Motion is a fundamental concept in physics. It helps us understand how and why objects move. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or just wish to test your understanding of motion in physics, these multiple-choice questions are tailored for you. Let’s get started!
1. Which of the following describes the motion of an object moving along a straight line?
Answer:
Explanation:
Translational motion refers to the movement of an object in a straight line, without any rotation or vibration.
2. What is the term for the total path length traveled by an object?
Answer:
Explanation:
Distance is the total path length covered by an object, irrespective of the direction of motion. Displacement, on the other hand, is the shortest distance between the initial and final positions, considering direction.
3. An object moves with a constant velocity. What can be said about its acceleration?
Answer:
Explanation:
If an object moves with a constant velocity, it implies there’s no change in its speed or direction. Therefore, its acceleration is zero.
4. In a distance-time graph, what does a horizontal line represent?
Answer:
Explanation:
In a distance-time graph, a horizontal line indicates that the object’s distance from a reference point hasn’t changed over time, meaning the object is at rest.
5. Which of the following is a scalar quantity?
Answer:
Explanation:
Speed, being only magnitude without direction, is a scalar quantity. The others are vector quantities as they have both magnitude and direction.
6. An object is said to be in uniform motion if:
Answer:
Explanation:
An object in uniform motion covers equal distances in equal time intervals, irrespective of the path’s length.
7. The rate of change of velocity is called:
Answer:
Explanation:
Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time.
8. If the displacement of an object is zero, its distance covered is:
Answer:
Explanation:
Even if displacement is zero, the object might have moved in a path and returned to the starting point, covering some distance. So, the exact distance cannot be determined only from the displacement.
9. Which graph represents an object moving with constant acceleration?
Answer:
Explanation:
A straight inclined line in a velocity-time graph indicates a uniform change in velocity, representing constant acceleration.
10. The negative of acceleration is termed as:
Answer:
Explanation:
Negative acceleration indicates slowing down, which is termed both deceleration and retardation.
11. Which of the following remains unchanged in uniform circular motion?
Answer:
Explanation:
In uniform circular motion, the magnitude of speed remains constant, but the direction changes continuously, resulting in a changing velocity.
12. When an object falls freely towards the earth, it has a constant:
Answer:
Explanation:
An object in free fall experiences a constant acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.81m/s 2 on the surface of the Earth.
13. An object thrown vertically upwards returns to the thrower’s hand. The displacement of the object is:
Answer:
Explanation:
Displacement is the shortest distance between the initial and final positions of an object. Since the object returns to its starting point, the displacement is zero.
Motion is an integral part of physics, and understanding its principles is essential for anyone interested in the subject. These MCQs should provide a concise revision and a fun way to test one’s knowledge. Always remember, in physics, the journey (or motion!) of learning is as rewarding as the destination.