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NCERT Solutions Class 6 Science Chapter 10 Motion and Measurement of Distances

NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 10, Motion and Measurement of Distances, provide accurate answers with simple explanations. These solutions help students understand key concepts, complete homework, revise effectively, and prepare confidently for school exams and classroom learning.
authorImageNivedita Dar30 Sept, 2026
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 10 Motion and Measurement of Distances

NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 10 Motion and Measurement of Distances provide simple answers to the textbook questions on measurement of length and motion. The chapter explains standard units, correct measurement of length, curved-line measurement, modes of transport, and different types of motion. These solutions help students understand the questions step by step and revise the chapter effectively.

Motion and Measurement of Distances Class 6 Questions and Answers

Question 1: Give two examples each of modes of transport used on land, water, and air.

Answer:

  • Land: Bus, Train

  • Water: Boat, Ship

  • Air: Aeroplane, Helicopter

Question 2: Fill in the blanks.

(i) One metre is ______ cm.

Answer: 100 cm

(ii) Five kilometre is ______ m.

Answer: 5000 m

(iii) Motion of a child on a swing is ______.

Answer: Periodic motion

(iv) Motion of the needle of a sewing machine is ______.

Answer: Periodic motion

(v) Motion of the wheel of a bicycle is ______.

Answer: Circular motion

Read More - NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths Chapter 6 Perimeter and Area

Question 3: Why can a pace or a footstep not be used as a standard unit of length?

Answer: A pace or footstep cannot be used as a standard unit because its length varies from person to person. Therefore, it would give different measurements for the same distance.

Question 4: Arrange the following lengths in increasing order of magnitude: 1 metre, 1 centimetre, 1 kilometre, 1 millimetre.

Answer:

1 millimetre < 1 centimetre < 1 metre < 1 kilometre

Question 5: The height of a person is 1.65 m. Express it in cm and mm.

Answer:

Since 1 m = 100 cm,

1.65 m = 1.65 × 100 = 165 cm

Since 1 cm = 10 mm,

165 cm = 165 × 10 = 1650 mm

Therefore, 1.65 m = 165 cm = 1650 mm.

Question 6: The distance between Radha's home and her school is 3250 m. Express this distance in km.

Answer:

Since 1 km = 1000 m,

3250 m = 3250 ÷ 1000

= 3.25 km

Therefore, the distance is 3.25 km.

Read More - NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths Chapter 6 Perimeter and Area

Question 7: While measuring the length of a knitting needle, the reading of the scale at one end is 3.0 cm and at the other end is 33.1 cm. What is the length of the needle?

Answer:

Length of the needle = Final reading − Initial reading

= 33.1 cm − 3.0 cm

= 30.1 cm

Therefore, the length of the knitting needle is 30.1 cm.

Question 8: Write the similarities and differences between the motion of a bicycle and a ceiling fan that has been switched on.

Answer:

Similarity: The wheels of a moving bicycle and the blades of a ceiling fan show circular motion.

Difference: A bicycle can move from one place to another, showing rectilinear motion as it moves along a straight path. A ceiling fan rotates around a fixed point and does not move from one place to another.

Question 9: Why would you not like to use a measuring tape made of an elastic material like rubber to measure distance?

Answer: An elastic tape can stretch or contract, changing its length while measuring. This can give inaccurate measurements and make it difficult to communicate the exact distance measured.

Question 10: Give two examples of periodic motion.

Answer:

  1. Motion of a pendulum.

  2. Motion of the needle of a sewing machine.

Periodic motion repeats itself at regular intervals.

Measurement of Length and Motion Class 6

Measurement and motion are the two major ideas covered in this chapter. Students learn why standard units are needed and how the movement of objects can be described.

Standard Units of Length

In the past, people used body parts such as handspan, cubit and foot to measure length. These measurements could differ from one person to another.

Students can explore more Class 6 science concepts, measurement topics, and age-appropriate learning resources on Curious Jr.

A standard unit gives the same measurement when used correctly.

Important conversions include:

  • 1 metre = 100 centimetres

  • 1 centimetre = 10 millimetres

  • 1 kilometre = 1000 metres

The standard unit of length is the metre (m).

Correct Measurement of Length

For accurate measurement with a ruler or scale:

  1. Place the scale along the length of the object.

  2. Start from the zero mark whenever possible.

  3. Keep the scale properly aligned with the object.

  4. Read the scale with your eye directly above the measurement point.

If the zero mark is damaged, start from another clear mark and subtract the initial reading from the final reading.

How to Measure a Curved Line

A curved line cannot be measured accurately by placing a straight ruler directly along it.

A non-stretchable thread can be placed along the curved line. Mark the two ends of the curve on the thread and then straighten the thread and measure it with a ruler.

Types of Motion Class 6

An object is considered to be in motion when its position changes with time relative to its surroundings.

Rectilinear Motion

When an object moves along a straight path, its motion is called rectilinear motion.

Examples:

  • A car moving along a straight road

  • Soldiers marching in a straight line

Circular Motion

When an object moves around a fixed centre or along a circular path, it shows circular motion.

Examples:

  • Blades of a ceiling fan

  • Wheels of a moving bicycle

  • Hands of a clock

Periodic Motion

Motion that repeats itself after a fixed interval of time is called periodic motion.

Examples:

  • A swinging pendulum

  • A child on a swing

  • Needle of a sewing machine

Motion and Measurement of Distances Class 6 Notes

For quick revision, remember these points:

  • The standard unit of length is the metre.

  • 1 m = 100 cm.

  • 1 cm = 10 mm.

  • 1 km = 1000 m.

  • Body parts are not reliable standard units because their sizes differ.

  • A curved line can be measured using a thread.

  • Rectilinear motion occurs along a straight path.

  • Circular motion occurs around a fixed centre or along a circular path.

  • Periodic motion repeats after a fixed interval.

  • A bicycle can show more than one type of motion.

Motion and Measurement of Distances Class 6 Short Question Answers

Why are standard units needed for measurement?

Standard units provide a common way to measure length so that the same object or distance gives comparable measurements.

What is the SI unit of length?

The SI unit of length is the metre (m).

Why should an elastic tape not be used for measuring length?

An elastic tape can stretch or contract, which can change the measurement and lead to inaccurate results.

How can the length of a curved line be measured?

Place a non-stretchable thread along the curve, mark its ends, straighten the thread, and measure it with a ruler.

What type of motion does a bicycle wheel show?

A bicycle wheel shows circular motion as it rotates around its axle.

Motion and Measurement of Distances Class 6 Worksheet

A. Fill in the blanks

  1. The standard unit of length is the ______.

  2. One metre is equal to ______ centimetres.

  3. One kilometre is equal to ______ metres.

  4. The motion of a pendulum is ______ motion.

  5. The blades of a ceiling fan show ______ motion.

B. Answer the following

  1. Why are handspan and footstep not standard units?

  2. How can you measure a curved line?

  3. What is rectilinear motion?

  4. Give two examples of circular motion.

  5. Why should a ruler be placed properly while measuring an object?

Worksheet Answers

  1. metre

  2. 100

  3. 1000

  4. periodic

  5. circular

Answers to B:

  1. Handspan and footstep differ from person to person, so they do not give uniform measurements.

  2. A non-stretchable thread can be used to trace and measure the curved line.

  3. Rectilinear motion is motion along a straight path.

  4. The motion of a ceiling fan blade and a bicycle wheel are examples of circular motion.

  5. Proper placement helps obtain an accurate measurement.

Quick Revision of Motion and Measurement of Distances Class 6

Concept

Key Point

Standard unit of length

Metre

1 metre

100 cm

1 kilometre

1000 m

1 centimetre

10 mm

Straight-line movement

Rectilinear motion

Circular movement

Circular motion

Repeated movement

Periodic motion

Curved-line measurement

Use a non-stretchable thread

Non-standard units

Handspan, cubit, footstep

Accurate measurement

Proper scale placement and eye position

NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 10 FAQs

What is the measurement of length and motion class 6 chapter about?

The chapter explains standard units of length, correct measurement, measuring curved lines, modes of transport, and different types of motion.

What is the SI unit of length in Class 6 Science?

The SI unit of length is the metre (m).

What are the three types of motion in Class 6?

The chapter explains rectilinear, circular, and periodic motion.

How do you measure the length of a curved line?

Use a non-stretchable thread along the curve, mark its ends, straighten the thread, and measure it using a ruler.

Where can I find Motion and Measurement of Distances Class 6 questions and answers?

The textbook exercise questions and their answers are provided above for revision and homework reference.
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