If an object covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time along a path, its motion is said to be in ____________ motion.

Introduction / Context:
Describing the type of motion of an object requires understanding how its position changes with time. One basic classification is between uniform and non uniform motion. This question tests whether you can recognise non uniform motion by reading a simple description focusing on distances covered in equal time intervals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The object moves along a path, possibly straight or curved.
• We look at equal intervals of time, such as every second or every minute.
• In those equal time intervals, the distances covered are unequal.
• The options include uniform, linear, non uniform and equilibrium as possible descriptions.

Concept / Approach:
Uniform motion is defined as motion in which an object covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, no matter how small those intervals are. In contrast, non uniform motion occurs when the object covers unequal distances in equal time intervals, meaning its speed is changing. The term linear motion describes motion along a straight line and does not by itself tell us whether speed is constant. Equilibrium refers to balanced forces, not directly to the pattern of distance versus time. Therefore, when an object covers unequal distances in equal times, its motion is non uniform.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of uniform motion: equal distances in equal intervals of time.Step 2: Compare this with the description in the question, which specifically says unequal distances in equal intervals of time.Step 3: Recognise that unequal distances in equal times imply the speed is changing.Step 4: A changing speed means the motion is not uniform; instead, it is non uniform motion.Step 5: Linear motion only specifies a straight line path, not constancy of speed, so it does not match the description given.Step 6: Equilibrium relates to forces balancing to produce zero acceleration, not directly to the pattern of distances described.Step 7: Conclude that the correct term is non uniform motion.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a car that travels 10 metres in the first second, 20 metres in the second second and 5 metres in the third second. In each one second interval, the distances are different, so the car is speeding up and slowing down. This is clearly non uniform motion. If it had been uniform motion, the car would cover, for example, 10 metres every second consistently. This practical example matches the verbal definition and confirms that unequal distances in equal times correspond to non uniform motion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Uniform motion would require equal distances in equal time intervals, which is the opposite of the description given. Linear motion could be uniform or non uniform, depending on whether the speed is constant; the question specifically mentions unequal distances, so linear alone is not adequate. Equilibrium concerns the net force on an object being zero, leading to constant velocity, and is not the direct term used to describe the pattern of distances in time.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may sometimes focus only on the word motion and choose uniform by habit, without carefully noting the unequal distances in the description. Others may think linear automatically implies uniform, which is not true. To avoid mistakes, always match the verbal description exactly with the definitions: equal distances in equal times for uniform motion, and unequal distances in equal times for non uniform motion.

Final Answer:
If an object covers unequal distances in equal time intervals, it is said to be in non uniform motion.