Chapter 7
Motion
Physics Notes • Class IX
1. Distance vs. Displacement
Distance Displacement
Total path length covered Shortest straight-line distance between start
and end
Scalar quantity (magnitude only) Vector quantity (magnitude + direction)
Always positive if motion occurred Can be zero (if you return to the start)
💡 Tip: Displacement can be zero if you return to the starting point, but distance is always
positive if motion occurred.
2. Speed and Velocity
Speed (v)
Distance travelled per unit time. A scalar quantity.
Speed v = s / t
Velocity (v⃗ )
Displacement per unit time. A vector quantity — speed with direction.
Avg. Speed Total Distance / Total Time
Avg. Velocity (u + v) / 2 [for uniform acceleration]
SI Unit for both Speed & Velocity: m/s (or ms⁻¹)
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3. Acceleration (a)
The rate of change of velocity per unit time.
Formula a = (v - u) / t
Symbol Meaning Unit
v Final velocity m/s
u Initial velocity m/s
t Time taken s
a Acceleration m/s² (ms⁻²)
4. Graphical Representation
Distance-Time Graph
● Slope = Speed
● Straight line → Uniform speed
● Curved line → Non-uniform speed
Velocity-Time Graph
● Slope = Acceleration
● Area under the graph = Distance / Displacement
5. The Three Equations of Motion
Applicable only when acceleration is uniform (constant).
# Name Formula
1 Velocity-Time v = u + at
2 Position-Time s = ut + ½ at²
3 Position-Velocity v² - u² = 2as
6. Uniform Circular Motion
● An object moves in a circle at constant speed.
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● Velocity is constantly changing because direction changes at every point.
● It is always an accelerated motion (due to change in direction).
Speed v = 2πr / t
Key Insight: Although speed is constant in uniform circular motion, velocity is not —
because velocity is a vector and its direction changes continuously. This makes it an
accelerated motion.
End of Chapter 7
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