Differentiate between speed and velocity. Also, define average speed, uniform and variable speeds, average velocity, uniform and variable velocities.

  • Speed: Speed is a scalar quantity that refers to the rate at which an object covers distance. It is calculated as the total distance traveled divided by the time taken. Speed does not have a direction. Example: A car traveling at 60 km/h.

  • Velocity: Velocity is a vector quantity that refers to the rate at which an object changes its position in a specific direction. It has both magnitude (speed) and direction. Example: A car moving at 60 km/h towards the north.

  • Average Speed: The total distance traveled divided by the total time taken. Example: If a person travels 100 km in 2 hours, the average speed is 50 km/h.

  • Uniform Speed: When an object covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, it is said to be moving with uniform speed. Example: A train moving steadily on a straight track at 60 km/h.

  • Variable Speed: When an object’s speed changes over time, it is said to have variable speed. Example: A car accelerating or decelerating while driving.

  • Average Velocity: The total displacement divided by the total time taken. Example: If a person walks 10 meters east and then 10 meters west in 10 seconds, the average velocity is zero.

  • Uniform Velocity: When an object moves with a constant velocity (constant speed and direction), it is said to be moving with uniform velocity. Example: A satellite orbiting the Earth at a constant speed.

  • Variable Velocity: When an object’s velocity changes in magnitude or direction over time, it has variable velocity. Example: A car moving along a curving road with varying speed.

Related Questions:

  1. Differentiate between rest and motion. With the help of an example, show that rest and motion are relative to an observer.
  2. What are different types of motion? Define each type of motion with examples from daily life.
  3. What are scalars and vectors? Give examples. How are vectors represented symbolically and graphically?
  4. Define the term position. Differentiate between distance and displacement.
  5. NUMERICAL RESPONSE QUESTIONS
  6. In a park, children are enjoying a ride on a Ferris wheel as shown. What kind of motion does the big wheel have, and what kind of motion do the riders have?
  7. A boy moves for some time, give two situations in which his displacement is zero but the distance covered is not zero.
  8. A stone tied to a string is whirling in a circle. What is the direction of its velocity at any instant?
  9. Is it possible to accelerate an object without speeding it up or slowing it down?
  10. Can a car moving towards the right have the direction of acceleration towards the left?
  11. With the help of daily life examples, describe the situations in which: a. Acceleration is in the direction of motion. b. Acceleration is against the direction of motion. c. Acceleration is zero and the body is in motion.
  12. Examine the distance-time graph of a motorcyclist (as shown). What does this graph tell us about the speed of the motorcyclist? Also, plot its velocity-time graph.
  13. Which controls in the car can produce acceleration or deceleration in it?
  14. If two stones of 10 kg and 1 kg are dropped from a 1 km high tower, which will hit the ground with greater velocity? Which will hit the ground first? (Neglect air resistance)
  15. A 100 g ball is just released (from rest) and another is thrown downward with a velocity of 10 m/s. Which will have greater acceleration? (Neglect air resistance)
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  19. Dynamics-II
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