Non-uniform velocity means that an object's speed is changing, its direction of motion is changing, or both.
Understanding Non-Uniform Velocity
Based on the provided reference, an object is said to be moving with a non-uniform or variable velocity under two specific conditions:
- Unequal Distances in Equal Time: If an object covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time while moving in a specified direction. This means the speed of the object is changing.
- Changing Direction of Motion: If the direction of motion changes, even if the speed remains constant. Velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction. If either the magnitude or the direction changes, the velocity changes.
Therefore, non-uniform velocity describes motion where the rate of displacement or the direction of movement is not constant over time.
Key Characteristics
Motion with non-uniform velocity exhibits one or more of the following:
- The object speeds up.
- The object slows down.
- The object changes its path or direction.
Non-Uniform vs. Uniform Velocity
It's helpful to compare non-uniform velocity with its opposite, uniform velocity.
| Feature | Uniform Velocity | Non-Uniform Velocity |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Constant | Changing (speeding up or slowing down) |
| Direction | Constant (straight line) | Changing (curved path or turning) |
| Distance/Time | Covers equal distances in equal times | Covers unequal distances in equal times |
| Acceleration | Zero (no change in velocity) | Non-zero (velocity is changing) |
Practical Example
A classic example of non-uniform velocity is a revolving fan at a constant speed. While the blades are moving at a steady speed (magnitude of velocity), their direction of motion is continuously changing as they move in a circle. Since the direction is changing, the velocity is not constant; hence, it is considered non-uniform or variable velocity.
Other examples include:
- A car accelerating from rest.
- A ball thrown upwards (speed changes due to gravity).
- A car turning a corner, even at a constant speed.
- A pendulum swinging.
In essence, any motion that isn't a perfectly straight line at a constant speed is motion with non-uniform velocity.
