(i) A body is said to be in uniform acceleration when its velocity changes by equal amounts in equal intervals of time, meaning the acceleration remains constant. This can also be described as the body moving in a straight line and its velocity increasing or decreasing at a constant rate.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Constant Acceleration:
The key characteristic of uniform acceleration is that the acceleration doesn’t change over time. This means the rate at which the velocity changes is consistent.
Straight Line Motion:
Uniform acceleration typically occurs when a body moves along a straight line, though it’s possible in more complex scenarios as well.
Equal Changes in Velocity:
If a body’s velocity changes by the same amount (e.g., increases or decreases) in every equal time interval, it indicates uniform acceleration.
Examples:
A freely falling object, a car accelerating at a constant rate, or a projectile moving with a constant gravitational force (neglecting air resistance) are examples of bodies experiencing uniform acceleration.
In essence, a body is in uniform acceleration when its velocity changes at a steady, consistent rate. (ii) A body is said to be in non-uniform acceleration when its velocity changes by unequal amounts in equal intervals of time. This means the acceleration is not constant; it’s changing over time. For example, a car accelerating through traffic, where the speed increases and decreases at varying rates, exhibits non-uniform acceleration.