST Speed = 0

Straight diagonal line (upward) Uniform speed Constant (slope)

Curve getting steeper Speed INCREASING Non-uniform (accelerating)

Curve getting flatter Speed DECREASING Non-uniform (decelerating)

Line going downward Object returning Uniform (backward)

KEY RULE Slope of Distance-Time Graph = Speed

6.2 Velocity-Time Graph

Graph Shape What It Means Acceleration

Horizontal line Uniform velocity a=0

Straight line sloping up Uniform acceleration a = constant (+)

Straight line sloping down Uniform deceleration a = constant (-)

Curved upward (increasing slope) Increasing acceleration Non-uniform

Curved upward (decreasing slope) Decreasing acceleration Non-uniform

Line crossing the x-axis Object comes to rest v = 0 at that point

KEY RULE Slope of Velocity-Time Graph = Acceleration

KEY RULE Area under Velocity-Time Graph = Displacement

6.3 Area Formulae

Shape Formula When to Use

Rectangle l×b=v×t Uniform velocity phase

Triangle ½×base × height = ½×t × v Starting from rest with uniform acceleration

Trapezium ½×(a+b) × h General case — two different velocity levels

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 7

 UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION
7 Definition · Speed Formula · Why Accelerated?

When an object moves in a CIRCLE with CONSTANT SPEED, it is called Uniform Circular Motion.

Speed Constant ✓

Velocity NOT constant NO (direction keeps changing)

Acceleration EXISTS — centripetal, directed toward centre

UCM SPEED v = 2pir / T (r = radius, T = time period)

Real-Life Examples of UCM

✔ Fan blades rotating at constant speed

✔ Earth revolving around the Sun (approximately)

✔ Satellite in circular orbit

✔ Stone tied to a string swung in a horizontal circle

✔ Moon revolving around Earth

■ Speed is constant BUT velocity, direction, and acceleration are all changing in UCM.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 8

 COMPLETE FORMULA REFERENCE SHEET
8 Every formula you need — in one place

Formula Equation When to Use

Speed v=d/t Speed from distance and time

Velocity v=s/t Velocity from displacement and time

Average Speed v_avg = Total distance / Total time When speed changes over journey

Midpoint velocity — uniform accel.

Average Velocity (uniform accel.) (u + v) / 2 only

Acceleration a = (v - u) / t Rate of change of velocity

1st Equation of Motion v = u + at Final velocity after time t

2nd Equation of Motion s = ut + ½at² Displacement after time t

3rd Equation of Motion v² = u² + 2as Velocity after covering displacement s

Distance in nth second s■ = u + a(2n-1)/2 Distance in exactly the nth second

Circular motion speed v = 2pir / T Speed along circular path

km/h → m/s × 5/18 Unit conversion

m/s → km/h × 18/5 Unit conversion

Slope of d-t graph = Speed Reading distance-time graphs

Slope of v-t graph = Acceleration Reading velocity-time graphs

Area under v-t graph = Displacement Reading velocity-time graphs

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 9

 ALL POSSIBLE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
9 1M · 2M · 3M · 5M · Graphs · MCQ · T/F · Assertion

PART A: 1-Mark Questions

Q1. Define motion. An object is in motion if it changes position w.r.t. surroundings over time.

Q2. What is rest? A body is at rest if its position does not change w.r.t. surroundings over
time.

Q3. Define distance. Total path length covered — scalar, always ≥ 0, unit: metre (m).

Q4. Define displacement. Shortest straight-line distance from initial to final position — vector, can
be +/-/0.

Q5. Define speed and give its SI unit. Speed = Distance / Time. It is scalar. SI unit: m/s.

Q6. Define velocity and give its SI unit. Velocity = Displacement / Time. It is a vector. SI unit: m/s.

Q7. Define acceleration. a = (v - u)/t — rate of change of velocity. Vector. SI unit: m/s².

Q8. What is retardation? Negative acceleration — velocity of body decreases over time.

Q9. Slope of d-t graph = ? Slope of distance-time graph = Speed of the object.

Q10 Slope of v-t graph = ? Slope of velocity-time graph = Acceleration of the object.
.

Q11 Area under v-t graph = ? Area under velocity-time graph = Distance (or displacement) covered.
.

Q12 What is uniform acceleration? Velocity changes by equal amounts in equal time intervals.
.

Q13 What is uniform circular motion? Motion along a circular path at constant speed; velocity is NOT constant.
.

Q14 Is velocity constant in UCM? No. Speed is constant but direction changes → velocity is not constant.
.

Q15 Convert 72 km/h to m/s. 72 × 5/18 = 20 m/s

.

Q16 Convert 15 m/s to km/h. 15 × 18/5 = 54 km/h

.

Q17 Two examples of UCM. (1) Blades of a fan. (2) Earth revolving around the Sun.
.

Q18 SI unit of acceleration. Metres per second squared — m/s².

.

Q19 What is average velocity? Total displacement / Total time. (For uniform accel.: (u+v)/2.)
.

Q20 When is displacement = distance? When the object moves in a straight line without changing direction.
.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 10

PART B: 2-Mark Questions
QQ21 [2M]. Distinguish between distance and displacement.
Ans:
■ Distance = total path (scalar, always +). Displacement = shortest straight-line path (vector, +/-/0).
■ Example: Walk 6 m East + 8 m North → Distance = 14 m, Displacement = 10 m.

QQ22 [2M]. A car covers 60 m in 5 s then 60 m in 10 s. Find average speed.

Ans:
■ Total distance = 120 m, Total time = 15 s.
■ Average speed = 120/15 = 8 m/s.

QQ23 [2M]. Bus starts from rest, reaches 30 m/s in 10 s. Find acceleration.
Ans:
■ u = 0, v = 30 m/s, t = 10 s.
■ a = (v-u)/t = 30/10 = 3 m/s².

QQ24 [2M]. Horizontal line vs curved line on a d-t graph?

Ans:
■ Horizontal line → object at rest (speed = 0).
■ Curved line (increasingly steep) → accelerating object (speed increasing).

QQ25 [2M]. Uniform velocity: how does v-t graph look?

Ans:
■ Straight horizontal line parallel to the time axis (velocity = constant, acceleration = 0).

QQ26 [2M]. Train decelerates 40 m/s → rest in 8 s. Find retardation.

Ans:
■ u = 40 m/s, v = 0, t = 8 s.
■ a = (0-40)/8 = -5 m/s². Retardation = 5 m/s².

QQ27 [2M]. Why is UCM accelerated even though speed is constant?

Ans:
■ Direction of velocity changes continuously → change in velocity (vector) → acceleration.
■ This is centripetal acceleration, directed toward the centre.

QQ28 [2M]. Write the three equations of motion and explain symbols.
Ans:
■ (1) v = u + at (2) s = ut + ½at² (3) v² = u² + 2as
■ u = initial vel., v = final vel., a = acceleration, t = time, s = displacement.
■ Valid only for UNIFORM acceleration.

QQ29 [2M]. Stone thrown up at 20 m/s. Time to reach max height? (g = 10 m/s²)
Ans:
■ At max height, v = 0. u = 20, a = -10.
■ 0 = 20 - 10t → t = 2 s.

QQ30 [2M]. Uniform vs non-uniform motion?

Ans:

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 11

 ■ Uniform: equal distances in equal time (constant speed) — e.g., highway at 60 km/h.
■ Non-uniform: unequal distances in equal time (changing speed) — e.g., city traffic.

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PART C: 3-Mark Questions
QQ31 [3M]. Derive the first equation of motion: v = u + at.
Ans:
■ Definition: a = (v-u)/t → multiply both sides by t → at = v−u
■ Rearranging: v = u + at ✓

QQ32 [3M]. Derive s = ut + ½at².

Ans:
■ Average velocity = (u+v)/2 and s = avg velocity × t = [(u+v)/2] × t
■ Substituting v = u + at: s = [(u + u + at)/2] × t = [2u + at]/2 x t
■ s = ut + ½at² ✓

QQ33 [3M]. Derive v² = u² + 2as.

Ans:
■ From 1st eq: t = (v-u)/a. From average: s = (u+v)/2 × t
■ Substitute: s = (u+v)/2 × (v-u)/a = (v²-u²)/(2a)
■ Rearrange: v² = u² + 2as ✓

QQ34 [3M]. Car starts from rest, accelerates at 5 m/s². Find: (a) v after 6 s, (b) s in 6 s, (c) v after 100 m.
Ans:
■ u = 0, a = 5
■ (a) v = 0 + 5 × 6 = 30 m/s
■ (b) s = 0 + ½×5 x 36 = 90 m
■ (c) v² = 0 + 2 x 5 × 100 = 1000 → v = 31.6 m/s

QQ35 [3M]. Bullet at 500 m/s stops after 25 cm. Find retardation and time.
Ans:
■ u = 500 m/s, v = 0, s = 0.25 m
■ v² = u² + 2as → 0 = 250000 + 2a × 0.25 → a = -500,000 m/s²
■ t = (v-u)/a = (0-500)/(-500000) = 0.001 s = 1 ms

QQ36 [3M]. Explain d-t graph for: (a) rest, (b) uniform speed, (c) increasing speed.
Ans:
■ (a) Rest: horizontal line, slope = 0, speed = 0
■ (b) Uniform speed: straight diagonal, slope = constant speed
■ (c) Increasing speed: upward curve getting steeper (acceleration)

QQ37 [3M]. Train: rest → 72 km/h in 10 min. Find (a) acceleration, (b) distance.
Ans:
■ u = 0, v = 20 m/s, t = 600 s
■ (a) a = 20/600 = 1/30 m/s² ≈ 0.033 m/s²
■ (b) s = ½×(1/30) x 600² = 6000 m = 6 km

QQ38 [3M]. v-t graph: 0 → 20 m/s in 5 s; constant 20 m/s for 5 s; 20 → 0 in 5 s. Find a, retardation, total dist.
Ans:
■ (a) Acceleration (0–5 s) = 20/5 = 4 m/s²

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 13

 ■ (b) Retardation (10–15 s) = 20/5 = 4 m/s²
■ (c) Total distance = ½×5 × 20 + 5 × 20 + ½×5 × 20 = 50+100+50 = 200 m

QQ39 [3M]. Ball dropped from 80 m. (a) time, (b) velocity before hitting ground. (g=10)
Ans:
■ u = 0, s = 80 m
■ (a) 80 = ½×10 x t² → t² = 16 → t = 4 s
■ (b) v² = 2 × 10 × 80 = 1600 → v = 40 m/s

QQ40 [3M]. Body: u = 10 m/s, deceleration 2 m/s². When does it stop? Distance before stopping?
Ans:
■ v = 0, a = -2
■ (a) 0 = 10 - 2t → t = 5 s
■ (b) 0 = 100 - 4s → s = 25 m

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PART D: 5-Mark Questions
QQ41 [5M]. Derive all three equations of motion.
Ans:
■ (1) v = u + at: a=(v-u)/t → at = v−u → v = u + at
■ (2) s = ut + ½at²: s = avg_vel × t = (u+v)/2 × t → sub v=u+at → s = ut + ½at²
■ (3) v² = u²+2as: from (1) t=(v-u)/a; sub in s=(u+v)/2 × t → s=(v²-u²)/2a → v²=u²+2as

QQ42 [5M]. Draw and explain d-t and v-t graphs for rest, uniform motion, uniform accel., decel.
Ans:
■ d-t: (a) rest → horizontal line (b) uniform → straight incline (c) accel. → upward curve (d) decel. → flattening
curve
■ v-t: (a) rest → line on x-axis (b) uniform → horizontal (c) accel. → rising straight line (d) decel. → falling
straight line
■ Rules: slope of d-t = speed; slope of v-t = acceleration; area under v-t = displacement

QQ43 [5M]. Vehicle: accelerates for 20 s, uniform vel. for 30 s, decelerates to rest in 10 s. Total
distance=1500 m. Find v, a, deceleration.
Ans:
■ Total distance = area of trapezium = ½×20 x v + 30 x v + ½×10 x v = 45v
■ 45v = 1500 → v = 100/3 ≈ 33.3 m/s
■ Acceleration = v/20 = (100/3)/20 = 5/3 ≈ 1.67 m/s²
■ Deceleration = v/10 = (100/3)/10 = 10/3 ≈ 3.33 m/s²

QQ44 [5M]. Explain UCM. Why accelerated? Give formula and examples.
Ans:
■ UCM = motion along circular path at constant speed.
■ Even though speed is constant, direction of velocity changes at every point → change in velocity →
acceleration.
■ Centripetal acceleration is directed toward the centre of the circle.
■ Speed formula: v = 2pir/T (r = radius, T = time period)
■ Examples: fan blades, Earth revolving Sun, satellite, stone on string.

QQ45 [5M]. Stone thrown up at 30 m/s. Find: max height, time to peak, total flight time, vel. at half height.
(g=10)
Ans:
■ At max height: v = 0, u = 30, a = -10
■ (a) v² = u²+2as: 0 = 900-20H → H = 45 m
■ (b) 0 = 30-10t → t = 3 s
■ (c) Total flight = 2t = 6 s
■ (d) At h = 22.5 m: v² = 900-2 × 10 x 22.5 = 450 → v = 21.2 m/s

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PART E: Graph-Based Questions
QQ46. Slope at a point on d-t graph = 15 m/s. What does this mean?
Ans:
■ Object is moving at uniform speed of 15 m/s at that instant.
■ Slope = rise/run = distance/time = speed.

QQ47. v-t graph: straight line from (0,0) to (10, 50). Find acceleration and distance.
Ans:
■ Acceleration = slope = (50-0)/(10-0) = 5 m/s²
■ Distance = area of triangle = ½×10 x 50 = 250 m

QQ48. v-t graph: horizontal line at v=25 m/s from t=0 to t=8 s. Find distance and acceleration.
Ans:
■ Acceleration = 0 (horizontal line — no change in velocity).
■ Distance = area of rectangle = 25 x 8 = 200 m

QQ49. How can you tell from a d-t graph whether body is accelerating or at constant speed?
Ans:
■ Straight line → constant speed (uniform motion).
■ Upward-curving parabola → increasing speed (acceleration).
■ Downward-curving parabola (flattening) → decreasing speed (deceleration).

QQ50. Two d-t graph lines: A steeper than B. Conclusion?

Ans:
■ Both A and B are in uniform motion (straight lines).
■ A has greater speed than B — steeper slope = greater distance/time = greater speed.

QQ51. v-t graph forms a trapezium. How to find total distance?

Ans:
■ Total distance = area of trapezium = ½×(sum of parallel sides) x height
■ = ½×(v■ + v■) x t

QQ52. On a v-t graph, what does the line crossing the x-axis mean?
Ans:
■ Velocity = 0 at that point → object momentarily at rest.
■ If line continues below x-axis → object reversed direction.

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PART F: Multiple Choice Questions
Q53. Body completes half a revolution of radius r. Ratio of distance to displacement?
a) π:2 b) π:1 c) 2:π d) 1:π
■ Answer: (a) π:2. Distance = πr (half circumference); Displacement = 2r (diameter). Ratio = πr:2r = π:2

Q54. Slope of v-t graph gives?

a) Distance b) Displacement c) Speed d) Acceleration
■ Answer: (d) Acceleration. Slope = ∆v/∆t = change in velocity / time.

Q55. Body starts from rest, a = 2 m/s². Distance in 3rd second?

a) 4 m b) 5 m c) 6 m d) 9 m
■ Answer: (b) 5 m. s■ = u + a(2n-1)/2 = 0 + 2 x (2 x 3-1)/2 = 2 x 5/2 = 5 m

Q56. Which is NOT a vector?

a) Velocity b) Displacement c) Speed d) Acceleration
■ Answer: (c) Speed — only magnitude, no direction → scalar.

Q57. In UCM, which is constant?

a) Velocity b) Acceleration c) Speed d) Displacement
■ Answer: (c) Speed. Velocity, direction, and acceleration all change.

Q58. If initial velocity = final velocity, it means?

a) a=0 throughout b) net displacement=0 c) average acceleration=0 d) both a and c
■ Answer: (c) The average acceleration over the whole journey is zero.

Q59. A car accelerates from rest to 20 m/s in 10 s. What is the distance covered?
a) 100 m b) 200 m c) 150 m d) 50 m
■ Answer: (a) 100 m. Using s = ut + ½at² = 0 + ½ × 2 × 100 = 100 m (a = 20/10 = 2 m/s²).

Q60. Which graph represents uniform motion?

a) Curved d-t graph b) Straight line v-t graph through origin c) Straight line d-t graph with constant slope d) Horizontal
v-t graph at v = 0
■ Answer: (c) A straight-line d-t graph with constant (positive) slope — equal distances in equal times = uniform
motion.

Q61. A ball is thrown vertically upward. At the highest point, which statement is TRUE?
a) velocity = 0, acceleration = 0 b) velocity = 0, acceleration = 9.8 m/s² downward c) velocity = max, acceleration = 0 d)
both velocity and acceleration = max
■ Answer: (b) At the highest point: velocity = 0 momentarily, but g = 9.8 m/s² still acts downward.

Q62. Two objects A and B start from the same point. After 5 s, A has covered 50 m and B has covered 100
m. Which has greater average speed?
a) A b) B c) Both are equal d) Cannot be determined
■ Answer: (b) B. Speed of A = 50/5 = 10 m/s; Speed of B = 100/5 = 20 m/s. B is faster.

Q63. The odometer of a car reads 2000 km at the start of a trip and 2400 km at the end. If the trip took 8
hours, the average speed is:
a) 50 km/h b) 400 km/h c) 300 km/h d) 100 km/h
■ Answer: (a) 50 km/h. Distance = 2400 - 2000 = 400 km. Speed = 400/8 = 50 km/h.

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PART G: True / False

Q59. An object can have zero displacement but nonzero distance. TRUE
Explanation: Moving and returning to start point → distance > 0 but displacement = 0.

Q60. A body moving with uniform speed can have acceleration. TRUE
Explanation: UCM: constant speed, but centripetal acceleration exists due to direction change.

Q61. Velocity and speed are always equal. FALSE

Explanation: Speed = |velocity|. They're equal only when motion is in a straight line.

Q62. Area under d-t graph gives displacement. FALSE

Explanation: Area under VELOCITY-time graph gives displacement. Slope of d-t graph gives speed.

Q64. Equations of motion are valid only for uniform acceleration. TRUE
Explanation: These equations are derived for constant acceleration only.

Q65. The displacement of an object can be greater than the distance it travels. FALSE
Explanation: Displacement is the shortest path (straight line); distance is the actual path. Distance ≥
Displacement always.

Q66. A body moving with constant speed always has zero acceleration. FALSE
Explanation: In uniform circular motion, speed is constant but direction changes continuously, so centripetal
acceleration is non-zero.

Q67. The slope of a velocity-time graph gives the displacement of an object. FALSE
Explanation: Slope of v-t graph = Acceleration. It is the AREA under the v-t graph that gives displacement.

Q68. Speed of an object can be negative. FALSE

Explanation: Speed is the magnitude of velocity. Magnitude is always ≥ 0. Only velocity (a vector) can be
negative.

Q69. If a body returns to its starting point, both distance and displacement are zero. FALSE
Explanation: Displacement = 0 (start = end), but distance = total path length covered, which is non-zero.

Q70. An object with zero acceleration must be at rest. FALSE

Explanation: Zero acceleration means constant velocity, not necessarily rest. A body moving at constant speed
in a straight line has zero acceleration.

Q71. Retardation is the same as negative acceleration. TRUE

Explanation: Retardation means the body is slowing down; its acceleration acts opposite to motion, making it
negative. Both terms describe the same physical situation.

Q72. The area under a distance-time graph gives the speed of the object. FALSE
Explanation: The SLOPE of a d-t graph gives speed. The area under a VELOCITY-time graph gives
displacement.

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 Q73. In free fall, the velocity of a body increases by 9.8 m/s every second. TRUE
Explanation: Acceleration due to gravity g = 9.8 m/s². So velocity increases by 9.8 m/s each second during free
fall.

PART H: Assertion-Reason Questions

Q74.
A: Assertion (A): Displacement can be zero even when distance is not zero.
R: Reason (R): Displacement depends on path length while distance depends on start and end points.
■ Answer: A is TRUE, R is FALSE (statements are swapped). Correct reason: Displacement depends only on
initial and final positions; distance depends on total path length.

Q75.
A: Assertion (A): In UCM, velocity of body is constant.
R: Reason (R): In UCM, speed remains constant.
■ Answer: A is FALSE, R is TRUE. Velocity is NOT constant in UCM — its direction changes continuously, even
though speed stays the same.

Q76.
A: Assertion (A): The equations of motion v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², and v² = u² + 2as are applicable to all types of
motion.
R: Reason (R): These equations are derived assuming uniform (constant) acceleration.
■ Answer: A is FALSE, R is TRUE. These equations ONLY apply when acceleration is constant. For
non-uniform acceleration they are invalid.

Q77.
A: Assertion (A): A body can have zero speed but non-zero velocity.
R: Reason (R): Speed is the magnitude of velocity.
■ Answer: Both A and R: A is FALSE. If speed = 0, then |velocity| = 0, so velocity must also be zero. Speed =
|velocity|, so zero speed means zero velocity. R is TRUE.

Q78.
A: Assertion (A): The distance-time graph of a body at rest is a straight horizontal line.
R: Reason (R): A body at rest has zero speed, so its distance does not change with time.
■ Answer: Both A and R are TRUE, and R is the correct explanation of A. Zero speed means no distance is
covered over time, giving a horizontal d-t graph.

Q79.
A: Assertion (A): Average speed of a body over a complete circular trip is not zero.
R: Reason (R): Average velocity over a complete circular trip is zero.
■ Answer: Both A and R are TRUE, but R is NOT the explanation of A. A is true because total distance > 0; R is
true because displacement = 0 after a full circle. They are independent facts.

Q80.
A: Assertion (A): Retardation is always negative.
R: Reason (R): Retardation means the velocity of the body is decreasing.
■ Answer: A is FALSE (partially), R is TRUE. Retardation refers to deceleration (slowing down); the acceleration
is negative in the direction of motion. However, retardation as a magnitude is stated as a positive value with the

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 19

 word 'retardation'. R correctly explains the concept.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 20

 COMMON MISTAKES & EXAM TIPS
10 What to avoid · How to score full marks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗ MISTAKE Confusing DISTANCE (scalar) with DISPLACEMENT (vector).

✓ FIX Always ask: does direction matter? Displacement needs it; distance doesn't.

✗ MISTAKE Confusing SPEED (scalar) with VELOCITY (vector).

✓ FIX Speed has no direction; velocity does.

✗ MISTAKE Thinking UCM has no acceleration.

✓ FIX UCM has centripetal acceleration — direction changes → velocity changes → acceleration.

✗ MISTAKE Using area under d-t graph as displacement.

✓ FIX Area under v-t graph = displacement. Slope of d-t graph = speed.

✗ MISTAKE Applying equations of motion for non-uniform acceleration.

✓ FIX Check first: is acceleration constant? If not, the three equations do NOT apply.

✗ MISTAKE Forgetting to convert km/h to m/s.

✓ FIX Always convert before substituting into formulas. km/h × 5/18 = m/s.

✗ MISTAKE Stating retardation as a negative number.

✓ FIX Retardation is stated positively + the word 'retardation', e.g., '4 m/s² retardation'.

✗ MISTAKE Assuming displacement = 0 means no movement.

✓ FIX Zero displacement means start = end. The object still could have traveled a large distance.

Exam Tips & Tricks

✔ READ the graph carefully: identify axes, units, and what each shape means.

✔ LABEL what you know: u, v, a, t, s — then pick the equation missing the variable you don't need.

✔ ALWAYS check units — convert before substituting values.

✔ v-t horizontal line = uniform motion (a=0). d-t horizontal line = rest.

✔ A steeper line on d-t graph = greater speed.

✔ In circular motion problems, use v = 2pir/T for speed.

✔ Thrown-upward problems: a = -10 m/s² (upward positive). At peak: v = 0.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 21

 ✔ Show ALL steps in numericals — CBSE awards partial marks even for incomplete solutions.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 22

 50 PRACTICE NUMERICALS
11 Full questions + complete answers

No. Question Answer

1 A car travels 150 km in 3 hours. Calculate its average speed. 50 km/h

2 A cyclist covers a distance of 60 m in 12 s. Find his speed. 5 m/s

3 Convert a speed of 72 km/h into m/s. 20 m/s

4 Convert a speed of 15 m/s into km/h. 54 km/h

5 A body starts from rest and attains a velocity of 20 m/s in 5 s. Calculate its 4 m/s²
acceleration.

6 A car moving at 18 m/s is brought to rest in 3 s by applying brakes. Find the 6 m/s² (retardation)
retardation.

7 A train starting from rest attains 36 km/h in 20 s. Find its acceleration in m/s². 0.5 m/s²

8 A scooter at 10 m/s is stopped by brakes giving uniform retardation of 0.5 m/s². Find 20 s
time to stop.

9 A bus increases speed from 20 m/s to 50 m/s in 10 s. Find its acceleration. 3 m/s²

10 Find the distance a car travels at uniform velocity of 25 m/s in 8 s. 200 m

11 A particle starts from rest with a = 2 m/s². Find distance in 10 s. 100 m

12 A body with u = 5 m/s, a = 2 m/s² for 4 s. Find distance covered. 36 m

13 A car at 20 m/s decelerates at 4 m/s². How long to stop? 5s

14 Velocity increases 5 → 15 m/s, a = 2 m/s². Using v²=u²+2as, find distance. 50 m

15 Stone dropped; find velocity after 3 s. (g = 10 m/s²) 30 m/s

16 Stone dropped from cliff hits ground after 5 s. Find height. (g = 10 m/s²) 125 m

17 Ball thrown upward at 30 m/s. Time to reach highest point. (g = 10 m/s²) 3s

18 Ball thrown upward at 20 m/s. Find max height. (g = 10 m/s²) 20 m

19 Object falls freely from 80 m. Find time to reach ground. (g = 10 m/s²) 4s

20 Car: 30 km at 60 km/h, then 30 km at 30 km/h. Average speed? 40 km/h

21 Man: 4 km in 1 hr, then 6 km in 2 hr. Average speed for whole walk? 3.33 km/h (approx)

22 Train 100 m long crosses a pole in 10 s. Find its speed. 10 m/s

23 Train 150 m long runs at 20 m/s. Time to cross a pole? 7.5 s

24 Train 200 m long crosses a 300 m platform in 25 s. Find speed. 20 m/s

25 Two trains (100 m and 150 m) run in opposite directions at 10 m/s and 15 m/s. Time 10 s
to cross each other?

26 Two trains (120 m and 180 m) move same direction at 25 m/s and 20 m/s. Time for 60 s
faster to cross slower?

27 Bus: 240 km in 4 hr, then 180 km in 3 hr. Average speed for whole journey? 60 km/h

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 23

 28 Car accelerates uniformly 18 km/h → 36 km/h in 5 s. Find acceleration in m/s². 1 m/s²

29 Bicycle: 4 m/s → 12 m/s in 8 s. Find acceleration and distance traveled. a=1 m/s², d=64 m

30 Car at 36 km/h brought to rest in 5 s. Find retardation and distance before stopping. retardation=2 m/s², d=25
m

31 Body covers 200 m in 1st 10 s and 220 m in next 10 s. Find acceleration. 0.2 m/s²

32 v-t graph is straight through origin, slope = 5. Find acceleration and v after 6 s. a=5 m/s², v(6s)=30 m/s

33 Particle: uniform 8 m/s for 4 s, then accelerates to 20 m/s in 6 s. Total distance? 116 m

34 Car: 0 → 30 m/s in 6 s, then constant for 10 s. Total distance in 16 s? 390 m

35 Train decelerates 72 km/h → rest in 50 s. Distance during this time? 500 m

36 Athlete: circular track diameter 140 m, one round in 40 s. Distance and distance=440 m, displ=0
displacement? (pi = 22/7)

37 Athlete: radius 70 m, half round. Distance and displacement? (pi = 22/7) distance=220 m,
displ=140 m

38 Wheel radius 0.7 m, 10 revolutions. Distance? (pi = 22/7) 44 m

39 Car: circular path radius 350 m, quarter circle. Distance and displacement? (pi = distance=550 m,
22/7) displ≈495 m

40 Boy: square field 50 m side, one full round. Distance and displacement? distance=200 m, displ=0

41 Man walks 30 m East then 40 m North. Magnitude of displacement? 50 m

42 Car: 8 km North then 6 km East. Resultant displacement? 10 km

43 Body: velocities 10 m/s and 20 m/s at two points 75 m apart. Find acceleration. 2 m/s²

44 Car at 15 m/s, brakes give retardation 2.5 m/s². Distance before stopping? 45 m

45 Bullet at 150 m/s embeds in block, stops after 0.75 m. Find retardation. 15,000 m/s²

46 Body on frictionless incline, a = 5 m/s². Starts from rest. Velocity after 40 m? 20 m/s

47 Bus: 25 m/s → 5 m/s in 60 m. Find deceleration. 5 m/s²

48 Particle with uniform accel.: 100 m in 1st 5 s, 200 m in next 5 s. Find acceleration. 4 m/s²

49 Stone thrown up, returns after 6 s. Find initial velocity and max height. (g = 10 m/s²) u=30 m/s, H=45 m

50 Car A: constant 20 m/s. Car B: from rest, a = 4 m/s². Time for B to catch A? 10 s

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 24

 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
12 1M (50) · 2M (25) · 3M (10) · 5M (5)

A. One-Mark Questions (50)

No. Question Answer

1 Define motion. Change in position of an object with time, w.r.t. its

surroundings.

2 What is rest? State where position does not change with time relative
to surroundings.

3 Define distance. Total length of actual path covered by a moving object.

4 Define displacement. Shortest distance between initial and final positions, in

a specific direction.

5 Is distance scalar or vector? Scalar.

6 Is displacement scalar or vector? Vector.

7 SI unit of distance and displacement? Metre (m).

8 Can displacement be zero when distance is not? Yes — when body returns to starting point.

9 Define speed. Distance covered per unit time.

10 SI unit of speed? Metre per second (m/s).

11 Define velocity. Displacement per unit time in a given direction.

12 Is speed scalar or vector? Scalar.

13 Is velocity scalar or vector? Vector.

14 Define uniform speed. Equal distances in equal time intervals.

15 Define non-uniform speed. Unequal distances in equal time intervals.

16 Define average speed. Total distance / Total time taken.

17 Formula for average speed. Average speed = Total distance / Total time.

18 Define uniform velocity. Equal displacements in equal time intervals, same

direction.

19 Define acceleration. Rate of change of velocity with time.

20 SI unit of acceleration. m/s².

21 Define retardation. Negative acceleration — rate at which velocity

decreases.

22 What is uniform acceleration? Velocity changes by equal amounts in equal time

intervals.

23 Example of uniform acceleration. Freely falling body.

24 First equation of motion. v = u + at

25 Second equation of motion. s = ut + ½at²

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 25

 26 Third equation of motion. v² = u² + 2as

27 What does 'u' mean in equations of motion? Initial velocity of the body.

28 What does 'v' mean? Final velocity.

29 What does 'a' mean? Acceleration.

30 What does 's' mean? Displacement traveled.

31 Acceleration due to gravity near Earth's surface? 9.8 m/s²

32 Motion during free fall? Uniformly accelerated motion.

33 Slope of d-t graph? Speed of the object.

34 Horizontal line in d-t graph? Object is at rest.

35 Slope of v-t graph? Acceleration.

36 Area under v-t graph? Distance (or displacement) traveled.

37 Shape of d-t graph for uniform motion? Straight inclined line.

38 What is translatory motion? Body moves from one point to another along a path.

39 Example of rectilinear motion. Car moving on a straight road.

40 Example of curvilinear motion. Ball thrown at an angle; car on curved road.

41 What is rotatory motion? Body spins about a fixed axis.

42 Example of rotatory motion. Rotation of Earth about its own axis.

43 What is oscillatory motion? To-and-fro motion about a fixed mean position.

44 Example of oscillatory motion. Swinging pendulum.

45 What is periodic motion? Motion repeating after equal intervals of time.

46 Example of periodic motion. Motion of clock hands.

47 Define circular motion. Motion along circumference of a circle.

48 Define uniform circular motion. Motion along a circular path at constant speed.

49 Why is UCM accelerated? Direction of velocity changes → acceleration exists.

50 Can body have zero velocity and non-zero acceleration? Yes — ball at highest point of upward throw.

51 What is the SI unit of velocity? metre per second (m/s).

52 Give one example of non-uniform acceleration. A car speeding up from a traffic light — acceleration
changes as the driver presses pedal.

53 What does a curved line on a d-t graph indicate? Non-uniform speed (the object is accelerating or
decelerating).

54 Can average speed be zero if average velocity is zero? No. Average speed = total distance/time; it is zero
ONLY if no distance was covered. Average velocity
can be zero even if body moved.

55 What is the formula for speed in uniform circular motion? v = 2πr / T, where r = radius and T = time period.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 26

B. Two-Mark Questions (25)

Q1. Distinguish distance and Distance = total path (scalar, always +). Displacement = shortest
displacement. path from start to end (vector, +/-/0).

Q2. Distinguish speed and velocity. Speed = distance/time (scalar, always +). Velocity =
displacement/time (vector, can be -).

Q3. Why is displacement vector but Displacement has direction (start → end); distance has no direction.
distance scalar?

Q4. Distinguish uniform velocity and Uniform speed: equal distances in equal time. Uniform velocity:
uniform speed. equal displacements same direction.

Q5. Why can't displacement exceed Displacement = shortest path; distance = actual path ≥ shortest
distance? path.

Q6. Two examples where distance = (i) Car on straight road. (ii) Person walking in a straight line A → B
displacement. without turning.

Q7. Two examples where distance > (i) Athlete completing one circular lap (disp=0). (ii) Walk 5m east +
displacement. 5m west (dist=10m, disp=0).

Q8. Uniform vs non-uniform Uniform: equal change in velocity each second (freely falling).
acceleration. Non-uniform: unequal change in velocity each second (car in traffic).

Q9. Why is acceleration a vector? Acceleration = change in velocity; velocity is a vector → its change
is also a vector.

Q10. Speed vs average speed. Speed = instantaneous rate; average speed = total distance / total
time over journey.

Q11. Why does free-falling body have Constant gravitational force → constant acceleration g throughout
uniform acceleration? the fall.

Q12. Two characteristics of uniformly (i) Velocity changes equally per unit time. (ii) v-t graph is a straight
accelerated motion. sloped line.

Q13. What info from a d-t graph? Rest (horizontal), uniform speed (straight slope), non-uniform speed
(curve); slope = speed.

Q14. What info from a v-t graph? Slope = acceleration; area = displacement; horizontal = uniform
velocity.

Q15. Why is v-t graph for uniform Velocity increases/decreases equally per second → linear
acceleration a straight line? relationship with time.

Q16. Translatory vs rotatory motion with Translatory: every point covers same distance (car on road).
examples. Rotatory: body spins about axis (ceiling fan).

Q17. Oscillatory vs periodic motion. Oscillatory: to-and-fro about mean position (pendulum). Periodic:
repeats in equal time (Earth's revolution).

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 27

 Q18. Why is UCM considered Speed is constant but direction of velocity changes → velocity
accelerating? changes → acceleration exists.

Q19. Two real-life examples of (i) Car in city traffic. (ii) Ball rolling down a bumpy slope.
non-uniform motion.

Q20. Why can't equations of motion These equations assume constant acceleration; varying
apply to non-uniform acceleration? acceleration breaks the linear/quadratic relations.

Q21. Negative acceleration with example. Retardation: velocity decreases over time. E.g., applying brakes to a
car.

Q22. Why is retardation called negative Acts opposite to direction of motion; assigned a negative sign
acceleration? conventionally.

Q23. When is displacement zero but When body returns to starting point (e.g., one full circular loop).
distance not?

Q24. Why can velocity be zero but speed Speed = |velocity| ≥ 0; velocity is a vector and can be zero at a point
can't be negative? (e.g., ball at peak).

Q25. Speedometer vs odometer. A speedometer measures the instantaneous speed of a vehicle at

any moment. An odometer records the total distance traveled by the
vehicle over time.

Q26. A car travels at 60 km/h for 2 hours Distance 1 = 60×2 = 120 km. Distance 2 = 90×1 = 90 km. Total =
and 90 km/h for 1 hour. Find average 210 km in 3 h. Avg speed = 210/3 = 70 km/h.
speed.

Q27. Distinguish instantaneous speed Instantaneous speed: speed at a particular instant (shown by
from average speed. speedometer). Average speed: total distance / total time for the
whole journey.

Q28. Object moves 10 m east then 10 m Distance = 10 + 10 = 20 m (total path). Displacement = 0 m (returns
west. Find distance and displacement. to start). Shows that distance can be much larger than
displacement.

Q29. Difference between uniform and Uniform: velocity changes equally every second — freely falling
non-uniform acceleration. One example body (g = 9.8 m/s² constant). Non-uniform: unequal change in
each. velocity — car in heavy traffic.

Q30. Train moving at 54 km/h is brought u = 54 × 5/18 = 15 m/s, v = 0, t = 9 s. a = (0−15)/9 = −1.67 m/s².
to rest in 9 s. Find retardation. Retardation = 1.67 m/s².

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 28

C. Three-Mark Questions (10)
QC1 [3M]. Derive v = u + at using the v-t graph method.
Ans:
■ On v-t graph, line from (0,u) to (t,v). Slope = acceleration.
■ a = (v-u)/t → at = v−u → v = u + at ✓

QC2 [3M]. Derive s = ut + ½at² using the v-t graph.

Ans:
■ Distance = area under v-t graph = rectangle (u × t) + triangle [½×t x (v-u)].
■ Since v−u = at → area = ut + ½at² ✓

QC3 [3M]. Derive v² = u² + 2as using v-t graph.

Ans:
■ Distance = trapezium area = ½(u+v) x t. From 1st equation: t=(v-u)/a.
■ s = (u+v)(v-u)/(2a) = (v²-u²)/(2a) → v² = u²+2as ✓

QC4 [3M]. Distinguish distance and displacement — 3 differences + example.

Ans:
■ (i) Distance = total path (scalar); Displacement = shortest path (vector).
■ (ii) Distance always ≥ 0; Displacement can be 0 or negative.
■ (iii) Distance depends on path; Displacement depends only on start & end points.
■ Example: Full circle (400 m): Distance = 400 m, Displacement = 0.

QC5 [3M]. Explain translatory, rotatory and oscillatory motion with examples.
Ans:
■ Translatory: body moves from point to point, each part covers same distance. e.g., train on straight track.
■ Rotatory: body spins about fixed axis, different parts cover different distances. e.g., ceiling fan.
■ Oscillatory: to-and-fro about fixed mean position. e.g., pendulum.

QC6 [3M]. How does a d-t graph show rest, uniform speed, non-uniform speed?
Ans:
■ Horizontal line → rest (slope=0, speed=0).
■ Straight inclined line → uniform speed (constant slope = constant speed).
■ Curve → non-uniform speed (slope changes = varying speed).

QC7 [3M]. How can a v-t graph give acceleration and distance?
Ans:
■ Slope of v-t graph at any point = acceleration.
■ Area under v-t graph over any interval = displacement during that interval (v × t).

QC8 [3M]. Explain UCM and why it is accelerated even at constant speed.
Ans:
■ UCM: motion along circular path at constant speed.
■ Velocity is always tangential; direction changes at every point → change in velocity → acceleration.
■ This centripetal acceleration acts toward the centre of the circle.

QC9 [3M]. Equations of motion under gravity — free fall and upward throw.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 29

 Ans:
■ Free fall (downward +): v=gt, h=1/2gt², v²=2gh
■ Thrown upward (upward +, g negative): v=u−gt, h=ut-1/2gt², v²=u²-2gh
■ At peak: v=0, time = u/g, max height H = u²/(2g)

QC10 [3M]. Example: zero velocity + non-zero acceleration; non-zero velocity + zero acceleration.
Ans:
■ Zero velocity, non-zero a: Ball at highest point of upward throw (v=0, a=g=9.8 m/s²).
■ Non-zero velocity, zero a: Car on straight road at constant speed 20 m/s.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 30

D. Five-Mark Questions (5)
QD1 [5M]. Derive ALL THREE equations of motion using graphical method.
Ans:
■ Uniform acceleration: v-t graph is straight line from A(0,u) to B(t,v).
■ 1st Equation: Slope = a = (v-u)/t → v = u + at
■ 2nd Equation: Area under graph = rectangle(ut) + triangle(½at²) → s = ut + ½at²
■ 3rd Equation: Area = trapezium = ½(u+v)t; t=(v-u)/a → s=(v²-u²)/2a → v²=u²+2as

QD2 [5M]. Define distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration — scalar/vector, units, examples.
Ans:
■ Distance (scalar, m): total path — car on winding road 50 km.
■ Displacement (vector, m): shortest path, direction — same car may have much less displacement.
■ Speed (scalar, m/s): distance/time — runner 100m in 10s → 10 m/s.
■ Velocity (vector, m/s): displacement/time + direction — car at 60 km/h due North.
■ Acceleration (vector, m/s²): rate of velocity change — car 0 → 20m/s in 10s → a=2m/s².

QD3 [5M]. Explain d-t and v-t graphs: slopes and areas.
Ans:
■ d-t graph: slope = speed. Horizontal → rest. Straight slope → uniform speed. Curve → non-uniform.
■ v-t graph: slope = acceleration. Horizontal → zero acceleration. Straight slope → uniform acceleration.
■ Area under v-t = displacement (e.g., triangle for uniform accel from rest: s=1/2tv).

QD4 [5M]. Describe all types of motion observed around us with examples.
Ans:
■ Translatory: straight line (train) or curved path (car on bend). Every part covers same distance.
■ Rotatory: spinning about axis (Earth's spin, ceiling fan). Different points cover different distances.
■ Oscillatory: to-and-fro about mean position (pendulum, guitar string).
■ Periodic: repeats in equal time (Earth's revolution). All oscillatory = periodic; not all periodic = oscillatory.
■ Real motions can combine types (rolling ball = translatory + rotatory).

QD5 [5M]. Apply equations of motion to gravity. Derive max height and time of flight for upward throw.
Ans:
■ Free fall: v=gt, h=1/2gt², v²=2gh (downward positive).
■ Upward throw (upward positive, a=-g): v=u−gt, h=ut-1/2gt², v²=u²-2gh
■ At peak: v=0 → time to peak t■ = u/g; max height H = u²/(2g)
■ Time of descent = time of ascent (symmetry). Total time of flight T = 2u/g.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 31

 CBSE BOARD EXAM QUESTIONS
13 FAQs · Graph Qs · HOTS · Case Studies

A. Frequently Asked Questions

QQ1 [2M]. Define uniform motion and non-uniform motion. Give one example of each.
Ans:
■ Uniform Motion: equal distances in equal time. Example: car at 60 km/h on straight highway.
■ Non-Uniform Motion: unequal distances in equal time. Example: car in city traffic.

QQ2 [2M]. Distinguish between distance and displacement.

Ans:
■ Distance: total path length, scalar, always ≥ 0.
■ Displacement: shortest straight-line path from initial to final position, vector, can be +/-/0.

QQ3 [2M]. Difference between speed and velocity?

Ans:
■ Speed = Distance/Time — scalar, always positive.
■ Velocity = Displacement/Time — vector, can be negative/zero.

QQ4 [3M]. State Newton's three equations of motion and their conditions.
Ans:
■ 1. v = u + at 2. s = ut + ½at² 3. v² = u² + 2as
■ Valid only when: (i) straight-line motion, (ii) constant acceleration, (iii) same direction for all quantities.

QQ5 [2M]. Define acceleration. What is negative acceleration?

Ans:
■ a = (v-u)/t. SI unit: m/s². Vector quantity.
■ Negative acceleration (retardation): velocity decreasing. Example: car braking.

QQ6 [3M]. Car starts from rest, accelerates to 72 km/h in 10 s. Find acceleration.
Ans:
■ u=0, v=20 m/s, t=10 s. a = (20-0)/10 = 2 m/s²

QQ7 [3M]. Uniform circular motion: why is it accelerated even though speed is constant?
Ans:
■ Speed is constant but direction of velocity changes continuously.
■ Change in direction = change in velocity (vector) = acceleration (centripetal, toward centre).

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 32

B. Graph-Based Questions
QQ8 [3M]. Slope of d-t graph? What does a horizontal line mean?
Ans:
■ Slope of d-t graph = Speed.
■ Horizontal line (zero slope) → object at rest.
■ Steeper slope → greater speed. Curve → non-uniform motion.

QQ9 [3M]. Slope of v-t graph? How to find displacement from it?
Ans:
■ Slope of v-t graph = Acceleration.
■ Positive slope → acceleration; negative slope → deceleration; horizontal → uniform velocity.
■ Area under v-t graph = Displacement.

QQ10 [3M]. v-t graph: straight line from (0,0) to (10 s, 20 m/s). Find acceleration and displacement.
Ans:
■ (i) Acceleration = slope = (20-0)/10 = 2 m/s²
■ (ii) Displacement = area of triangle = ½×10 × 20 = 100 m

QQ11 [2M]. d-t graph: two lines A and B, A is steeper. Conclusion?

Ans:
■ Both in uniform motion (straight lines). A has greater speed than B (steeper = larger d/t ratio).
■ Where lines cross = where A and B are at the same position.

QQ12 [3M]. v-t graph shows a trapezium. Describe motion and find displacement.
Ans:
■ Phase 1 (rising): uniform acceleration. Phase 2 (horizontal): constant velocity. Phase 3 (falling): uniform
deceleration.
■ Total Displacement = Area of trapezium = ½×(sum of parallel sides) x height

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 33

C. HOTS Questions
* HOTS questions test deep conceptual understanding. Think carefully before answering.

QH1 [3M]. Can object have zero velocity but non-zero acceleration? Example.
Ans:
■ Yes. Ball at highest point of upward throw: v=0, but g=9.8 m/s² still acts.

QH2 [4M]. Body: displacements 2,4,6,8 m each second. Uniform or non-uniform? Find acceleration.
Ans:
■ Velocities = 2,4,6,8 m/s (equal increase each second) → uniformly accelerated.
■ Acceleration = 2 m/s² (∆v=2 per second).

QH3 [4M]. One object thrown up at u, another dropped. Which has greater speed hitting ground?
Ans:
■ Thrown upward has greater speed. Both start from same point at height h.
■ Dropped: v²=2gh. Thrown upward: v²=u²+2gh > 2gh → greater speed.

QH4 [3M]. Can displacement be greater than distance?

Ans:
■ No. Displacement ≤lt;= Distance always.
■ Displacement = shortest path; distance = actual path ≥ shortest path.
■ They are equal only when motion is in one straight line without reversal.

QH5 [4M]. Car: 30 km East + 40 km North. Find (i) total distance, (ii) displacement.
Ans:
■ (i) Distance = 30+40 = 70 km
■ (ii) Displacement = √(302+402) = √2500 = 50 km
■ Direction: theta = arctan(40/30) ≈ 53° North of East

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 34

D. Case-Study Questions

* Case Study questions carry 4–5 marks. Read passage carefully, then answer all sub-parts.

Case Study 1 — The Morning Jogger

Rohan jogs along a rectangular park (length 80 m, width 60 m). He starts at corner A, jogs all four sides,
returns to A in 4 minutes. Then he sprints diagonally from A to opposite corner C in 30 seconds.

(i) Total distance for one full round?

■ Perimeter = 2(80+60) = 280 m

(ii) Displacement after full round?

■ Returns to A → Displacement = 0

(iii) Diagonal displacement A → C?

■ AC = √(802+602) = √10000 = 100 m

(iv) Compare jogging and sprint speed?

■ Jogging: 280/(4 × 60) ≈ 1.17 m/s
■ Sprint: 100/30 ≈ 3.33 m/s — nearly 3 × jogging speed

Case Study 2 — Train Journey

A train starts from rest at Station A, accelerates uniformly for 60 s to reach 72 km/h, travels at that speed for
10 minutes, then decelerates uniformly to rest at Station B in 40 s.

(i) Convert 72 km/h to m/s.

■ 72 × 5/18 = 20 m/s

(ii) Acceleration in phase 1?

■ u=0, v=20, t=60 → a = 20/60 = 1/3 m/s² ≈ 0.33 m/s²

(iii) Retardation during braking?

■ u=20, v=0, t=40 → a = (0-20)/40 = -0.5 m/s² → Retardation = 0.5 m/s²

(iv) Total distance A to B?

■ Phase 1: ½×(1/3) × 3600 = 600 m
■ Phase 2: 20 × 600 = 12,000 m
■ Phase 3: 20 × 40+½×(-0.5) × 1600 = 800-400 = 400 m
■ Total = 13,000 m = 13 km

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 35

 REVISION NOTES
14 3-Page Quick Revision · Core Definitions · Graphs · Key Facts

Revision Page 1 — Core Concepts & Definitions

Term Definition

Motion Object changes position w.r.t. reference point over time.

Reference Point Fixed point w.r.t. which position is measured. Also called Origin.

Scalar Has only magnitude. Examples: distance, speed, time, mass.

Vector Has magnitude AND direction. Examples: displacement, velocity, acceleration.

Distance Total path length. Always ≥ 0. SI unit: m.

Displacement Shortest straight-line from start to end. Can be +, -, or 0.

Speed Distance/Time. Always positive. SI unit: m/s.

Velocity Displacement/Time. Can be +, -, or 0. SI unit: m/s.

Acceleration Rate of change of velocity. a=(v-u)/t. SI unit: m/s². Vector.

Uniform Motion Equal distances in equal time. Constant speed on straight line.

Non-Uniform Motion Unequal distances in equal time. Changing speed.

Retardation Negative acceleration — body slows down. e.g., braking car.

UCM Constant speed along circular path. Direction changes → accelerated.

Key Relationships
* Displacement ≤lt;= Distance (always)
* Speed ≥ |Velocity| (always)
* Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time
* Average Velocity = Total Displacement / Total Time
* Straight-line, one-direction: Speed = |Velocity| and Distance = |Displacement|
* Uniform motion → constant velocity → zero acceleration
* Circular motion at constant speed → changing velocity → non-zero acceleration

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 36

Revision Page 2 — Equations of Motion & Graphs

Equation Formula Variables Used When to Use

1st v = u + at v,u,a,t (no s) When displacement not needed

2nd s = ut + ½at² s,u,a,t (no v) When final velocity not needed

3rd v² = u² + 2as v,u,a,s (no t) When time not needed

Derived s = (u+v)/2 × t s,u,v,t (no a) When acceleration not needed

u = initial vel. · v = final vel. · a = acceleration · t = time · s = displacement

Distance-Time Graph Summary

Graph Shape Meaning

Horizontal straight line (slope=0) Object at REST

Straight line with positive slope UNIFORM MOTION

Steeper straight line HIGHER SPEED

Upward-curving curve INCREASING SPEED (accelerating)

Flattening curve DECREASING SPEED (decelerating)

Slope of d-t graph = SPEED

Velocity-Time Graph Summary

Graph Shape Meaning

Horizontal line UNIFORM VELOCITY (a=0)

Straight line sloping upward UNIFORM ACCELERATION

Straight line sloping downward UNIFORM DECELERATION

Curved (increasing slope) Non-uniform acceleration (increasing)

Curved (decreasing slope) Non-uniform acceleration (decreasing)

Slope of v-t graph = ACCELERATION

Area under v-t graph = DISPLACEMENT

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 37

Revision Page 3 — Units, Conversions & Must-Remember Facts

Quantity SI Unit Symbol Key Conversion

Distance/Displacement Metre m 1 km = 1000 m

Time Second s 1 min=60 s; 1 hr=3600 s

Speed/Velocity Metre per second m/s 1 km/h = 5/18 m/s

Acceleration m/s² m/s² g = 9.8 m/s²

km/h → m/s : Multiply by 5/18 m/s → km/h : Multiply by 18/5

72 km/h = 20 m/s 20 m/s = 72 km/h
36 km/h = 10 m/s 10 m/s = 36 km/h

Must-Remember Quick Facts

1. Displacement can be ZERO even when distance != 0 (object returns to start).

2. Speed can NEVER be negative; velocity CAN be negative.

3. Equations of motion valid ONLY for UNIFORM (constant) acceleration.

4. Free fall: g ≈ 9.8 m/s² (use 10 m/s² if not specified).

5. Slope of d-t = Speed; Slope of v-t = Acceleration.

6. Area under v-t = Displacement (not distance, unless no direction reversal).

7. If v-t graph dips below x-axis → object reversed direction.

8. Average speed = Total distance / Total time (NOT average of speeds).

9. UCM: speed constant, velocity changes → always accelerated.

10. All 3 equations of motion can be derived from the v-t graph.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 38

 EXAM TIPS & STRATEGIES
15 Mistakes · Formula Tips · Graph Tips · Numerical Tips

A. Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗ MISTAKE Not converting km/h → m/s before using equations

✓ FIX ALWAYS convert first. km/h × 5/18 = m/s

✗ MISTAKE Using equations of motion for non-uniform acceleration

✓ FIX Check: is acceleration constant? If not, stop.

✗ MISTAKE Confusing slope of d-t with slope of v-t

✓ FIX d-t slope = speed; v-t slope = acceleration.

✗ MISTAKE Writing displacement = distance for circular/return paths

✓ FIX Has object returned? If yes, displacement != distance.

✗ MISTAKE Ignoring sign of retardation

✓ FIX When body slows: v < u → a=(v-u)/t is automatically negative.

✗ MISTAKE Area under d-t graph = displacement

✓ FIX WRONG! Area under v-t = displacement. Slope of d-t = speed.

✗ MISTAKE Average velocity = (u+v)/2 for non-uniform accel.

✓ FIX Only valid for uniform accel. Otherwise use total displ./time.

B. Formula Memorization Tips

SUVAT Trick s,u,v,a,t — each equation uses exactly 4. The 'missing' variable = what you don't need.

1st Eq. Mnemonic 'v = start + change' → v = u + at. FINAL = INITIAL + (acceleration x time).

2nd Eq. Mnemonic 'How far?' → s = ut + ½at². The 1/2 comes from the triangle area in the v-t graph.

3rd Eq. Mnemonic 'No time?' → v² = u² + 2as. Use when t is unknown and not needed.

Graph Rule 'DS=VA': D-t graph Slope = (speed) V; V-t graph Area = displacement.

Units Check After solving, verify units. m/s² for acceleration, m for distance? Correct!

5/18 and 18/5 Memorise: 72 km/h = 20 m/s. Learn this pair — it's in almost every CBSE paper.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 39

C. Graph Solving Tips

STEP 1 — IDENTIFY the graph type first: Is it d-t or v-t? This determines everything.

STEP 2 — READ axes carefully. Note the scale and units on both axes.

STEP 3 — SLOPE: Pick two clear grid points. Slope = (y■-y■)/(x■-x■). Don't estimate.

STEP 4 — AREA under v-t graph: Identify shape (triangle, rectangle, trapezium).

STEP 5 — Triangles: ½×base x height. Rectangles: l x b. Trapezium: ½×(a+b) × h.

STEP 6 — v-t graph BELOW x-axis → Object reversed direction.

STEP 7 — TOTAL DISTANCE with reversal: Add area above AND below x-axis (both +ve).

STEP 8 — TOTAL DISPLACEMENT: Area above minus area below (signed).

STEP 9 — d-t graph CANNOT have negative y-values (distance ≥ 0). Watch for trick questions.

STEP 10 — Sketch the graph yourself when solving numericals — it helps enormously.

D. Numerical Solving Tips — 8-Step Method

Step Action Why It Matters

1. READ Identify all given values and the unknown Prevents solving for the wrong thing

2. CONVERT All units to SI (km/h → m/s, min → s) Equations only work in SI

3. CHECK Is motion uniform? Is acceleration constant? Equations of motion need constant a

4. SELECT Choose equation with 3 known + 1 unknown Pick equation missing unneeded variable

5. SUBSTITUTE Put values in, keep signs correct Sign errors are the most common mistake

6. SOLVE Do algebra step by step Reduces calculation errors

7. VERIFY Check units; does the value make sense? Car at 10,000 m/s is clearly wrong!

8. STATE Write answer with units and direction (if vector) Missing units → mark deducted

* TIME MANAGEMENT: 1M → max 1 min · 2M → max 3 min · 3M → max 5 min · 5M → max 8 min · If
stuck, SKIP and come back. Never spend >2 x allotted time on one question.

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 40

 FINAL FORMULA SHEET
16 One-page last-minute revision — read 10 minutes before exam!

BASIC FORMULAS EQUATIONS OF MOTION SI UNITS

Speed = Distance / Time 1. v = u + at Distance/Displacement → m

Velocity = Displacement / Time 2. s = ut + ½at² Time → second (s)

a = (v - u) / t 3. v² = u² + 2as Speed/Velocity → m/s

Avg Speed = Total Dist / Total 4. s = [(u+v)/2] × t Acceleration → m/s²

Time
(Uniform acceleration ONLY) g = 9.8 m/s² ≈ 10 m/s²
Avg Vel = Total Displ / Total Time

CONVERSIONS GRAPH RULES KEY FACTS

km/h → m/s : × 5/18 d-t slope = Speed Displacement ≤lt;= Distance

m/s → km/h : × 18/5 v-t slope = Acceleration Speed ≥ |Velocity|

72 km/h = 20 m/s Area under v-t = Displacement Speed is NEVER negative

36 km/h = 10 m/s Horizontal d-t → body at rest UCM: constant speed,

18 km/h = 5 m/s Curved d-t → non-uniform motion changing vel. → accelerated

u = Initial velocity v = Final velocity a = Acceleration t = Time s = Displacement

* YOU'VE GOT THIS! *

Read every question twice · Show ALL working · Check units · Attempt ALL
questions — CBSE awards partial marks!

CBSE Class 9 Science · Motion Around Us · Complete Study Guide Page 41