Hinglish

Describing Position

Class 6 Science · Chapter 5: Measurement of Length and Motion · NCERT Curiosity section 5.5

Learn

A visitor asks Ira, "Where is the library?" She says, "It is 50 m east of the school gate." To describe where something is, we need a reference point (the gate), a distance (50 m) and a direction (east).

Kabir sits in a moving bus. Is he moving? Compared to his seat, he is at rest. Compared to a tree outside, he is moving! Whether something is at rest or in motion depends on the reference point we choose.

An object is in motion if its position changes with time compared to a reference point. It is at rest if its position does not change.

motion = change of position with time

Explore: at rest or moving?

  1. Sort each one.

Remember

  • Position is described using a reference point, distance and direction.
  • Motion is a change in position with time; rest or motion depends on the reference point.

Quick check

To describe the position of a shop, which is most useful?

  1. A reference point, a distance and a direction
  2. Only its colour
  3. Only its name
  4. The time of day
Answer

A reference point, a distance and a direction. "200 m north of the bus stop" tells exactly where it is.

Think about it

You are sitting still at your desk. Is there any reference point from which you are moving?

One answer

Yes. The Earth is spinning and moving around the Sun, so compared to the Sun (or the Moon) you are moving very fast, even while sitting still.

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.