1. What Is Uniform Motion?
Uniform motion is when an object covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, no matter how small those intervals are.
This means the object moves at a constant speed or constant velocity in a straight line.
1.1. Constant Speed Throughout
If an object does not speed up or slow down, it is in uniform motion. The speed stays the same at every moment.
1.2. Motion in a Straight Line
Uniform motion usually refers to motion in a straight line with a constant speed. Curving paths involve changes in direction, so they are treated differently.
2. Characteristics of Uniform Motion
Uniform motion has some clear features that make it easy to identify.
2.1. Equal Distances in Equal Times
For example, if a car moves 10 meters every second without fail, it is in uniform motion.
2.2. Zero Acceleration
Since speed does not change, acceleration is:
\( a = 0 \)
2.3. Predictable Movement
Because the speed is constant, we can easily predict where the object will be after a certain time.
3. Distance–Time Graph for Uniform Motion
One of the easiest ways to identify uniform motion is by looking at a distance–time graph.
3.1. Straight Line Graph
For uniform motion, the distance–time graph is a straight line.
This is because distance increases at a steady rate with time.
3.2. Slope Represents Speed
The slope (tilt) of the straight line tells us the speed:
\( \text{Speed} = \dfrac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}} \)
4. Examples of Uniform Motion
Uniform motion is common in controlled or smooth situations.
4.1. Examples from Everyday Life
- A train moving at a steady speed on a straight track.
- A car using cruise control on a highway.
- A person walking at the same pace on a straight walkway.
- A conveyor belt moving at a constant speed in a factory.
5. Uniform Motion and Formulas
In uniform motion, speed stays constant. So we use the formula:
\( s = vt \)
where:
- \( s \) is distance
- \( v \) is constant speed
- \( t \) is time
5.1. Example Using the Formula
If a car moves at 12 m/s for 8 seconds:
\( s = vt = 12 \times 8 = 96 \, \text{m} \)
The car covers 96 meters in 8 seconds.