For uniform motion, the distance-time graph is a straight line, while for non-uniform motion, it’s a curved line. Uniform motion implies constant speed, resulting in equal distances covered in equal time intervals, which is visually represented as a straight line. Non-uniform motion, characterized by varying speed, results in unequal distances covered in equal time intervals, creating a curved line on the distance-time graph.
Elaboration:
Uniform Motion:
When an object moves with a constant speed, meaning it travels the same distance in the same amount of time, the distance-time graph is a straight line. The slope of this line represents the speed.
Non-uniform Motion:
If the object’s speed changes (either increases or decreases), the distance-time graph will not be a straight line. It will be a curved line, indicating that the distance covered in equal time intervals is not the same. The curvature of the line will depend on the nature of the acceleration or deceleration.