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Introduction to Motion - Definition, Types, Examples, FAQs

Introduction to Motion - Definition, Types, Examples, FAQs

Vishal kumarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 04:30 PM IST

In our day-to-day life, we observe many objects at rest and many in motion. We mostly consider an object in motion if it's moving and an object at rest if it is stationary. However, the definition of motion is not restricted to this concept. An object appearing to be stationary to one person can be moving according to another. Motion is the change in the position of an object with the change in time and the condition of the observer. In this article, we will discuss what is motion, some terms related to motion, different types of motion with examples, applications of motion, laws of motion, and equations of motion.

This Story also Contains

  1. What is Motion?
  2. Terms Related to Motion
  3. Different Types of Motion With Examples
  4. Applications of Motion
  5. Laws of Motion
  6. Equations of Motion
Introduction to Motion - Definition, Types, Examples, FAQs
introduction of motion

What is Motion?

Motion definition: Motion is defined as the rate of change of position of an object with respect to time and a stationary observer. Everything in this universe exhibits motion. From the basic building block of matter which is an atom in which electrons move around the nucleus to the huge planets that revolve around the sun, all exhibit motion. The whole world is in a state of motion at every instance of time.

Motor example

Terms Related to Motion

As we have read above in the example of moving passenger and roadside trees, it is clear that motion also depends upon the condition of the observer whether he is stationary or moving.

The motion of an object is mainly described using the following terms:

  1. Distance – Distance is defined as how far an object has moved on the ground. It is the main parameter which is used to describe the motion of an object. Distance represents the change in position of an object.
  2. Displacement – Displacement is defined as the shortest distance traveled by an object. It also represents the change in the position of an object like distance.
  3. Time – It is also a main act to define the motion of an object. The change in position of an object is measured with respect to time only.

Different Types of Motion With Examples

There are 4 main types of motion depending on how an object changes its position with respect to time.

Linear Motion

When an object is moving in a straight line, it is said to exhibit linear motion. It is the simplest type of motion and can be described using only one dimension. Linear motion is also known as rectilinear motion. Some of the common examples of linear motion are as follows:

  • A bullet fired from a gun moves in a Straight towards its target.
  • A group of soldiers moving in a parade is said to be exhibiting linear motion.
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Oscillatory Motion

When an object is moving back and forth about its fixed mean position, then the object is said to exhibit oscillatory motion. Some of the common examples of oscillatory motion are as follows:

  • In a pendulum clock, the pendulum moves back and forth about its mean position.
  • In stringed musical instruments, the string moves back and forth about its mean position when it is touched.

Rotatory Motion

When an object rotates or moves in a circle on its fixed axis, then the object is said to exhibit rotatory or rotational motion. Some of the common examples of rotational motion are as follows:

  • The motion of the earth about its axis is a type of rotatory motion.
  • The movement of the steering wheel while driving a car is also a type of rotatory motion.

Circular Motion

When an object is moving in a circular path or we can say along the circumference of a circle, then the object is said to exhibit circular motion. Some of the common examples of circular motion are as follows:

  • All the planets revolving around the sun exhibit circular motion
  • Merry go round ride is also a type of circular motion.

Related Topics,

Applications of Motion

Everything in this universe exhibits motion and nothing is stationary, hence it is difficult to give all the examples of motion. But some common examples of motion are easily observable and understandable for all including:

  1. Walking, running, jumping, and playing all these activities is a type of motion
  2. Earth’s rotation and revolution are also rotatory motion examples
  3. Blood flow in our body which is necessary to keep us alive is also due to the motion of blood.
  4. Vehicles moving on the road, ceiling fans, clouds in the air, all these things are in motion.
  5. Even the air we breathe in is also moving from one place to another.

Hence, everything in this universe exhibits motion one or the other way depending upon the change in position with respect to observer and time.

Laws of Motion

The laws of motion are the fundamental principles which was formulated by Isaac Newton. The three laws are given below:

First Law of Motion: An object remains in a state of motion or at rest unless compelled by an external force.

$F_{\text {net }}=0$ if velocity is constant (either at rest or constant speed in a straight line).

Second Law of Motion: The force exerted on a body is directly proportional to the rate of change of momentum.

$F=\frac{d}{d t}(p)$

OR

The force acting on a body is equal to the product of the mass and acceleration of the body.

$F=m a$

Third Law of Motion: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

$F_{\text {action }}=-F_{\text {reaction }}$

Equations of Motion

The three equations of motion is given as follows:

The first equation of motion

$$v=u+a t$$

where,

  • $v=$ Final velocity
  • $u=$ Initial velocity
  • $a=$ Acceleration
  • $t=$ Time

The second equation of motion

$$s=u t+\frac{1}{2} a t^2$$

where,

  • $s=$ Displacement (distance traveled)
  • $u=$ Initial velocity
  • $a=$ Acceleration
  • $t=$ Time

The third equation of motion

$$v^2=u^2+2 a s$$

where,

  • $v=$ Final velocity
  • $u=$ Initial velocity
  • $a=$ Acceleration
  • $s=$ Displacement

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the motion of objects on a microscopic scale differ from macroscopic motion?
A:
Microscopic motion, such as the movement of atoms and molecules, is governed by quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. It often involves random motions (like Brownian motion) and is described probabilistically. Macroscopic motion, on the other hand, follows classical mechanics and is more predictable and deterministic. The transition between these scales and how microscopic motions give rise to mac
Q: What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions in terms of motion?
A:
In elastic collisions, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. The objects bounce off each other with no loss of kinetic energy. In inelastic collisions, momentum is conserved, but some kinetic energy is converted to other forms (like heat or deformation). In a perfectly inelastic collision, the objects stick together after collision. The type of collision affects how objects move after they interact.
Q: What is the relationship between force and motion?
A:
Force and motion are related through Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass (F = ma). Forces cause changes in the velocity of objects, either by changing their speed, direction, or both.
Q: How does the concept of momentum relate to motion?
A:
Momentum is a measure of the motion of an object, defined as the product of its mass and velocity (p = mv). It is a vector quantity that describes both the object's mass and its motion. The concept of momentum is important in understanding collisions and the conservation of momentum principle, which states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant.
Q: How does rotational motion differ from translational motion?
A:
Translational motion involves movement of an object from one location to another along a path, where all parts of the object move in the same direction and with the same speed. Rotational motion, on the other hand, involves movement of an object around a fixed axis, where different parts of the object move in circular paths at different speeds depending on their distance from the axis of rotation.
Q: What is the significance of vectors in describing motion?
A:
Vectors are crucial in describing motion because they provide both magnitude and direction information. Many aspects of motion, such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration, are vector quantities. Using vectors allows for a more complete and accurate description of motion, especially in two or three dimensions, and enables mathematical operations that account for both the size and direction of these quantities.
Q: How does the motion of a satellite differ from that of a planet?
A:
Satellites typically orbit planets in nearly circular or elliptical paths, while planets orbit the Sun in elliptical orbits. The motion of satellites is often more influenced by the gravitational field of a single planet, whereas a planet's motion is primarily determined by the Sun's gravity but also influenced by other planets. Satellites generally have shorter orbital periods and move at higher angular velocities compared to planets.
Q: What is the role of energy in motion?
A:
Energy plays a fundamental role in motion. Kinetic energy is associated with the motion of objects, while potential energy is associated with their position or configuration. The interconversion between these forms of energy governs many aspects of motion. The total energy of a system determines the types of motion possible, and the conservation of energy principle is crucial in analyzing and predicting motion.
Q: How does air resistance affect the motion of objects falling near Earth's surface?
A:
Air resistance opposes the motion of falling objects, causing them to accelerate more slowly than they would in a vacuum. As an object falls, air resistance increases with velocity until it balances the force of gravity, resulting in terminal velocity. Air resistance affects lighter objects more than heavier ones of the same size and shape, which is why a feather falls more slowly than a rock in air but at the same rate in a vacuum.
Q: How does the motion of waves differ from the motion of particles?
A:
Wave motion involves the transfer of energy through a medium without the transfer of matter. Particles in the medium oscillate around fixed positions, but the wave itself moves through the medium. In contrast, particle motion involves the actual movement of matter from one location to another. Waves can exhibit phenomena like interference and diffraction, which are not observed in particle motion.
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