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

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental concepts of motion and the measurement of distances, crucial for understanding the physical world around us. Students will explore various units used for measuring distance, from small centimeters to large kilometers, and understand why different units are appropriate for different scales. The solutions explain the distinction between a point in time and a time interval, clarifying common confusions. It also introduces different types of motion, such as rectilinear and periodic motion, with practical examples. These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations and answers to the exercises, aiding students in grasping these essential physics concepts and preparing effectively for their exams.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience Exemplar
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 10

Chapter summary

Chapter 10 of the CBSE Class 6 Science curriculum focuses on Motion and Measurement of Distances. The NCERT Solutions cover key topics including the standard units of distance like meters and kilometers, and their appropriate usage. It clarifies the concept of time intervals versus specific points in time. The chapter also introduces and explains rectilinear motion (motion in a straight line) and periodic motion (motion that repeats after regular intervals), using examples from everyday life. The provided solutions aim to simplify these concepts for young learners.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the standard units of distance and their applications.
  • Differentiate between a point in time and a time interval.
  • Identify and explain rectilinear motion.
  • Identify and explain periodic motion.
  • Solve problems related to measuring distances and time.
  • Compare different types of motion.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Units of Distance
  • Measurement of Distance
  • Kilometer
  • Meter
  • Centimeter
  • Time Interval
  • Point in Time
  • Rectilinear Motion
  • Periodic Motion
  • Measurement Scales
  • Motion
  • Distances

Important topics

  • Units of Distance (km, m, cm)
  • Distinguishing Time Interval from Point in Time
  • Understanding Rectilinear Motion
  • Understanding Periodic Motion
  • Using Measuring Scales

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

The distance between Delhi and Mumbai is usually expressed in units of
  1. decametre
  2. metre
  3. centimetre
  4. kilometre
Solution: (d): kilometre

The distance between Delhi and Mumbai is a very large distance, spanning hundreds of kilometers. Therefore, the most appropriate and commonly used unit for expressing such large distances is the kilometer (km).

Question 2

Which of the following does not express a time interval?
  1. A day
  2. A second
  3. A school period
  4. Time of the first bell in the school
Solution: (d): Time of the first bell in the school

A time interval represents a duration of time, meaning a period between two points in time. Options (a), (b), and (c) all represent durations: a day is 24 hours, a second is a very short duration, and a school period has a specific length. However, 'Time of the first bell in the school' refers to a specific moment or instant when the bell rings, not a duration. Therefore, it does not express a time interval.

Question 3

Figure shows a measuring scale which is usually supplied with a geometry box. Which of the following distance cannot be measured with this scale by using it only once?

Figure 10.1 shows a measuring scale.

  1. 0.1m
  2. 0.15 m
  3. 0.2 m
  4. 0.05 \text{ m}
Solution: (c): 0.2 \text{ m}

The measuring scale shown in Figure 10.1 is typically 15 cm long, which is equal to 0.15 meters. When using a measuring scale only once, the maximum distance that can be measured is the length of the scale itself. Therefore, distances like 0.1 m (10 cm), 0.15 m (15 cm), and 0.05 m (5 cm) can be measured. However, a distance of 0.2 m (20 cm) is greater than the length of the scale (15 cm), so it cannot be measured by using the scale just once. It would require repositioning the scale.

Question 4

A piece of ribbon folded five times is placed along a 30 cm long measuring scale as shown in figure. The length of the ribbon is between

Figure 10.2 shows a folded ribbon along a scale.

  1. 1.15 \text{ m} - 1.25 \text{ m}
  2. 1.25 \text{ m} - 1.35 \text{ m}
  3. 1.50 \text{ m} - 1.60 \text{ m}
  4. 1.60 \text{ m} - 1.70 \text{ m}
Solution: (b): 1.25 \text{ m} - 1.35 \text{ m}

The figure shows that the folded ribbon starts at the 2 cm mark and ends at the 27.5 cm mark on the 30 cm scale. The length occupied by the folded ribbon on the scale is the difference between the end and start points: 27.5 cm - 2 cm = 25.5 cm. Since the ribbon was folded five times, its actual unfolded length is approximately 5 times the length it occupies when folded. So, the approximate unfolded length is 25.5 cm \times 5 = 127.5 cm. To express this in meters, we divide by 100: 127.5 cm / 100 = 1.275 m. This value falls between 1.25 m and 1.35 m.

Question 5

Paheli moves on a straight road from point A to point C. She takes 20 minutes to cover a certain distance AB and 30 minutes to cover the rest of the distance BC. She then turns back and takes 30 minutes to cover the distance CB and 20 minutes to cover the rest of the distance to her starting point. She makes 5 rounds on the road the same way. Paheli concludes that her motion is
  1. only rectilinear motion
  2. only periodic motion
  3. rectilinear and periodic both
  4. neither rectilinear nor periodic
Solution: (c): rectilinear and periodic both

Paheli's motion involves moving along a straight road from A to C and then back to A. This movement along a straight line is known as rectilinear motion. The total time taken for one round trip from A to C and back to A is (20 min + 30 min) + (30 min + 20 min) = 50 min + 50 min = 100 minutes. Since she repeats this journey of 100 minutes five times, her motion is also periodic because she completes a full cycle of motion (A to C and back to A) in a fixed time interval of 100 minutes. Therefore, her motion is both rectilinear and periodic.

Question 6

Bholu and Golu are playing in a ground. They start running from the same point A in the ground and reach point B at the same time by following the paths marked 1 and 2 respectively as shown in figure. Which of the following is/are true for the
Solution:

The question is incomplete as it does not specify what needs to be compared or determined about Bholu and Golu's motion. However, based on the description, we can infer that both Bholu and Golu start at point A and reach point B at the same time. This implies that although they might have followed different paths (path 1 and path 2), the time taken for both of them to travel from A to B is the same. If path 1 and path 2 are of different lengths, it would mean they traveled at different speeds. Without the options or the complete question, a definitive answer cannot be provided. Assuming the question asks about their speeds or the distance covered, we would need more information or specific options to choose from.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing units of distance (e.g., using meters for inter-city distances).
  • Mistaking a specific moment in time for a duration or time interval.
  • Difficulty in distinguishing between rectilinear and other types of motion.
  • Errors in calculating total distance or time based on given segments.

Revision tips

  • Review the different units of distance and when to use each.
  • Practice identifying examples of rectilinear and periodic motion in daily life.
  • Pay close attention to the difference between a point in time and a time interval.
  • Work through all the example problems to solidify your understanding of measurement concepts.

Practice MCQs

Q1. The distance between two cities like Delhi and Mumbai is typically measured in which unit?

Q2. Which of the following options best describes a 'time interval'?

Q3. A measuring scale from a geometry box is 15 cm long. Which distance cannot be measured using this scale only once?

Q4. Paheli moves from A to C and then back to A, taking the same time for each leg of the journey. Her motion is described as:

Frequently asked questions

What are the main topics covered in CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 10?

Chapter 10 covers Motion and Measurement of Distances, including different units of distance (like kilometer, meter, centimeter), the concept of time intervals, and types of motion such as rectilinear and periodic motion.

Why is kilometer used for measuring the distance between cities?

Kilometer is used because it is a large unit of distance, making it convenient to express the vast distances between cities without using very large numbers.

What is the difference between a time interval and a point in time?

A time interval is a duration or length of time (e.g., a school period), while a point in time is a specific moment (e.g., the time the first bell rings).

Can you give an example of rectilinear motion?

Rectilinear motion is motion along a straight line. An example is a car moving on a straight road or a train on a straight track.

What is periodic motion?

Periodic motion is motion that repeats itself after a fixed interval of time. Examples include the swinging of a pendulum or the Earth revolving around the Sun.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 6 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for all questions in Chapter 10, helping students understand concepts like distance measurement and types of motion, and aiding in exam preparation.

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