Class 10 ISC Physics
Chapter 2: Motion
1. Introduction
Motion is one of the most fundamental concepts in Physics. An object is said to be in motion if its
position changes with respect to time and a fixed reference point. The study of motion helps us
understand the behavior of moving objects such as vehicles, planets, and even microscopic
particles.
2. Rest and Motion
An object is said to be at rest if it does not change its position with respect to its surroundings. An
object is said to be in motion if it changes its position with respect to time and a reference point.
Rest and motion are relative terms.
3. Types of Motion
(a) Rectilinear motion – motion along a straight line.
(b) Circular motion – motion along a circular path.
(c) Rotational motion – motion about a fixed axis.
(d) Oscillatory motion – repeated motion about a mean position.
4. Distance and Displacement
Distance is the actual length of path travelled by an object. It is a scalar quantity. Displacement is
the shortest distance between initial and final position. It is a vector quantity. Distance ≥
Displacement always.
5. Speed
Speed is the distance travelled per unit time. Formula: Speed = Distance / Time Unit: m s■¹ Types
of speed: uniform speed, non-uniform speed, average speed.
6. Velocity
Velocity is the displacement per unit time. Formula: Velocity = Displacement / Time Velocity has
both magnitude and direction.
7. Acceleration
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. Formula: a = (v − u) / t Unit: m s■²
8. Uniform and Non-uniform Acceleration
Uniform acceleration: velocity changes by equal amounts in equal intervals of time. Non-uniform
acceleration: velocity changes by unequal amounts.
9. Equations of Motion
There are three equations of motion for uniform acceleration:
1) v = u + at
2) s = ut + ½at²
3) v² = u² + 2as
10. Derivation of First Equation of Motion
v = u + at is derived from the definition of acceleration. Acceleration = change in velocity / time.
11. Derivation of Second Equation of Motion
s = ut + ½at² is derived using average velocity concept.
12. Derivation of Third Equation of Motion
v² = u² + 2as is derived by eliminating time from first two equations.
13. Graphical Representation of Motion
Distance-time graph and velocity-time graph help in understanding motion. Slope of distance-time
graph gives speed. Area under velocity-time graph gives displacement.
14. Distance-Time Graph
A straight line distance-time graph indicates uniform speed. A curved graph indicates non-uniform
speed.
15. Velocity-Time Graph
Slope gives acceleration. Area under graph gives displacement.
16. Uniform Circular Motion
In circular motion, speed remains constant but velocity changes due to continuous change in
direction.
17. Relative Motion
Motion of an object depends on the observer's frame of reference.
18. Numerical Problems
Numericals are based on equations of motion, graphs, speed, velocity and acceleration. Proper
units and formulas must be used.
19. Important Points for Exams
Always mention units. Use correct sign convention. Draw neat graphs.
20. Summary
Motion describes change in position with time. Distance and displacement are different. Equations
of motion simplify problem solving.