Textbook: Motion and Types of Motion | General Science Class 6 (Maharashtra Board) PDF Download

 Page 1


65
In our day-to-day life, we see many moving objects. Moving objects are said to 
be objects in motion. Discuss which objects in the above pictures are in motion. What 
differences are seen in their motion ?
9.2 : Backward motion of object
The continuous displacement of an object is called motion.
Types of  
motion
 
1. Linear motion
A train or a moving vehicle on a road may travel in a straight line or 
in the same direction. This motion of an object is called linear motion. An 
object in linear motion shows displacement along a straight line. 
If you stand on a chair and release a ball from your hand, it falls to 
the floor. What do you conclude from this ? 
9.3 : Linear motion
Motion
 
While waiting for a bus at a bus-stop, other 
vehicles appear to be in a state of motion. On the 
other hand, when you are in motion yourself, a 
still object appears to be moving. For example, 
the trees are seen to run backward while you 
are travelling in a train. If an object is seen by 
an observer to change its place continuously, 
the object is said to be in motion. Change 
of place of an object is called displacement. 
An object in motion continuously undergoes  
displacement. 
9. Motion and Types of Motion
Observe and discuss.
9.1 : Objects in motion
Page 2


65
In our day-to-day life, we see many moving objects. Moving objects are said to 
be objects in motion. Discuss which objects in the above pictures are in motion. What 
differences are seen in their motion ?
9.2 : Backward motion of object
The continuous displacement of an object is called motion.
Types of  
motion
 
1. Linear motion
A train or a moving vehicle on a road may travel in a straight line or 
in the same direction. This motion of an object is called linear motion. An 
object in linear motion shows displacement along a straight line. 
If you stand on a chair and release a ball from your hand, it falls to 
the floor. What do you conclude from this ? 
9.3 : Linear motion
Motion
 
While waiting for a bus at a bus-stop, other 
vehicles appear to be in a state of motion. On the 
other hand, when you are in motion yourself, a 
still object appears to be moving. For example, 
the trees are seen to run backward while you 
are travelling in a train. If an object is seen by 
an observer to change its place continuously, 
the object is said to be in motion. Change 
of place of an object is called displacement. 
An object in motion continuously undergoes  
displacement. 
9. Motion and Types of Motion
Observe and discuss.
9.1 : Objects in motion
66
9.4 : Comparing linear motion
Compare the motion of soldiers on parade and a girl coming down a slide.
The motion of soldiers in a 
parade is the same. During that 
period, not even a slight difference 
is seen. However, the motion of 
the girl coming down the slide 
does not appear to be uniform. The 
girl comes down faster and faster. 
The speed of her motion goes on 
increasing continuously.
The motion of the marching 
soldiers is ‘uniform linear motion’, 
because in this motion no change 
is seen. On the other hand, the 
motion of the girl coming down 
the slide is ‘non-uniform linear 
motion’.
These are the two main types 
of linear motion.
2. Non-linear motion : The motion of an object that does not move in a straight 
line is called ‘non-linear motion’. Non-linear motion may be of the following types.
Uniform linear motion
When the distance traversed by an 
object along a straight line in unit time is 
continuously the same, the motion is called 
uniform linear motion.
Non-uniform linear motion
When the distance traversed by an 
object along a straight line in unit time 
keeps on changing, the motion is called 
non-uniform linear motion.
What kind of movement does a swing in a 
park show ?
The swing always comes back from 
one end to the other end. It takes about the 
same time for each swing or oscillation. 
This movement of a swing is called 
oscillatory motion. Similarly, the 
movement of the pendulum of a clock, the 
wings of a bird, the needle of a sewing 
machine, the vibrating diaphragm of a 
tabla or drum are also examples of 
oscillatory motion. 
9.5 : Oscillatory motion
Can you tell ?    
Page 3


65
In our day-to-day life, we see many moving objects. Moving objects are said to 
be objects in motion. Discuss which objects in the above pictures are in motion. What 
differences are seen in their motion ?
9.2 : Backward motion of object
The continuous displacement of an object is called motion.
Types of  
motion
 
1. Linear motion
A train or a moving vehicle on a road may travel in a straight line or 
in the same direction. This motion of an object is called linear motion. An 
object in linear motion shows displacement along a straight line. 
If you stand on a chair and release a ball from your hand, it falls to 
the floor. What do you conclude from this ? 
9.3 : Linear motion
Motion
 
While waiting for a bus at a bus-stop, other 
vehicles appear to be in a state of motion. On the 
other hand, when you are in motion yourself, a 
still object appears to be moving. For example, 
the trees are seen to run backward while you 
are travelling in a train. If an object is seen by 
an observer to change its place continuously, 
the object is said to be in motion. Change 
of place of an object is called displacement. 
An object in motion continuously undergoes  
displacement. 
9. Motion and Types of Motion
Observe and discuss.
9.1 : Objects in motion
66
9.4 : Comparing linear motion
Compare the motion of soldiers on parade and a girl coming down a slide.
The motion of soldiers in a 
parade is the same. During that 
period, not even a slight difference 
is seen. However, the motion of 
the girl coming down the slide 
does not appear to be uniform. The 
girl comes down faster and faster. 
The speed of her motion goes on 
increasing continuously.
The motion of the marching 
soldiers is ‘uniform linear motion’, 
because in this motion no change 
is seen. On the other hand, the 
motion of the girl coming down 
the slide is ‘non-uniform linear 
motion’.
These are the two main types 
of linear motion.
2. Non-linear motion : The motion of an object that does not move in a straight 
line is called ‘non-linear motion’. Non-linear motion may be of the following types.
Uniform linear motion
When the distance traversed by an 
object along a straight line in unit time is 
continuously the same, the motion is called 
uniform linear motion.
Non-uniform linear motion
When the distance traversed by an 
object along a straight line in unit time 
keeps on changing, the motion is called 
non-uniform linear motion.
What kind of movement does a swing in a 
park show ?
The swing always comes back from 
one end to the other end. It takes about the 
same time for each swing or oscillation. 
This movement of a swing is called 
oscillatory motion. Similarly, the 
movement of the pendulum of a clock, the 
wings of a bird, the needle of a sewing 
machine, the vibrating diaphragm of a 
tabla or drum are also examples of 
oscillatory motion. 
9.5 : Oscillatory motion
Can you tell ?    
67
The hands of a clock move in a 
circular manner. Similarly, a fan, a giant 
wheel, and a merry-go-round complete 
each round along a circular route. In our 
day-to-day life we come across many 
examples of objects that trace a circular 
path.
Which other examples of circular 
motion can you give ?
We see from these examples of 
oscillatory motion and circular motion 
that some objects complete one round 
or one oscillation in a fixed period of 
time. For example, the minute hand of 
a clock completes one round in exactly 
60 minutes every time, while a merry-
go-round also completes every round in 
the same period of time. Such motion is 
called periodic motion.
In which musical instruments can 
you see oscillatory motion ?
The motion of a body that is oscillating, i.e., 
swinging back and forth,  is called  
oscillatory motion.
The motion of an object which passes 
through a certain point again and 
again after a fixed period is called 
periodic motion.
The motion of an object along a 
circular path is called circular motion.
9.6 : Examples of non-linear motion
Observe and discuss. 
Use your brain power ! 
Which types of motion are seen when 
a girl rides a bicycle as shown here ?
Use your brain power !
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65
In our day-to-day life, we see many moving objects. Moving objects are said to 
be objects in motion. Discuss which objects in the above pictures are in motion. What 
differences are seen in their motion ?
9.2 : Backward motion of object
The continuous displacement of an object is called motion.
Types of  
motion
 
1. Linear motion
A train or a moving vehicle on a road may travel in a straight line or 
in the same direction. This motion of an object is called linear motion. An 
object in linear motion shows displacement along a straight line. 
If you stand on a chair and release a ball from your hand, it falls to 
the floor. What do you conclude from this ? 
9.3 : Linear motion
Motion
 
While waiting for a bus at a bus-stop, other 
vehicles appear to be in a state of motion. On the 
other hand, when you are in motion yourself, a 
still object appears to be moving. For example, 
the trees are seen to run backward while you 
are travelling in a train. If an object is seen by 
an observer to change its place continuously, 
the object is said to be in motion. Change 
of place of an object is called displacement. 
An object in motion continuously undergoes  
displacement. 
9. Motion and Types of Motion
Observe and discuss.
9.1 : Objects in motion
66
9.4 : Comparing linear motion
Compare the motion of soldiers on parade and a girl coming down a slide.
The motion of soldiers in a 
parade is the same. During that 
period, not even a slight difference 
is seen. However, the motion of 
the girl coming down the slide 
does not appear to be uniform. The 
girl comes down faster and faster. 
The speed of her motion goes on 
increasing continuously.
The motion of the marching 
soldiers is ‘uniform linear motion’, 
because in this motion no change 
is seen. On the other hand, the 
motion of the girl coming down 
the slide is ‘non-uniform linear 
motion’.
These are the two main types 
of linear motion.
2. Non-linear motion : The motion of an object that does not move in a straight 
line is called ‘non-linear motion’. Non-linear motion may be of the following types.
Uniform linear motion
When the distance traversed by an 
object along a straight line in unit time is 
continuously the same, the motion is called 
uniform linear motion.
Non-uniform linear motion
When the distance traversed by an 
object along a straight line in unit time 
keeps on changing, the motion is called 
non-uniform linear motion.
What kind of movement does a swing in a 
park show ?
The swing always comes back from 
one end to the other end. It takes about the 
same time for each swing or oscillation. 
This movement of a swing is called 
oscillatory motion. Similarly, the 
movement of the pendulum of a clock, the 
wings of a bird, the needle of a sewing 
machine, the vibrating diaphragm of a 
tabla or drum are also examples of 
oscillatory motion. 
9.5 : Oscillatory motion
Can you tell ?    
67
The hands of a clock move in a 
circular manner. Similarly, a fan, a giant 
wheel, and a merry-go-round complete 
each round along a circular route. In our 
day-to-day life we come across many 
examples of objects that trace a circular 
path.
Which other examples of circular 
motion can you give ?
We see from these examples of 
oscillatory motion and circular motion 
that some objects complete one round 
or one oscillation in a fixed period of 
time. For example, the minute hand of 
a clock completes one round in exactly 
60 minutes every time, while a merry-
go-round also completes every round in 
the same period of time. Such motion is 
called periodic motion.
In which musical instruments can 
you see oscillatory motion ?
The motion of a body that is oscillating, i.e., 
swinging back and forth,  is called  
oscillatory motion.
The motion of an object which passes 
through a certain point again and 
again after a fixed period is called 
periodic motion.
The motion of an object along a 
circular path is called circular motion.
9.6 : Examples of non-linear motion
Observe and discuss. 
Use your brain power ! 
Which types of motion are seen when 
a girl rides a bicycle as shown here ?
Use your brain power !
68
Speed
A bus covers the distance of 
about two hundred kilometres 
from Solapur to Pune in five 
hours. How much distance does 
the bus cover in one hour ?
While solving this example, 
we take the ratio of the distance 
traversed and the time required to 
traverse that distance.
From this ratio, we come to 
know the distance traversed by 
the bus in one unit of time.
While chasing a butterfly in a garden, do you run along a 
definite path or in the same direction all the time ? Not really.
A butterfly constantly flits from one flower to another. 
There is no definite direction to its motion. Such motion is 
called random motion.
A moving object may  not have only 
one type of motion.
Speed =  
 Distance traversed 
     Time  required for traversing the distance
Unit of speed : kilometre/hour, metre/second
9.7 : Children playing in a garden
The motion 
that changes its 
direction and 
speed continually 
is called random 
motion.
?  Objects in motion are those that change their position continuously.
?  The various types of motion are linear, uniform linear, non-uniform linear, 
oscillatory, circular, periodic and random motion.
?  The distance traversed by an object in unit time is called its speed.
?  The time required to traverse a certain distance depends on the speed of the object. 
Can you tell ?    
Always remember...
The motion of the players in a game of football is also of this type. The motion of a 
crawling baby or a wandering animal is also random motion.
The distance traversed by an object in unit 
time is called the speed of that object.
What we have learnt-
Page 5


65
In our day-to-day life, we see many moving objects. Moving objects are said to 
be objects in motion. Discuss which objects in the above pictures are in motion. What 
differences are seen in their motion ?
9.2 : Backward motion of object
The continuous displacement of an object is called motion.
Types of  
motion
 
1. Linear motion
A train or a moving vehicle on a road may travel in a straight line or 
in the same direction. This motion of an object is called linear motion. An 
object in linear motion shows displacement along a straight line. 
If you stand on a chair and release a ball from your hand, it falls to 
the floor. What do you conclude from this ? 
9.3 : Linear motion
Motion
 
While waiting for a bus at a bus-stop, other 
vehicles appear to be in a state of motion. On the 
other hand, when you are in motion yourself, a 
still object appears to be moving. For example, 
the trees are seen to run backward while you 
are travelling in a train. If an object is seen by 
an observer to change its place continuously, 
the object is said to be in motion. Change 
of place of an object is called displacement. 
An object in motion continuously undergoes  
displacement. 
9. Motion and Types of Motion
Observe and discuss.
9.1 : Objects in motion
66
9.4 : Comparing linear motion
Compare the motion of soldiers on parade and a girl coming down a slide.
The motion of soldiers in a 
parade is the same. During that 
period, not even a slight difference 
is seen. However, the motion of 
the girl coming down the slide 
does not appear to be uniform. The 
girl comes down faster and faster. 
The speed of her motion goes on 
increasing continuously.
The motion of the marching 
soldiers is ‘uniform linear motion’, 
because in this motion no change 
is seen. On the other hand, the 
motion of the girl coming down 
the slide is ‘non-uniform linear 
motion’.
These are the two main types 
of linear motion.
2. Non-linear motion : The motion of an object that does not move in a straight 
line is called ‘non-linear motion’. Non-linear motion may be of the following types.
Uniform linear motion
When the distance traversed by an 
object along a straight line in unit time is 
continuously the same, the motion is called 
uniform linear motion.
Non-uniform linear motion
When the distance traversed by an 
object along a straight line in unit time 
keeps on changing, the motion is called 
non-uniform linear motion.
What kind of movement does a swing in a 
park show ?
The swing always comes back from 
one end to the other end. It takes about the 
same time for each swing or oscillation. 
This movement of a swing is called 
oscillatory motion. Similarly, the 
movement of the pendulum of a clock, the 
wings of a bird, the needle of a sewing 
machine, the vibrating diaphragm of a 
tabla or drum are also examples of 
oscillatory motion. 
9.5 : Oscillatory motion
Can you tell ?    
67
The hands of a clock move in a 
circular manner. Similarly, a fan, a giant 
wheel, and a merry-go-round complete 
each round along a circular route. In our 
day-to-day life we come across many 
examples of objects that trace a circular 
path.
Which other examples of circular 
motion can you give ?
We see from these examples of 
oscillatory motion and circular motion 
that some objects complete one round 
or one oscillation in a fixed period of 
time. For example, the minute hand of 
a clock completes one round in exactly 
60 minutes every time, while a merry-
go-round also completes every round in 
the same period of time. Such motion is 
called periodic motion.
In which musical instruments can 
you see oscillatory motion ?
The motion of a body that is oscillating, i.e., 
swinging back and forth,  is called  
oscillatory motion.
The motion of an object which passes 
through a certain point again and 
again after a fixed period is called 
periodic motion.
The motion of an object along a 
circular path is called circular motion.
9.6 : Examples of non-linear motion
Observe and discuss. 
Use your brain power ! 
Which types of motion are seen when 
a girl rides a bicycle as shown here ?
Use your brain power !
68
Speed
A bus covers the distance of 
about two hundred kilometres 
from Solapur to Pune in five 
hours. How much distance does 
the bus cover in one hour ?
While solving this example, 
we take the ratio of the distance 
traversed and the time required to 
traverse that distance.
From this ratio, we come to 
know the distance traversed by 
the bus in one unit of time.
While chasing a butterfly in a garden, do you run along a 
definite path or in the same direction all the time ? Not really.
A butterfly constantly flits from one flower to another. 
There is no definite direction to its motion. Such motion is 
called random motion.
A moving object may  not have only 
one type of motion.
Speed =  
 Distance traversed 
     Time  required for traversing the distance
Unit of speed : kilometre/hour, metre/second
9.7 : Children playing in a garden
The motion 
that changes its 
direction and 
speed continually 
is called random 
motion.
?  Objects in motion are those that change their position continuously.
?  The various types of motion are linear, uniform linear, non-uniform linear, 
oscillatory, circular, periodic and random motion.
?  The distance traversed by an object in unit time is called its speed.
?  The time required to traverse a certain distance depends on the speed of the object. 
Can you tell ?    
Always remember...
The motion of the players in a game of football is also of this type. The motion of a 
crawling baby or a wandering animal is also random motion.
The distance traversed by an object in unit 
time is called the speed of that object.
What we have learnt-
69
1.  Identify the types of motion.
 (a) Movement of the earth around the 
sun : …….... . 
 (b) Movement of a ceiling fan : ……....
 (c) A meteor  falling from the sky : 
…….... .
 (d) A rocket launched from the  
ground : ……....
 (e) A fish swimming in water : ……....
 (f) The plucked string of a sitar : …....
2. Fill in the blanks.
 (a) If a ball is released from the 
terrace of a building, it comes 
down in …........ motion. On the 
other hand, it reaches the ground in 
…........ motion if it is thrown with 
force away from the terrace in a 
direction parallel to the terrace.
 (b) The motion of an aeroplane on the 
runway before take-off is…....... .
 (c) The kite looking for its prey flies 
with .......... motion in the sky.
 (d) Children sitting in a rotating giant 
wheel have  …........ motion, while 
those sitting in a merry-go-round 
have a …........ motion.
  (Linear, non-linear, circular, 
uniform linear, non-uniform linear, 
uniform circular, non-uniform 
circular, random)
3.  How are we different ?
 (a) Oscillatory motion and linear 
motion.
 (b) Linear motion and random 
motion.
 (c) Random motion and oscillatory 
motion.
4. Explain in your own words, giving 
one example each.
 (a) Linear motion
 (b) Oscillatory motion
 (c) Circular motion
 (d) Random motion
 (e) Periodic motion
5 Answer the following questions in 
your own words.
 (a) Which types of motion are seen 
in birds flying in the sky ?
 (b) Write in detail about your 
experience of various types of 
motion while riding a bicycle on 
a road.
6. Complete the puzzle using words for 
types of motion :
 (1) a spring is stretched and one end is 
released
 (2) a minute hand
 (3) a see saw
 (4-5) children in a march past
 (6) a stone rolling down a hillside.
lll
Exercise
 Activity :
l Make a list of various moving objects 
in the environment, and discuss the 
types of motion seen in them.
1 2 
3 
4 
5
6