CBSE Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Notes: Motion in a Straight Line - FREE PDF Download
Summary - Class 11 Physics Motion in a Straight Line Notes (Chapter 2)
1. Mechanics:
Mechanics refers to the branch of Physics, which involves the study of the movement of physical objects.
It may be broadly categorized into the following branches:
Statics:
It is the branch of mechanics, which involves the study of physical objects at rest.
Kinematics:
It is the branch of mechanics, which involves the study of the movement of physical objects without considering the factors that cause movement.
Dynamics:
It is the branch of mechanics, which involves the study of movement of physical objects considering the factors that cause movement.
2. Rest and Motion
Rest:
An object is said to be at rest when it does not change its position with respect to its surroundings.
For example, the white board in a classroom is at rest with respect to the classroom.
Motion:
An object is said to be in motion when it changes its position with respect to its surroundings.
For instance, when we walk, run or ride a bike, we are said to be in motion with respect to the ground.
Rest and Motion are Relative:
Rest and motion are dependent on the observer. The object in one situation may be at rest while the same object in another situation may be in motion.
For example, the driver of a moving car is in motion with respect to an observer standing on the ground whereas, the same driver is at rest with respect to the man(observer) in the passenger’s seat.
3. While Studying This Chapter:
We would consider the objects as point mass objects.
An object can be taken as a point mass object if during the course of motion, it covers distances much greater than its own size.
We may confine ourselves to the study of rectilinear motion, which is the study of motion of objects along a straight line.
4. Position, Distance, Displacement:
Position:
Position of an object is always expressed with respect to some reference point which we generally account to as origin.
To express the change in position, we consider two physical quantities.
Distance:
It refers to the actual path traversed by the object during the course of motion.
Its S.I. unit is \[\text{ }\!\!'\!\!\text{ }m'\] and its dimensions are \[[{{M}^{0}}{{L}^{1}}{{T}^{0}}]\].
Displacement:
It refers to the difference between the final and initial positions of the object during the course of motion.
Its S.I unit is 'm' and its dimensions are M0L1T0.
Differences Between Distance and Displacement:
Difference Between Speed and Velocity:
Note:
When the motion of an object is along a straight line and in the same direction, the magnitude of displacement is the same as the total path length.
In this case, the magnitude of average velocity is equal to the average speed. However, this is not always the case. The average velocity gives an idea on how fast an object has been moving over a given interval but does give an idea on how fast it moves at different instants of time during that interval.
5. Scalar and Vector Quantities:
Scalar quantities:
The physical quantities that have only magnitude but no direction, are termed scalar quantities.
Some examples of scalars are mass, length, time, distance, speed, work and temperature.
Vector quantities:
The physical quantities that have magnitude as well as direction are termed vector quantities.
Some examples of vectors are displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, torque.
6. Average Velocity and Average Speed:
Average velocity:
It refers to the change in position or displacement divided by the time interval, in which the displacement occurs.
The S.I. unit of velocity is \[m/s\] even though \[km/h\] is used in many daily life applications and its dimensions are \[[{{M}^{0}}{{L}^{1}}{{T}^{-1}}]\].
Average speed:
It refers to the total path length travelled divided by the total time interval during which the motion has taken place.
Its S.I. unit is \[m/s\] and its dimensions are \[[{{M}^{0}}{{L}^{1}}{{T}^{-1}}]\].
7. Instantaneous Velocity and Instantaneous Speed:
Instantaneous velocity:
It refers to the velocity at an instant \[t\]. Instantaneous velocity can further be expressed as the limit of the average velocity during which the time interval \[\Delta t\] becomes infinitesimally small.
Mathematically, instantaneous velocity \[=Lt(\Delta x/\Delta t)=dx/dt\]
The quantity on the right-hand side of the above expression is the differential coefficient of \[x\] with respect to \[t\] and is represented by \[dx/dt\].
Clearly, it refers to the rate of change of position with respect to time at that particular instant.
Its S.I. unit is \[m/s\] and its dimensions are \[[{{M}^{0}}{{L}^{1}}{{T}^{-1}}]\].
Instantaneous Speed:
Instantaneous speed or simply speed refers to the magnitude of velocity.
Its S.I. unit is \[m/s\] and its dimensions are \[[{{M}^{0}}{{L}^{1}}{{T}^{-1}}]\].
8. Acceleration:
Average Acceleration:
The average acceleration over a time interval refers to the change of velocity divided by the time interval.
Mathematically, it is given by \[a=({{v}_{2}}-{{v}_{1}})/({{t}_{2}}-{{t}_{1}})\], where \[{{v}_{2}}\] and \[{{v}_{1}}\] are velocities at time \[{{t}_{2}}\] and \[{{t}_{1}}\] respectively.
Average acceleration can thus be defined as the average change of velocity per unit time.
Its S.I. unit is \[m/{{s}^{2}}\] and its dimensions are \[[{{M}^{0}}{{L}^{1}}{{T}^{-2}}]\].
Instantaneous Acceleration:
Mathematically, instantaneous acceleration can be expressed in the same way as the instantaneous velocity as follows:
\[a=\underset{\Delta t\to 0}{\mathop{\lim }}\,(\Delta v/\Delta t)=dv/dt\]
Its S.I. unit is \[m/{{s}^{2}}\] and its dimensions are \[[{{M}^{0}}{{L}^{1}}{{T}^{-2}}]\].
When there is uniform acceleration, obviously, instantaneous acceleration is the same as the average acceleration over that period of time.
As velocity is a quantity involving both magnitude and direction, a change in the velocity may also involve either or both of these factors.
Thus, acceleration may result from a change in the speed(magnitude), a change in direction or changes in both.
Similar to velocity, acceleration can also be positive, negative or zero.
Note:
We would restrict ourselves to the study of constant acceleration in this chapter. In this case, average acceleration is the same as the constant value of acceleration during a particular time interval.
When the velocity of an object is \[{{v}_{0}}\] at \[t=0\] and \[v\] at time \[t\], we have
\[a=\frac{v-{{v}_{0}}}{t-0}\Rightarrow v={{v}_{0}}+at\]. This is nothing but the first equation of motion.
Other equations of motion are:
\[S={{v}_{o}}t+\frac{1}{2}a{{t}^{2}}\]
\[{{v}^{2}}-{{v}_{0}}^{2}=2aS\]
\[S={{v}_{0}}+\frac{a}{2}(2n-1)\]
In all these equations, acceleration is considered to be constant.
9. Graphs:
Uniform motion:
If a body is said to be in uniform motion, the body completes equal distances in equal intervals of time.
Here, velocity is constant during the course of motion.
Also, acceleration is zero during the course of motion.
When we demonstrate this on the number line with x, v, a on the Y-axis and t on the X-axis, then we would have -
![Nature of slope of \[a-t\]](https://vedantu.com/seo/content-images/de8ad653-23cc-4dbd-99eb-8a3a1203cf29.PNG)
![Nature of slope of \[a-t\]](https://vedantu.com/seo/content-images/27660f3f-7bdc-40fd-a1fa-b32a557ef5e1.PNG)
Non-Uniform motion:
If a body undergoes non-uniform motion, the body is said to be in uniformly accelerated motion.
Here, the magnitude of velocity increases or decreases with the passage of time.
Also, acceleration would not be zero as it undergoes accelerated motion.
When we demonstrate this on the number line with x, v, a on the Y-axis and t on the X-axis, then we would have -
CBSE Class 11 Physics Notes Chapter 2 Motion in a Straight Line
Why Do You Need to Study CBSE Class 11 Physics Notes Chapter 2 Motion in a Straight Line?
Motion in a straight line is a chapter you cannot afford to skip in physics as it forms the very basis of the entire subject.
This CBSE Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Notes Motion in a Straight Line will set fundamentals for students interested in pursuing a career in Physics.
CBSE Class 11th physics chapter 2 notes are useful and dedicated entirely to the student's CBSE updated Syllabus
State the condition where the distance and displacement of a moving object have the same magnitude.
How can distance traveled be calculated from a velocity-time graph?
What is the difference between one, two, and three dimensional motion?
Distinguish between the following
Distance and Displacement
Speed and Velocity
Explain the statement with an example “ The direction in which an object moves is given by the direction of the velocity of the object and not by the direction of acceleration”.
Section – A (1 Mark Questions)
1. Define the speed of the object.
Ans. The speed of an object is defined as the distance covered by it per unit of time.
2. Can there be motion in two dimensions with acceleration in only one dimension?
Ans. Yes, projectile motion.
3. Is it true that a body is always at rest in a frame that is fixed to the body itself?
Ans. Yes, because the velocity of the body with respect to frame of reference is zero.
4. Tell under what condition a body moving with uniform velocity can be in equilibrium?
Ans. When the net force on the body is zero.
5. What is common between the two graphs shown in figs. (a) and (b)?
Ans. Both these graphs represent that velocity is positive.
Section – B (2 Marks Questions)
6. Can the speed of a body change if its velocity is constant? Why?
Ans. No, the speed of a body cannot change if its velocity is constant which means that both the magnitude and direction of velocity do not change. The magnitude of velocity is speed, so speed cannot change.
7. Is the following graph possible for the motion of a particle moving along a straight line? Explain.
Ans. No.
This is because the speed for a given time is negative and speed is always positive.
8. Draw the position-time and velocity-time graph for a body projected vertically upwards with initial velocity u. Take the projection point to be origin and upward direction as positive.
Ans.
9.A particle moves along a semicircular path of radius R in time t with constant speed. For the particle calculate
(i) distance traveled,
(ii) displacement,
(iii) average speed,
(iv) average velocity,
Ans. (i) Distance = length of path of particle $=AB=\pi R$
(ii) Displacement = minimum distance between initial and final point $=AB=2R$
(iii) Average speed, $V=\dfrac{total\;distance}{time}=\dfrac{\pi R}{t}$
(iv) Average velocity $=\dfrac{2R}{t}$
10. A car travels first half the distance between two places with a speed of 30km/h and the remaining half with a speed of 50km/h. Find the average speed of the car.
Ans. $V_{avg}=\dfrac{S}{t_{1}+t_{2}}=\dfrac{S}{\dfrac{S}{2\times 30}+\dfrac{S}{2\times 50}}=\dfrac{S}{\dfrac{S}{20}\left ( \dfrac{5+3}{15} \right )}$
$V_{avg}=\dfrac{20\times 15}{8}=\dfrac{5\times 15}{2}=\dfrac{75}{2}=37\cdot 5km/h$
Important Topics of Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion in a Straight Line
Importance of Physics Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion in a Straight Line Revision Notes
Class 11 Motion In A Straight Line Notes are important because they help you understand the basics of how things move in a straight line.
These notes explain key ideas like distance, speed, and acceleration. Knowing these helps you understand how objects move and how to solve problems related to motion.
The notes give you clear examples and steps for solving problems, making it easier to practice and get better at physics.
They also provide a quick way to review before exams by summarizing the main points, formulas, and important graphs.
Physics Class 11 Chapter 2 Notes are helpful for learning and revising the basics of motion, solving problems, and preparing for tests.
Tips for Learning the Class 11 Chapter 2 Physics Motion in a Straight Line
Focus on understanding basic ideas like distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
Practice reading and using motion graphs, like distance-time and velocity-time graphs.
Work on different problems to get better at using the equations and concepts.
Draw diagrams to help visualize how objects move.
Regularly review your notes to remember important formulas and ideas.
Relate the concepts to everyday examples, like how a car moves or how athletes run, to make them easier to grasp.
Conclusion
Physics Chapter 2 Class 11 notes are short and handy, written in easy to understand language by the experts. The experts have discussed all the above mentioned topics in a very elaborate manner. CBSE Class 11 Physics Notes Chapter 2 Motion in a Straight Line can be downloaded and read offline as well as in PDF Format to quickly revise the whole chapter just before the exam. These revision notes will help students understand various physics concepts and is a perfect way to study for exams.
Other Study Material for CBSE Class 11 Physics Chapter 2
Revision Notes Links for Class 11 Physics:
Given below are the chapter-wise Notes for Class 11 Physics. Go through these chapter-wise solutions to be thoroughly familiar with the concepts.
Related Important Links for Class 11 Physics
FAQs on Motion in a Straight Line Class 11 Notes: CBSE Physics Chapter 2
1. What is the core difference between distance and displacement for an object in motion?
The core difference lies in their definitions. Distance is a scalar quantity representing the total path length covered. In contrast, displacement is a vector quantity representing the shortest straight-line path between the initial and final points. For a quick revision, remember displacement can be zero (if the object returns to its start), while distance cannot (unless no motion occurs).
2. When revising, what is the key distinction between speed and velocity?
The key distinction is that speed is a scalar quantity that tells you how fast an object is moving (magnitude only), while velocity is a vector quantity that describes both how fast it is moving and in which direction. An object can have a constant speed but a changing velocity if its direction of motion changes.
3. What defines uniformly accelerated motion, and why is it a key concept in this chapter?
Uniformly accelerated motion is defined as motion where the velocity of an object changes by equal amounts in equal intervals of time. In simpler terms, its acceleration is constant. It's a key concept because it describes many real-world scenarios, like an object falling freely under gravity, and allows the use of simple kinematic equations for analysis.
4. How can a position-time (x-t) graph give a complete summary of an object's motion in a straight line?
A position-time (x-t) graph provides a complete visual summary by showing an object's location at any given moment. Key insights for revision include:
- The slope of the graph at any point gives the instantaneous velocity.
- A straight line indicates constant velocity.
- A curved line (parabola) indicates acceleration.
- A horizontal line means the object is at rest.
5. Can an object have zero velocity but still be accelerating? If so, provide a quick example.
Yes, an object can have zero velocity at a specific instant while still accelerating. A classic example is a ball thrown vertically upwards. At the very peak of its trajectory, its instantaneous velocity is zero for a moment before it changes direction, but the acceleration due to gravity is still acting on it downwards.
6. What are the three main kinematic equations for uniform acceleration, and what does each variable represent?
The three main kinematic equations, essential for revision, describe motion with constant acceleration as per the CBSE 2025-26 syllabus:
- v = u + at
- s = ut + ½ at²
- v² = u² + 2as
7. Why is the slope of a velocity-time (v-t) graph significant for revision, and what physical quantity does the area under it represent?
The velocity-time (v-t) graph is significant because its features directly translate to key motion concepts.
- The slope of the v-t graph (change in velocity / change in time) represents the object's acceleration. A constant slope means constant acceleration.
- The area under the v-t graph represents the object's displacement over that time interval.
8. For a quick recap, what is meant by a 'frame of reference' and a 'point mass object' in kinematics?
For a quick recap:
- A frame of reference is a coordinate system or a set of axes used to measure the position and motion of objects. It's the perspective from which motion is observed.
- An object is treated as a point mass object when its size is negligible compared to the distance it travels. This simplifies calculations by ignoring the object's dimensions.
9. If the acceleration of a particle is constant and not zero, what can you conclude about its velocity-time and position-time graphs?
If a particle has constant, non-zero acceleration, you can conclude the following about its motion graphs:
- Its velocity-time (v-t) graph will be a straight line with a non-zero slope. The slope's value is equal to the constant acceleration.
- Its position-time (x-t) graph will be a parabola. The curve opens upwards for positive acceleration and downwards for negative acceleration.
10. What is the concept of relative velocity and how is it calculated for two objects moving in a straight line?
Relative velocity is the velocity of an object with respect to another object (the observer). For two objects, A and B, moving along a straight line with velocities Vₐ and Vₑ:
- The velocity of A relative to B (Vₐₑ) is calculated as Vₐₑ = Vₐ - Vₑ.
- This concept is crucial for understanding that motion can be described differently from different viewpoints.
