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Syllabus

Motion in a Plane — Syllabus

NIOS · Class 12 · Physics

What Motion in a Plane covers in NIOS Class 12 Physics: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the NIOS Class 12 Physics syllabus.

45 questions30 flashcards15 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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A diagram illustrating uniform circular motion, showing constant speed but continuously changing direction of velocity, leading to acceleration.
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4 Topics · NIOS Class 12 Physics · 2026-27

Topics in Motion in a Plane

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1. Projectile Motion – Fundamentals

  • Galileo first established that horizontal and vertical motions of a projectile are completely INDEPENDENT of each other.
  • A projectile is any object launched into the air that moves under the influence of gravity alone (ignoring air resistance).
  • Two essential properties: (i) Constant horizontal velocity (no acceleration horizontally), (ii) Constant downward acceleration equal to g = 9.8 m/s² vertically.
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2. Projectile Motion – Key Derived Quantities

  • Three most important quantities derived from projectile motion: Maximum Height (h), Time of Flight (T), and Range (R).
  • At maximum height, only the vertical component of velocity becomes zero. The projectile still has horizontal velocity.
  • Time of flight is exactly double the time taken to reach maximum height, because the motion is symmetric (going up and coming down take equal time when launch and landing heights are same).
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3. Circular Motion – Concepts and Centripetal Acceleration

  • Uniform circular motion means moving in a circle at CONSTANT SPEED.
  • Even though speed is constant, the VELOCITY is continuously changing because the direction changes continuously.
  • Since velocity changes, there IS acceleration in uniform circular motion – this acceleration is called centripetal acceleration.
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4. Motion in a Vertical Circle

  • In a HORIZONTAL circle, speed (and hence angular velocity) can remain constant.
  • In a VERTICAL circle, speed cannot remain constant due to gravity – it speeds up going down and slows down going up.
  • Therefore, angular velocity also changes in vertical circular motion – this makes it NON-uniform circular motion.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Motion in a Plane (2D Motion)

Projectile MotionCircular MotionVelocity ComponentsAcceleration in 2D MotionApplications of Circular MotionTrajectory of ProjectileNewton's Second Law in 2D

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Motion in a Plane for NIOS Class 12 Physics?
Key topics in Motion in a Plane include Projectile Motion – Fundamentals, Projectile Motion – Key Derived Quantities, Circular Motion – Concepts and Centripetal Acceleration, Motion in a Vertical Circle. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the NIOS Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Motion in a Plane for the NIOS Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 45 practice questions on Motion in a Plane. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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