Menu Top
Latest Science NCERT Notes and Solutions (Class 6th to 10th)
6th 7th 8th 9th 10th
Latest Science NCERT Notes and Solutions (Class 11th)
Physics Chemistry Biology
Latest Science NCERT Notes and Solutions (Class 12th)
Physics Chemistry Biology

Class 7th Chapters
1. The Ever-Evolving World of Science 2. Exploring Substances: Acidic, Basic, and Neutral 3. Electricity: Circuits and their Components
4. The World of Metals and Non-metals 5. Changes Around Us: Physical and Chemical 6. Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
7. Heat Transfer in Nature 8. Measurement of Time and Motion 9. Life Processes in Animals
10. Life Processes in Plants 11. Light: Shadows and Reflections 12. Earth, Moon, and the Sun



Chapter 8 Measurement Of Time And Motion



1. Historical Perspective on Time Measurement

The concept of measuring time originated from the human need to organize daily life and understand the universe. Long before the existence of modern technology, humans identified rhythmic patterns in nature that repeated at regular intervals. This led to the creation of the first calendars and time-keeping devices.


Natural Timekeeping Cycles

Early civilizations observed three fundamental natural cycles to measure the passage of time:


Ancient Time-Measuring Devices

To measure shorter durations within a single day, humans engineered several clever devices. These devices relied on the steady flow of physical substances or the motion of shadows.

A. Sundials

B. Water Clocks (Ghatika-yantra)

C. Hourglasses and Candle Clocks


A depiction of the Samrat Yantra at Jantar Mantar and a floating bowl Ghatika-yantra

Time Units in the Indian Perspective

Ancient Indian scholars like Aryabhata and Varahamihira provided highly accurate methods for time measurement. The Ghati became the standard unit of time in India until the late 19th century.

Ancient Indian Unit Value in Modern Time
$1 \text{ Ghati (or Ghatika)}$ $24 \text{ minutes}$
$2.5 \text{ Ghatis}$ $60 \text{ minutes (1 hour)}$
$60 \text{ Ghatis}$ $1440 \text{ minutes (24 hours)}$

Derivation of Daily Ghatis

If we know that one full day has $24 \text{ hours}$ and $1 \text{ Ghati} = 24 \text{ minutes}$, we can calculate the total number of Ghatis in a day ($N$) as follows:

$\text{Total minutes in a day} = 24 \text{ hours} \times 60 \text{ minutes/hour}$

$\text{Total minutes} = 1440 \text{ minutes}$

$N = \frac{1440 \text{ minutes}}{24 \text{ minutes/Ghati}}$

$N = 60 \text{ Ghatis}$


Example 1. Prerna’s uncle uses a special Braille watch. Why might ancient shadow-based measurements be difficult for a visually challenged person, and what ancient alternative could they use?

Answer:

Ancient shadow-based measurements, like the sundial, rely entirely on visual observation of the shadow's position, making them inaccessible to visually challenged persons. In the ancient past, such individuals could have used:

  • Audio-announced Water Clocks: As practiced in ancient India, where the sinking of the Ghatika-yantra was announced by the loud striking of a Gong or a Drum.
  • Tactile Clocks: Such as marked candles or specific water vessels where the water level could be felt by hand.


2. The Simple Pendulum and Periodic Motion

The discovery of the simple pendulum revolutionized the way humanity measures time. It moved science from relying on unpredictable natural elements to stable, mechanical systems based on oscillatory motion.


Defining Oscillatory and Periodic Motion

To understand a pendulum, we must first understand the type of motion it exhibits:


Structure of a Simple Pendulum

A simple pendulum is an idealized model consisting of the following parts:


Key Terminology of Motion

The motion of a pendulum is described using specific scientific terms:

  1. Mean Position: The rest position of the bob (Point O) when no force is acting on it.
  2. Extreme Positions: The farthest points (Points A and B) reached by the bob on either side of the mean position.
  3. Oscillation: One complete cycle of motion. This can be measured as:
    • From Mean (O) $\rightarrow$ Extreme (A) $\rightarrow$ Extreme (B) and back to Mean (O).
    • From one Extreme (A) $\rightarrow$ other Extreme (B) and back to Extreme (A).
  4. Time Period ($T$): The exact time taken by the bob to complete one full oscillation.
A diagram showing a simple pendulum with labeled Bob, Mean Position O, and Extreme Positions A and B

Mathematical Calculation of Time Period

The time period is derived by observing multiple oscillations to ensure accuracy, as a single oscillation happens too fast to measure precisely with a standard watch.

The Formula

$\text{Time Period } (T) = \frac{\text{Total time taken for } n \text{ oscillations } (t)}{\text{Number of total oscillations } (n)}$

Example 1. In a school laboratory in India, a student records that a simple pendulum takes $42 \text{ seconds}$ to complete $20$ full oscillations. Calculate the Time Period of this pendulum.

Answer:

To find the time period, we use the derivation from the total oscillations recorded.

  • Total time ($t$): $42 \text{ s}$
  • Number of oscillations ($n$): $20$

Using the formula:

$T = \frac{t}{n}$

$T = \frac{42}{20}$

$T = 2.1 \text{ s}$

The time period of the pendulum is $2.1 \text{ seconds}$.


Fundamental Properties of a Pendulum

Investigations by Galileo and Christiaan Huygens revealed several consistent properties:


Observation Table: Variations in Length

Length of String ($cm$) Time for 10 Oscillations ($s$) Time Period $T$ ($s$)
100 20 2.0
50 14 1.4
25 10 1.0


3. Standard Units and Modern Measurement

In the past, different regions used varying methods to measure time, which created confusion in trade and science. To ensure global consistency, the International System of Units (SI) was established, providing a universal language for measurement.


SI Unit of Time

The standard unit of time is essential for synchronizing events across the world. The rules for time units are as follows:

Conversion Table for Time Units

Unit Equivalent in Seconds
1 Second $1 \text{ s}$
1 Minute $60 \text{ s}$
1 Hour $3,600 \text{ s}$
1 Day (Solar Day) $86,400 \text{ s}$
1 Ghati (Ancient India) $1,440 \text{ s}$ ($24 \text{ min}$)

Modern Timekeeping Technologies

As science progressed, the need for extreme precision led to the replacement of mechanical pendulums with electronic and atomic oscillators.


Correct Notation for Units (Scientific Protocol)

To avoid errors in technical communication, certain standard rules must be followed when writing units:

  1. Singular Form: Always write symbols in singular. For example, write $20 \text{ s}$ instead of $20 \text{ secs}$ and $5 \text{ h}$ instead of $5 \text{ hrs}$.
  2. Lowercase Letters: Unit symbols like s, min, and h must be written in lowercase (unless they start a sentence).
  3. Proper Spacing: Always leave a single space between the numerical value and the unit (e.g., $10 \text{ s}$ is correct, $10s$ is incorrect).
  4. No Full Stops: Never place a full stop after a symbol (e.g., $5 \text{ s.}$) unless it is the end of a sentence.

Example 1. Prerna is training for a $100 \text{ metre}$ sprint. Her coach records her time as $13.5$ seconds. How would you represent this duration correctly using the standard SI symbol, and how many milliseconds is this?

Answer:

Part A: Correct Notation

Following the standard notation rules, the time should be represented as $13.5 \text{ s}$.

Part B: Conversion to Milliseconds

  • We know that $1 \text{ second} = 1000 \text{ milliseconds (ms)}$.
  • $\text{Time in ms} = 13.5 \times 1000$
  • $\text{Time in ms} = 13,500 \text{ ms}$

Therefore, her sprint time is $13,500 \text{ milliseconds}$.


Example 2. A superfast express train from New Delhi to Jaipur takes $4 \text{ hours}$ and $30 \text{ minutes}$ to complete its journey. Calculate the total time of travel in seconds.

Answer:

To find the total time in seconds, we must convert both hours and minutes:

  1. Convert Hours to Seconds:
    $4 \text{ h} = 4 \times 3600 = 14,400 \text{ s}$
  2. Convert Minutes to Seconds:
    $30 \text{ min} = 30 \times 60 = 1,800 \text{ s}$
  3. Total Time:
    $\text{Total Time} = 14,400 + 1,800 = 16,200 \text{ s}$

The total travel time is $16,200 \text{ seconds}$.



4. Speed: Measuring the Rate of Motion

The concept of Speed is essential to determine whether an object is moving fast or slow. By comparing the distance moved by two or more objects in a fixed interval of time, we can identify which one has a higher rate of motion.


Definition and Formula of Speed

The distance covered by an object in a unit of time (such as one second, one minute, or one hour) is known as its speed. In most real-world scenarios, objects do not move at a constant rate; therefore, the speed we calculate is usually the Average Speed.

Mathematical Formula

The standard formula to calculate speed is derived as follows:

$\text{Speed } (v) = \frac{\text{Total Distance Covered } (d)}{\text{Total Time Taken } (t)}$


Units of Measurement

In science and daily life, speed is expressed using standardized units to ensure accuracy across different regions of India and the world.

Comparative Speed Table

Moving Object Typical Speed ($km/h$)
A person walking $4 - 6$
Bicycle (Normal pace) $12 - 15$
Indian Railways (Express Train) $80 - 110$
Cheetah (Fastest Animal) $110 - 120$
Commercial Airplane $800 - 900$

Example 8.1. Swati’s school is $3.6 \text{ km}$ from her house. It took her $15 \text{ min}$ to reach her school riding on her bicycle. Calculate the speed of the bicycle in $m/s$.

Answer:

To calculate the speed in SI units ($m/s$), we must first convert the given distance and time:

  1. Distance conversion: Since $1 \text{ km} = 1000 \text{ m}$,
    $d = 3.6 \text{ km} \times 1000 = 3600 \text{ m}$
  2. Time conversion: Since $1 \text{ min} = 60 \text{ s}$,
    $t = 15 \text{ min} \times 60 = 900 \text{ s}$
  3. Applying the Formula:
    $v = \frac{d}{t} = \frac{3600 \text{ m}}{900 \text{ s}}$
  4. Result: $v = 4 \text{ m/s}$

The speed of Swati's bicycle is $4 \text{ m/s}$.


Derived Relationships

By rearranging the primary speed formula, we can determine the Distance or Time if the other two values are known.

1. To find Total Distance

If we know the speed of a vehicle and how long it travelled, we use:

$\text{Total Distance Covered } (d) = \text{Speed } (v) \times \text{Total Time Taken } (t)$

2. To find Total Time

If we know the distance to be covered and the speed of the object, we use:

$\text{Total Time Taken } (t) = \frac{\text{Total Distance Covered } (d)}{\text{Speed } (v)}$


Example 8.2. Raghav is going to a neighbouring city in an Indian bus moving at a speed of $50 \text{ km/h}$. If it takes him $2 \text{ h}$ to reach that city, how far is that city? Also, if the bus ticket costs $\text{₹} \ 2 \text{/}$ per km, calculate the total fare.

Answer:

Step 1: Calculate the distance

  • Speed ($v$) = $50 \text{ km/h}$
  • Time ($t$) = $2 \text{ h}$
  • Distance ($d$) = $v \times t = 50 \times 2 = 100 \text{ km}$

Step 2: Calculate the total fare

  • Rate = $\text{₹} \ 2 \text{/}$ per km
  • Total Fare = $100 \text{ km} \times \text{₹} \ 2 = \text{₹} \ 200 \text{/}$

The city is $100 \text{ km}$ away and the total bus fare is $\text{₹} \ 200 \text{/}$.


Speedometer and Odometer

Modern Indian vehicles like scooters, cars, and buses are fitted with specific instruments to track motion:

A diagram showing a speedometer and odometer of a car


5. Uniform and Non-uniform Linear Motion

When an object moves along a straight path, its motion is defined as linear motion. However, the way an object covers distance over time can vary, leading to two distinct categories of motion.


Uniform Linear Motion

An object is said to be in Uniform Motion when it travels in a straight line at a constant speed. This means it covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, regardless of how small these time intervals may be.


Non-uniform Linear Motion

If the speed of an object moving along a straight line keeps changing, it is said to be in Non-uniform Linear Motion. In this case, the object covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time.


Comparative Data Analysis

The following table illustrates the difference in distance covered by two different trains over the same time intervals:

Time Interval (AM) Train X (Uniform) Train Y (Non-uniform)
10:00 - 10:10 $20 \text{ km}$ $20 \text{ km}$
10:10 - 10:20 $20 \text{ km}$ $15 \text{ km}$
10:20 - 10:30 $20 \text{ km}$ $15 \text{ km}$
10:30 - 10:40 $20 \text{ km}$ $25 \text{ km}$
Total Distance $80 \text{ km}$ $75 \text{ km}$

Measuring Instruments in Vehicles

To monitor and record motion, modern vehicles are equipped with two essential calibrated instruments:

  1. Speedometer: This instrument measures and displays the instantaneous speed of the vehicle. In India, it typically shows the speed in kilometres per hour (km/h).
  2. Odometer: This device measures the total distance covered by the vehicle since it started. The reading is usually provided in kilometres (km).
A dashboard showing a speedometer needle at 60 km/h and a digital odometer reading

Example 1. A car travels from Delhi to Agra ($200 \text{ km}$). The first $100 \text{ km}$ is covered in $2 \text{ hours}$ due to city traffic, and the next $100 \text{ km}$ is covered in $1 \text{ hour}$ on the expressway. Calculate the average speed and identify the type of motion.

Answer:

Step 1: Calculate Total Distance and Total Time

  • Total Distance ($d$) = $100 + 100 = 200 \text{ km}$
  • Total Time ($t$) = $2 + 1 = 3 \text{ hours}$

Step 2: Calculate Average Speed

$\text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}}$

$v = \frac{200}{3} \approx 66.67 \text{ km/h}$

Step 3: Identify Motion Type

Since the car covered the same distance ($100 \text{ km}$) in different time intervals ($2 \text{ h}$ and $1 \text{ h}$), its speed was not constant. Therefore, the motion is Non-uniform Linear Motion.


In summary, while uniform motion involves covering equal distances in equal time, non-uniform motion is characterized by fluctuating speeds, making the concept of Average Speed vital for practical calculations.



Let us enhance our learning



Question 1. Calculate the speed of a car that travels 150 metres in 10 seconds. Express your answer in km/h.

Answer:

Question 2. A runner completes 400 metres in 50 seconds. Another runner completes the same distance in 45 seconds. Who has a greater speed and by how much?

Answer:

Question 3. A train travels at a speed of $25 \text{ m/s}$ and covers a distance of $360 \text{ km}$. How much time does it take?

Answer:

Question 4. A train travels $180 \text{ km}$ in $3 \text{ h}$. Find its speed in:

(i) km/h

(ii) m/s

(iii) What distance will it travel in $4 \text{ h}$ if it maintains the same speed throughout the journey?

Answer:

Question 5. The fastest galloping horse can reach the speed of approximately $18 \text{ m/s}$. How does this compare to the speed of a train moving at $72 \text{ km/h}$?

Answer:

Question 6. Distinguish between uniform and non-uniform motion using the example of a car moving on a straight highway with no traffi c and a car moving in city traffi c.

Answer:

Question 7. Data for an object covering distances in diff erent intervals of time are given in the following table. If the object is in uniform motion, fi ll in the gaps in the table.

Time (s) 0 10 20 30 50       70
Distance (m) 0 8 24 32 40       56

Answer:

Question 8. A car covers $60 \text{ km}$ in the fi rst hour, $70 \text{ km}$ in the second hour, and $50 \text{ km}$ in the third hour. Is the motion uniform? Justify your answer. Find the average speed of the car.

Answer:

Question 9. Which type of motion is more common in daily life—uniform or non-uniform? Provide three examples from your experience to support your answer.

Answer:

Question 10. Data for the motion of an object are given in the following table. State whether the speed of the object is uniform or non-uniform. Find the average speed.

Time (s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Distance (m) 0 6 10 16 21 29 35 42 45 55 60

Answer:

Question 11. A vehicle moves along a straight line and covers a distance of $2 \text{ km}$. In the fi rst $500 \text{ m}$, it moves with a speed of $10 \text{ m/s}$ and in the next $500 \text{ m}$, it moves with a speed of $5 \text{ m/s}$. With what speed should it move the remaining distance so that the journey is complete in $200 \text{ s}$? What is the average speed of the vehicle for the entire journey?

Answer: