Measurement of Length and Motion Class 6 Science Chapter 5 CBSE Notes - 2025-26

Introduction

Deepa, an 11-year-old girl from Haryana, needed a new uniform. Her mother took her to the cloth shop, where measurements were taken using a metal measuring rod and a flexible tape.

Traditional measurements like char angula (four fingers width) were also used by her mother to instruct the tailor on increasing the length of her uniform.

Traditional Methods of Measurement:

• Handspan, Arm Length, Strides: Different body parts, such as handspan, arm length, or the number of strides, were traditionally used to measure lengths.

• For example, farmers measured fields with strides.

• People like Hardeep have seen measurements using arms in their family.

• Deepa and her friends measured the length of a table in terms of handspans. They discovered that everyone’s handspan was different, which made the results vary.

Standard Units

• Historically, people used units like angula, dhanusa, and yojana for measurement in India.

• However, to avoid confusion, a standardised system known as the International System of Units (SI units) was introduced.

• The standard SI unit of length is the metre (m).

• For smaller lengths, units like centimetre (cm) and millimetre (mm) are used:

1 m = 100 cm

1 cm = 10 mm

• For larger distances, the kilometre (km) is used:

1 km = 1000 m

Measurement Tools

• A 15 cm scale is commonly used to measure small lengths.

• Flexible measuring tapes are used to measure curves or larger dimensions.

• Objects like a thread can be used to measure curved surfaces, such as string lights around a house. The thread can then be straightened to measure the length with a scale.

Correct Methods of Measuring

• It is important to place the scale correctly along the object being measured for accurate results.

• Eye position should be directly above the point being measured to avoid parallax errors.

• Even if the ends of the scale are broken, measurements can still be made by reading the scale from any full mark (e.g., from 1 cm).

Measuring Curved Lines

For measuring curved lines (like strings or decorations), a thread is used to trace the curve, and then it is straightened to measure with a scale.

Describing Position

• Reference points are used to describe the position of an object relative to a fixed point. For example, the positions of friends' houses or distances from a bus stand can be described using a reference point.

• Deepa and her friends used a measuring tape and decided on a reference point to draw lines on a Kabaddi court for sports day.

Reference Points and Distance

• In one of the examples, Padma was traveling by bus to visit her grandparents. As she passed by kilometre stones, each showing a decreasing distance to Delhi, it indicated she was getting closer to her destination.

• Reference Point: In this case, Delhi served as the reference point to measure the distance from her location to her destination. Each kilometre stone showed her changing position relative to the reference point.

Motion and Rest

• Motion is defined as a change in position with respect to a reference point.

• Activity 5.2: Students were asked to observe objects around them, noting which were at rest and which were in motion.

• Objects in motion (like a cow grazing) have a changing position relative to a fixed reference point.

• Objects at rest (like a tree) have a constant position, meaning no change relative to a reference point.

Types of Motion:

• Linear Motion

• Circular Motion

• Oscillatory Motion

Linear Motion: When an object moves along a straight line. For example, when you drop an eraser, it falls straight down. Pushing a box or a ball rolling in a straight line are also examples of linear motion.

Circular Motion: When an object moves along a circular path. For example, tying an eraser to a string and swinging it in a circle mimics circular motion. Merry-go-rounds are common examples of circular motion.

Oscillatory Motion: When an object moves to and fro about a fixed point, such as a swing moving back and forth or a pendulum.

Periodic Motion

If an object repeats its motion after a fixed interval of time, it is called periodic motion. Both circular and oscillatory motions can be periodic if they repeat consistently.

5 Important Topics of Class 6 Science Chapter 5

Importance of Revision Notes for Class 6 Science Chapter 5

• Class 6 Science Chapter 5 Revision notes make it easier to understand important concepts like measurement and different units of length.

• They save time by summarising the main points, helping students quickly review the key ideas before exams.

• Class 6 Science Chapter 5 Measurement of Length and Motion notes explain the different types of motion, such as linear, circular, and oscillatory, simply and clearly.

• They help focus on the essential information needed for exams, including important formulas and definitions.

• The simple language used in the notes ensures students can understand the concepts without confusion.

• Regular use of revision notes helps in better retention of topics, making exam preparation less stressful.

• Class 6 Measurement of Length and Motion notes boost confidence by providing a clear overview of the chapter, ensuring students feel well-prepared for tests.

Tips for Learning the Class 6 Chapter 5 Science Measurement of Length and Motion

• Start by learning the basic units of length like meters, centimetres, and millimetres. Know how to convert between these units, as it’s essential for solving problems. 

• Get familiar with tools like rulers, tape measures, and meter sticks. Practice measuring different objects around you to become more comfortable with these tools.

• Understand the concept of motion and how we measure it. Learn about terms like speed, distance, and time, and how they are related. 

• Work on exercises that involve calculating distances, speeds, and time. This will help you apply what you’ve learned and get better at solving problems.

• Think of everyday examples where measurement and motion are involved. For instance, consider how you measure the length of a room or the speed of a moving car. 

• Go over your notes and practice problems frequently to reinforce your understanding. Revisiting the material helps you remember it better.

• If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a teacher or a friend. Understanding each concept fully is important for grasping the entire chapter.

Conclusion

Chapter 5, "Measurement of Length and Motion," from Class 6 Science, learned how to measure different lengths and understand how objects move. By using tools like rulers and tape measures, you now know how to measure things accurately. The chapter also explains how we measure motion, including concepts like speed and distance. Knowing these ideas helps you understand how things move and how we can describe their movement. These basics are important for your science studies and for everyday life. They make it easier to measure and understand the world around you.

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