# 15+ Uniformly Accelerated Motion Examples: Detailed Explanations

If the velocity of the displacing object changes in a given interval of time then the motion of the object is said to be an accelerated motion.

The velocity of the object varying at a constant rate is known as the uniformly accelerated motion. Let us discuss some of the uniformly accelerated motion examples as listed here below:-

## Slider

The velocity of the object sliding down from the slider increases gradually at a constant rate till it reaches the base of the slider.

The velocity of the object depends upon the steepness and coefficient of friction of the slope of a slider and the mass and configuration of the object too. The potential energy of the object gained at a height is converted into kinetic energy while sliding down.

## A Car Accelerating at a Constant Speed

The speed of the car upon starting the engine is less, as it gears up the speed of the angular acceleration of the tires increases, thus accelerating the car.

If the speed of the car is accelerated at a constant rate then we will have uniformly accelerated motion.

## Gravitron

A gravitron works on the principle of the centrifugal force that keeps the body attached to the wall of the gravitron and prevents people from falling underground.

Upon starting the gravitron, the centripetal acceleration of the gravitron increases at a fixed rate to a certain point where the centrifugal force is more compared to the centripetal force, and the body of the person remains attached to the wall due to the force imposed.

## Grinder

The speed of the rotors of the grinder increases gradually upon supplying power to the grinder machine. These rotors apply frictional force over the base of the grinder thus causing the container of the mixture to rotate. The speed of the grinder increases uniformly till it acquires the actual speed.

## Ball Sliding Down from a Steeper Slope

If you keep the ball on the steeper slope, you will notice that the initial speed of the ball is less as it has more potential energy stored within the ball. This potential energy is converted into kinetic energy while it slides downward thus increasing its speed constantly.

## Cricket Ball in the Air

Upon hitting the cricket ball by the batman high in the air, the ball moves in a projectile motion. The ball gains kinetic energy on hitting, which is converted into potential energy as it rises above the ground.

On reaching the maximum height in its projectile motion, it acquires the highest potential energy which is again converted back into the kinetic energy while making its journey back towards the ground due to the gravity.

## An Object Falling from the Height

When the object is raised at a height, the potential energy of that object is equal to U=mgh. Hence, the greater the height of the object from the ground the more will be its potential energy. If the potential energy of the object is more than the velocity of the object is minimized.

But the gravitational force pulling the object towards the ground will be responsible to accelerate the object downward. Thus increasing its speed as the potential energy of the object decreases increasing the kinetic energy.

Consider a slinky climbing down the stair. If you carefully observe, the slinky will raise its leg a little higher before accelerating down. The speed of the rings collapsing one above the other will be less on the higher point than compare to when it reaches the ground.

## Swing

A swing oscillates decreasing its angle of oscillation frequently. In one oscillation of a swing, if you notice, the speed of the swing is the minimum when it reaches the two points and while accelerating at a normal point, the speed of a swing increases uniformly.

## Skiing

The acceleration of the skier will increases uniformly down the slope while skiing on the steeper slope.

To keep the momentum and regulate the speed and direction, the skier holds the rod in his hand to apply the pressure on the ground.

## Spinning Top

The angular acceleration of the spinning top is the minimum when the axis of rotation is along its symmetric axis and the point of gravity lies around the tip of the top.

The speed of acceleration of the top increases uniformly as the angle of gyration increases simultaneously.

The folded carpet is in a form of concentric circles and hence the length of each fold decreases within the folded carpet as the circumference of the concentric circles’ decreases. Hence while spreading the carpet the acceleration decreases uniformly after every fold.

## Ceiling Fan

The capacitor of the fan stores some of the electric potential energy with it and hence this energy is released when you turn ON or turn OFF the power supply of the fan.

You will notice that the speed of the fan gradually increases or decreases uniformly on turning the power supply ON or OFF respectively.

## Riding a Cycle on a Steeper Slope

While riding the bicycle on a steeper slope, the acceleration of the bicycle increases at a constant rate. Hence brake has to be applied while driving on a steeper slope to control the speed of the vehicle.

## Waterfall

The volume of water taking a jump from the top point of a cliff to the ground, the speed of the water increases down the cliff.

This is due to the fact that the potential energy of the water is highest at the top of the cliff before taking a jump.

## What is the acceleration of an object moving with a speed of 60km/h which suddenly changes its speed to 80km/h in 2hr?

Given: $V_1=60km/h$

$V_2=80km/h$

t=2hr

We have

$a=\frac{\Delta V}{\Delta t}=\frac{80-60}{2}=\frac{20}{2}=10km/h^2$

The acceleration of the object is 10 km/h2.

## Is the clock an example of the uniformly accelerated motion?

The hands of a clock move in a clockwise direction covering a fixed distance in every interval of time.

The speed of the hands of a clock remains constant and hence the acceleration is zero therefore it is not an example of a uniformly accelerated motion.

AKSHITA MAPARI

Hi, I’m Akshita Mapari. I have done M.Sc. in Physics. I have worked on projects like Numerical modeling of winds and waves during cyclone, Physics of toys and mechanized thrill machines in amusement park based on Classical Mechanics. I have pursued a course on Arduino and have accomplished some mini projects on Arduino UNO. I always like to explore new zones in the field of science. I personally believe that learning is more enthusiastic when learnt with creativity. Apart from this, I like to read, travel, strumming on guitar, identifying rocks and strata, photography and playing chess. Connect me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/akshita-mapari-b38a68122