Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 – Motion in a Straight Line

Physics is considered the toughest MPC subject of classes 11th and 12th. Although it is also one of the essentials for Engineering, Architecture and Medical entrance exams. Thus, despite all the difficulties, it is mandatory to have a sound knowledge of all the Physics topics taught in these 2 academic years. A popular topic that is also a part of the class 9th Science syllabus is Motion in a straight line. Motion in a straight line is an easy chapter because it completely relates to our day-to-day activities. Let us learn more about this topic with the help of this blog!’

Introduction to Motion in a Straight Line

When an object changes its position with respect to time, it is said to be in motion. If the object is moving in a straight line, it is said to be in motion in a straight line or Linear Motion. Let’s understand this with an example. Rahul’s school gets over at 2:00 PM, and then he runs from his school to his home and reaches his home at 2:10 PM. This is an example of motion. Now, in motion, two conditions must be satisfied: 1) Change in Position of an object (School to Home) 2) Change must be with me (2:00 PM TO 2:10 PM) 

Note that motion in a straight line is also known as rectilinear motion. Also, if Rahul moves along a straight path and covers equal distances in equal intervals of me, then it is said to be uniform motion along a straight line. 

Curious to know about how many types of motion are there?
End your curiosity with our blog on types of motion!

The Frame of Reference

We use references, and a set of axes points to specify the object’s position. In the rectangular coordinate system, we have X-axis: If the object moves only with respect to the X-axis then it is known as motion in one dimension. Y-axis: If the object moves with respect to both the X-axis and Y-axis, then it is motion in two dimensions. Z-axis: If the object moves with respect to all three axes, then it is motion in three dimensions. Their intersection: Reference point, i.e. also represented as (0,0,0). (x,y,z) coordinates describe the position of the object with respect to this coordinate system. 

To know more about coordinate systems in the motion of a straight line,
refer to our blog on coordinate geometry formulas!

What is the difference between Distance and Displacement?

Distance	Displacement
Distance is called the path length traversed by an object	The shortest distance is known as displacement
Distance has magnitude only	It has both magnitude and direction
Example: Rahul runs for 10 Kilometers	Example: Raul runs for 10 Kilometers north
Distance divided by the intervals is known as average speed.	Displacement divided by the intervals (in which displacement occurs) is known as average velocity.

Important Note: 

1. The magnitude of displacement may or may not be equal to the path length traversed by an object.
2. Both Displacement and Velocity are vector quantities. And similarly, distance and speed are scalar. 

If you consider yourself the master of Physics, then take this Physics Quiz! 

What is the Difference between Instantaneous Speed and Instantaneous Velocity 

Instantaneous velocity is the velocity at an instant. And to calculate instantaneous velocity, we assume that the change in theme interval tends to zero. But on the other hand, instantaneous speed or simply speed is the magnitude of velocity. For example, if the instantaneous speed at a time interval is -100 m/s^2, then the instantaneous velocity will be equal to 100 m/s^2 only. 

Before we move on to the next motion in a straight line topic,
have a look at the complete guide on how to study Physics for NEET!

Acceleration

 If two athletes are running from point A to point B and athlete A reaches first then it is clear that he is athlete A is fast, which means that his acceleration is more. What is acceleration? The acceleration is the change of velocity with me and the average acceleration over a time interval is defined as the change of velocity divided by the time interval. And similar to instantaneous velocity instantaneous acceleration is when the time interval tends to zero. 

Kinematic Equations for the Uniformly Accelerated Motion
The equations that relate displacement (x), me taken (t), initial velocity (v0), final velocity (v), and acceleration (a) are known as kinema c equations for uniformly accelerated motion.

EQUATION ONE: Initial velocity = Final velocity + Accleration*Time 
EQUATION TWO: Displacement = 1/2*Acceleration* me* me + Initial velocity * me 
EQUATION THREE: final velocity*final velocity = Initial velocity initial velocity + 2*Acceleration*displacement 

You will come across a wide range of topics in Physics classes 11 and 12 just like motion in a straight line. Do you know these chapters are actually
introducing you to different career possibilities in Physics!

Practical Examples of Motion in a Straight Line

Free Fall: 
A ball released near the surface of the Earth is accelerated downward under the force of gravity. Accelera on due to gravity = 9.8 m/s^2 If air friction is ignored, the object is said to be in free fall. 

Stopping distance of vehicles: 
When brakes are applied to a moving vehicle, the distance it travels before stopping is called stopping distance. It depends on Initial Velocity and Decelera on Application: Road Safety. 

Relative velocity:
Suppose you are on your school bus running at a speed of 40m/s and suddenly some other bus starts running along at the same speed as your bus, i.e. 40m/s. You may feel that the other bus is not moving, but someone from the road will easily be able to see that both buses are running at a speed of 40m/s. Hence, the second bus is running at 0 m/s with respect to your bus but running at a speed of 40m/s with respect to the ground. 

Now for the application of your learning through the above notes on motion in a straight line. It is necessary to go through some of the most important questions. Also making class 11 physics notes will help you in your entrance exams like NEET, JEE and defence exams.

Now that you are through with this topic,
have a look at the Electrostatics notes for class 12th!

Important questions: Motion in a Straight Line 

1. When is average velocity equal to average speed? 
2. When is the velocity the same as the average velocity at all instants? 
3. Obtain equations of motion for constant acceleration using the method of calculus.
4.  Obtain equations of motion for constant acceleration using a graphical approach. 
5.  A ball is thrown vertically upwards with a velocity of 20 m s–1 from the top of a multi-storey building. The height of the point from where the ball is thrown is 25.0 m from the ground. (a) How high will the ball rise? And (b) how long will it be before the ball hits the ground? (Take g = 10 m s–2) 
6. Discuss the motion of an object under free fall. 7) Derive an expression for the stopping distance of a vehicle in terms of initial velocity and acceleration.

Important Note: All the graph-based questions and derivations are important for this chapter. Along with that do practice class 11th physics NCERT solutions. 

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