CBSE Class 9 Physics Chapter 7 Motion — 20 MCQs with Answers

Motion is defined as a change in position of an object with respect to a reference point over time. NCERT emphasises that motion is relative — the same object can be at rest relative to one observer and in motion relative to another. These MCQs test your conceptual understanding of motion, rest, and the importance of choosing a reference frame. Expect questions that ask you to identify whether an object is in motion or at rest in different scenarios, or to pick the correct definition among distractors. Recall that motion is always described with respect to surroundings or a reference point; without specifying that, the statement is incomplete.

Distance is the total path length traveled by an object, irrespective of direction. It is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude only and no direction. Distance is always positive and never decreases; it accumulates as the object moves. These MCQs test whether you can differentiate distance from displacement (not the focus here, but a common distractor), recognise that distance depends on the actual path taken, and apply the concept in numerical problems. Remember: if you walk forward 3 m and then backward 2 m, the distance is 5 m, not 1 m. NCERT stresses that distance is measured by instruments like odometers in vehicles, which keep increasing regardless of turns or reversals.

Speed tells us how fast an object is moving. It is defined as the distance covered per unit time and is calculated using the formula Speed = Distance ÷ Time. Speed is also a scalar quantity. The SI unit of speed is meter per second (m/s), though kilometer per hour (km/h) is commonly used in daily life. These MCQs will ask you to apply the speed formula, convert units (a frequent trap), and interpret speed in different contexts. Pay attention to unit consistency: if distance is in kilometers and time in hours, speed will be in km/h; if you need m/s, you must convert. The conversion factor is 1 km/h = 5/18 m/s and 1 m/s = 18/5 km/h. Practice these conversions until they are second nature.

Uniform speed means the object covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, no matter how small the interval. Think of a car on cruise control. Non-uniform speed is far more common in real life — city traffic, walking, cycling — where speed keeps changing. NCERT makes it clear that when speed is non-uniform, we use average speed to describe the overall motion. These MCQs test your ability to identify uniform versus non-uniform motion from descriptions or distance-time data, and to recognise that most practical scenarios involve non-uniform speed. A straight-line distance-time graph with constant slope indicates uniform speed; a curved or varying-slope graph indicates non-uniform speed.

Average speed is defined as total distance divided by total time. It is NOT the arithmetic mean of two or more speeds. A common mistake is to add two speeds and divide by two — this gives the wrong answer unless distances or times are equal. NCERT stresses that average speed uses the entire journey: sum of all distances divided by sum of all time intervals, including rest periods. These MCQs will present multi-segment journeys, rest intervals, or mixed units to test whether you can correctly calculate average speed. Always write out total distance and total time separately before dividing. Watch for trap options that show the average of speeds instead of true average speed.

These final two MCQs combine concepts — you might need to convert units, apply the speed formula, distinguish uniform from non-uniform speed, and calculate average speed all in one question. They mirror the kind of integrated thinking CBSE exams demand. Read each question twice, underline key numbers and units, and write down the formula you will use before attempting the calculation. Common traps include mixing km and m, or hours and minutes, or assuming uniform speed when the question describes a changing scenario. Practice these multi-step MCQs under timed conditions to build exam confidence and accuracy.

CBSE Class 9 Science papers typically carry 2-3 marks for MCQs, and every mark counts toward your overall percentage. Here is a step-by-step strategy to maximize your MCQ score. First, read the question stem carefully — underline keywords like 'average speed', 'total distance', 'SI unit', or 'uniform speed'. Second, eliminate obviously wrong options. For example, if the question asks for SI unit of speed, eliminate km/h and miles/hour immediately, leaving m/s. Third, for numerical MCQs, do not try to solve in your head — write the formula, substitute values, and calculate on the margin. This prevents silly errors. Fourth, watch for unit traps: if the question gives distance in meters and time in hours, convert one before calculating speed. Fifth, for assertion-reason MCQs, evaluate the assertion first, then the reason, then check if the reason correctly explains the assertion. Sixth, manage time — do not spend more than 1 minute per MCQ; if stuck, mark your best guess and move on, returning later if time permits. Seventh, in HOTS questions that describe a real scenario (bus in traffic, athlete on track), identify whether speed is uniform or non-uniform before choosing your answer. Finally, always write units in your rough work even for MCQs; this habit prevents you from picking an answer in km/h when the question wants m/s. Practice 10-15 MCQs daily in the two weeks before the exam to build speed and accuracy. Use NCERT examples and end-of-chapter questions as your primary source — CBSE setters often adapt these directly into MCQ format.

MCQs form a significant part of the CBSE Class 9 Science board paper, and Motion (Chapter 7) is a high-weightage topic. Practicing MCQs sharpens your recall, helps you identify common traps (like confusing distance with displacement or averaging speeds incorrectly), and builds the speed needed to complete the paper on time. NCERT Class 9 Physics lays the foundation for Class 10 and beyond — concepts like speed and distance recur in equations of motion, graphs, and even Class 11 kinematics. By mastering MCQs now, you reinforce core definitions and formulae, making higher classes easier. Additionally, school unit tests and pre-boards increasingly include MCQ sections to mirror the board pattern. Regular MCQ practice ensures you do not lose easy marks due to careless mistakes or slow calculation. Aim to solve at least 10 MCQs daily from Chapter 7, review your errors, and note down tricky points in a separate notebook. Over two weeks, you will cover 140+ questions, giving you the confidence and muscle memory to ace the MCQ section in the actual exam. If you want on-demand doubt solving and unlimited practice, CBSETUTOR.ai offers a 24×7 AI tutor that lets you upload photos of any MCQ, get instant step-by-step solutions, and practice topic-wise quizzes — all at a flat ₹999 per month for Classes 6 to 12, with a 3-day free trial to start risk-free.