Non-uniform velocity refers to a situation in which an object's velocity is changing over time. It means that the object is not moving at a constant speed in a straight line but is instead experiencing a change in its velocity, which includes both its speed and direction.
Velocity is a vector quantity that combines the magnitude of speed (how fast an object is moving) and the direction of motion. When an object's velocity is non-uniform, it implies that either its speed, its direction, or both are changing.
There are two types of non-uniform velocity:
Changing speed: In this case, the object's direction of motion remains constant, but its speed is either increasing or decreasing. For example, a car that starts from rest and gradually accelerates to higher speeds is experiencing non-uniform velocity since its speed is changing over time.
Changing direction: Here, the object's speed remains constant, but its direction of motion is changing. This is commonly observed in circular motion, such as a satellite orbiting around a planet or a car taking a curved turn. The object is constantly changing its direction, even though its speed remains the same.
It's important to note that non-uniform velocity does not necessarily imply acceleration. Acceleration refers specifically to the rate of change of velocity, and it can occur both in the presence of non-uniform velocity and in situations where the speed is constant but the direction is changing.
In summary, non-uniform velocity describes the situation when an object's velocity, which includes its speed and direction, is changing over time. It can involve either changing speed, changing direction, or both.