The online uniform motion simulations on this page teach you in a practical way what this motion is like, which despite its simplicity is of great importance for understanding other more complex types of motion.
Uniform motion is a type of motion in which an object moves along a trajectory with a constant velocity. In other words, the velocity of the object does not vary with time throughout the motion. Uniform motion is a fundamental concept in physics and is used as a basis for understanding other, more complex types of motion.
In uniform motion, the velocity of the object remains unchanged at all times. This means that the acceleration is zero and therefore the object remains on a straight path at constant velocity. That is, the magnitude and direction of the velocity do not change.
The basic formulas for uniform motion are:
Mean velocity (vm). It is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled (d) by the elapsed time (t).
vm = d/t
Instantaneous velocity (vi). It is the velocity at a given instant. In uniform motion the instantaneous velocity is always the same and equal to the average velocity.
vi = vm
Distance traveled (d). It is calculated by multiplying the average velocity (vm) by the elapsed time (t).
d = vm * t
Elapsed time (t). Calculated by dividing the distance traveled (d) by the average speed (vm).
t = d/vm
These online uniform motion simulations are very useful to understand this simple but important type of motion.
Displacement and distance traveled
In this simulation, the path of the mouse is represented as it moves across the screen. When the mouse is lifted, the vector indicates its displacement. What does it mean when the displacement is zero but the distance traveled is not?
Uniform Motion
This animation visualizes the uniform motion of a bus.
Uniform motion in a rowing boat
Velocity sections of an automobile
Pre-University Physics
AP® Physics 1 – Part 1: Linear Motion
AP® Physics 1
AP® Physics 1 – Part 4: Exam Prep
Mechanics, Part 2
Mechanics, Part 1
Dynamics and Control
