CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 10: Motion and Measurement of Distances NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental concepts of motion and measurement of distances, crucial for understanding the physical world around us. It introduces students to various modes of transport across land, water, and air, highlighting how different distances are covered. The solutions explain the importance of standard units of measurement, contrasting them with non-standard units like paces or footsteps, which can lead to inconsistencies. Key concepts like metres, centimetres, kilometres, and millimetres are discussed, along with conversions between them. The chapter also explores different types of motion, including periodic and circular motion, using relatable examples like swings, sewing machine needles, and bicycle wheels. These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations and answers to all exercises, aiding students in grasping these concepts effectively and preparing for their exams.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 10: Motion and Measurement of Distances

Chapter summary

Chapter 10 of Class 6 Science, 'Motion and Measurement of Distances,' focuses on understanding how we measure distances and the different types of motion objects exhibit. The NCERT Solutions cover the necessity of standard units of length, conversions between units (m, cm, km, mm), and examples of transport. It also explains periodic and circular motion with practical illustrations. The solutions aim to clarify these concepts for students through solved exercises.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify different modes of transport on land, water, and air.
  • Understand the need for standard units of length.
  • Convert between different units of length (mm, cm, m, km).
  • Differentiate between periodic and circular motion.
  • Explain why non-standard units are unreliable for measurement.
  • Calculate length using scale readings.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Modes of Transport
  • Land Transport
  • Water Transport
  • Air Transport
  • Measurement of Length
  • Units of Length
  • Metre
  • Centimetre
  • Kilometre
  • Millimetre
  • Types of Motion
  • Periodic Motion
  • Circular Motion

Important topics

  • Standard Units of Length
  • Conversions between Units (m, cm, km, mm)
  • Periodic Motion
  • Circular Motion
  • Modes of Transport

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Give two examples each, of modes of transport used on land, water and air.
Solution: Understanding different modes of transport helps us appreciate how distances are covered. Here are examples for each category:

Land Transport: These are vehicles that travel on roads or tracks. Bus Train Car Motorcycle

Water Transport: These are vessels that travel on rivers, lakes, or oceans.

Boat

Ship

Steamer

Ferry

Air Transport: These are vehicles that travel through the sky.

Aeroplane

Helicopter

Hot Air Balloon

Question 2

Fill in the blanks:

(i) One metre is _____ cm.

(ii) Five kilometre is _____ m.

(iii) Motion of a child on a swing is ______.

(iv) Motion of the needle of a sewing machine is _____.

(v) Motion of wheel of a bicycle is_____.

Solution: Let's fill in the blanks with the correct terms and values related to measurement and motion:

(i) One metre is 100 cm. This is a fundamental conversion factor in the metric system.

(ii) Five kilometre is 5000 m. Since 1 kilometre equals 1000 metres, 5 kilometres is 5 times 1000 metres.

(iii) Motion of a child on a swing is periodic motion. The child moves back and forth over a regular interval of time, repeating its motion.

(iv) Motion of the needle of a sewing machine is periodic motion. The needle moves up and down in a repeating pattern as the machine operates.

(v) Motion of wheel of a bicycle is circular motion. As the bicycle moves, the wheels rotate around their central axis, tracing a circular path.

Question 3

Why can a pace or a footstep not be used as a standard unit of length?
Solution: A pace or a footstep cannot be used as a standard unit of length because these measurements are not consistent. The length of a person's pace or footstep varies significantly from one individual to another. For example, an adult's footstep is longer than a child's. Even for the same person, the length of a pace can vary slightly depending on how they walk. This inconsistency makes it impossible to get a reliable and uniform measurement, which is essential for a standard unit. Standard units, like the metre, are defined precisely and are the same for everyone, everywhere, ensuring accuracy and comparability in measurements.

Question 4

Arrange the following lengths in their increasing magnitude: 1 metre, 1 centimetre, 1 kilometre, 1 millimetre.
Solution: To arrange these lengths in increasing order, we need to understand their relative sizes. The standard metric units of length are related as follows:
  • 1 kilometre (km) = 1000 metres (m)
  • 1 metre (m) = 100 centimetres (cm)
  • 1 centimetre (cm) = 10 millimetres (mm)
From these relationships, we can see that a millimetre is the smallest unit, followed by a centimetre, then a metre, and finally a kilometre is the largest unit among the given options. Therefore, arranging them in increasing magnitude gives:

1 millimetre, 1 centimetre, 1 metre, 1 kilometre.

Question 5

The height of a person is 1.65 m. Express it into cm and mm.
Solution: We need to convert the given height from metres to centimetres and millimetres. We use the standard conversion factors:

We know that 1 metre = 100 \text{ cm}

And 1 metre = 1000 \text{ mm}

To convert 1.65 m to centimetres, we multiply by 100:

1.65 \text{ m} = 1.65 \times 100 \text{ cm} = 165 \text{ cm}

To convert 1.65 m to millimetres, we multiply by 1000:

1.65 \text{ m} = 1.65 \times 1000 \text{ mm} = 1650 \text{ mm}

So, the height of the person is 165 cm and 1650 mm.

Question 6

The distance between Radha's home and her school is 3250 m. Express this distance into km.
Solution: We are given a distance in metres and need to convert it into kilometres. The relationship between metres and kilometres is:

1 \text{ m} = \frac{1}{1000} \text{km}

To convert 3250 metres to kilometres, we divide the value in metres by 1000:

Distance in km = \frac{3250}{1000} \text{ km}

Distance in km = 3.25 \text{ km}

Therefore, the distance between Radha's home and her school is 3.25 km.

Question 7

While measuring the length of a knitting needle, the reading of the scale at one end is 3.0 cm and at the other end is 33.1 cm. What is the length of the needle?
Solution: When measuring the length of an object using a scale, we often measure the difference between the final reading and the initial reading. In this case, the initial reading is 3.0 cm and the final reading is 33.1 cm. The length of the needle is calculated by subtracting the initial reading from the final reading:

Length of the needle = Final reading - Initial reading

Length of the needle = 33.1 \text{ cm} - 3.0 \text{ cm}

Length of the needle = 30.1 \text{ cm}

So, the length of the knitting needle is 30.1 cm.

Question 8

Write the similarities and differences between the motion of a bicycle and a ceiling fan that has been switched on.
Solution: Let's analyze the motion of a bicycle and a ceiling fan.

Similarity:

Both a bicycle (when moving) and a ceiling fan (when switched on) exhibit circular motion. The wheels of the bicycle rotate around their axles, and the blades of the ceiling fan rotate around the central motor, both following a circular path.

Difference:

A bicycle, when ridden on a straight road, exhibits rectilinear motion as its overall position changes in a straight line. However, a ceiling fan, while its blades move circularly, does not exhibit rectilinear motion; its position as a whole unit remains fixed, only its parts rotate.

Question 9

Why could you not use an elastic measuring tape to measure distance? What would be some of the problems you would meet in telling someone about a distance you measured with an elastic tape?
Solution: An elastic measuring tape cannot be reliably used to measure distance because it is not a rigid measuring instrument. Elastic materials stretch when pulled.

Problems with using an elastic measuring tape:

  1. Inconsistent Measurement: When you measure a distance, the amount of stretch in the elastic tape can vary depending on how tightly you pull it. If you pull it tighter, it will stretch more, giving a longer measurement than the actual distance. If you pull it loosely, it will stretch less, giving a shorter measurement. This inconsistency means you cannot get an accurate or repeatable measurement.
  2. Difficulty in Communication: If you measured a distance using an elastic tape and told someone else the measurement, they would face problems. They would need to know exactly how much the tape was stretched during your measurement to get a comparable result. Without this information, their own measurement using a non-elastic tape would likely differ significantly, leading to confusion and errors. Standard, non-elastic measuring tapes are preferred because they maintain their length regardless of tension, ensuring accurate and universally understood measurements.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing different units of length during conversion.
  • Incorrectly identifying types of motion (e.g., mistaking circular for rectilinear).
  • Using non-standard units for precise measurements.
  • Errors in calculating length from scale readings.

Revision tips

  • Memorize the conversion factors between millimetre, centimetre, metre, and kilometre.
  • Draw diagrams to visualize different types of motion (periodic, circular, rectilinear).
  • Practice solving problems involving measurement and unit conversion.
  • Relate the concepts of motion and measurement to everyday examples.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is a mode of air transport?

Q2. How many centimetres are there in one metre?

Q3. The motion of a child on a swing is an example of:

Q4. Which unit is the smallest among the following: metre, centimetre, millimetre, kilometre?

Q5. Why is a footstep not a standard unit of length?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 10, 'Motion and Measurement of Distances' for Class 6 Science?

This chapter focuses on understanding different ways objects move (types of motion) and how we measure distances using standard units, including conversions between units like metres, centimetres, and kilometres.

Why are standard units of length important?

Standard units like metres and centimetres are important because they provide a consistent and universally accepted way to measure length, avoiding the confusion that arises from using non-standard units like paces or footsteps which vary from person to person.

What are the different types of motion discussed in this chapter?

The chapter discusses rectilinear motion (straight line), circular motion (around a fixed point), and periodic motion (repeating at regular intervals).

How do you convert metres to centimetres and kilometres?

To convert metres to centimetres, multiply by 100 (since 1 m = 100 cm). To convert metres to kilometres, divide by 1000 (since 1 km = 1000 m).

How can these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question, helping students understand the concepts of motion and measurement, practice problem-solving, and prepare effectively for their exams.

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