Motion is defined as the change in the position of an object with respect to time i.e. when an object changes its position according to time it is said to be in the state of motion. Everything in the universe is in a state of continuous motion, for example, the moon revolves around the planets, the planets revolve around the sun, the sun revolves around the center of the galaxies, and the galaxies are themselves expanding. Motion is in the syllabus of Class 9 and Class 11. Let’s learn about the motion in physics in detail in this article.
What is Motion?
The change in the position of anybody with respect to time can be termed motion. Any object under motion can be visualized by the naked eye by determining the change in the positional coordinates and then, associating it through the eye of the arbitrary observer. Motion can be computed in terms of both the position vectors, that is, the displacement, and distance, and taking into consideration the speed factors, that is, velocity, acceleration, speed, and time.
For instance, the cyclists in the image given below are said to be in a state of motion.
How to Identify an Object in Motion?
Any movement done by the object can be found by comparing the new position and the original position of the object. The change in the position of the object, with respect to time, is considered motion. Several things around us move like Earth which appears to be still but is always in motion. The car, bikes, people, and other things around us also move.
Parameters in Motion
There are four main parameters that affect the motion of the objects they are:
- Distance (d)
- Displacement (s)
- Speed/Velocity (v)
- Time (t)
Distance
Distance is used to refer to the complete path length between any two successive points. The distance is a scalar quantity, with only magnitude and no associated direction. Therefore, the distance is always positive in nature. The distance of a body gives the descriptive route information being followed by an object from one point to another. Since the distance between two points is equivalent to the path length, it can be measured across different trajectories, that is, linear or zigzag paths. The distance is denoted by the symbol ‘d’.
Distance = Speed × Time
d = v × t
Displacement
Displacement is the direct length of the minimum path between any two successive points. Displacement, therefore, may refer to displacement as a vector quantity, with both an associated magnitude and direction. The displacement of an object between any two points is considered to be positive, negative, and even zero. Displacement is independent of the path and only depends upon the initial and final position of the body. Therefore, it does not provide complete information on the route. Displacement is always indicated with an arrow. It is denoted by ‘s’.
Displacement = Velocity × Time
s = v × t
Speed
Speed can be defined as the rate of change of position of an object moving in any direction. Speed is measured as the ratio of the distance covered by an object to the total time to cover this distance. The speed of a body is considered to be a scalar quantity, with only magnitude and no associated direction.
Speed = Distance / Time
v = d / t
Unit of Speed in different systems is different system as shown below:
| CGS system | cm/s |
| SI system | m/s |
Dimensional formula for Speed is [LT-1].
Velocity
Velocity is defined as the rate of change of displacement per unit time. It is a vector quantity. Velocity is nothing but speed in a particular direction. Hence, the unit and dimension formula of velocity is same as that of speed. Hence, the unit of velocity is m/s and the dimensional formula is LT-1
Time
Time is an important frame of reference to evaluate the change in state and motion of the objects. Time is referred to as the interval over which any object undergoes modifications in its motion, orientation and structure. The criteria for evaluation that time has passed is the modification in any object.
S.I. unit for time is the second, abbreviated as s. It is also measured in other units such as minutes(m), hours(hr), etc. The dimensional formula for time is [T1].
Types of Motion
The motion of an object depends on the force acting on the body. There are various kinds of motion and different kinds of motion are explained below in this article,
- Linear Motion
- Translational Motion
- Rotational Motion
- Periodic Motion
- Simple Harmonic Motion
- Oscillatory Motion
- Projectille Motion
Now let’s learn about them in detail.
Linear Motion
Linear motion is a specific type of translational motion where the body moves only in one single direction. It can be either in the x-direction or in the y-direction or in the z-direction.
For example the motion of ants on the edge of the knife and others.
Translational Motion
In Translational motion, the object is free to move and can move in any of the three (x, y, z) directions. For example, the motion of Areoplane, birds, bees, etc is considered to be translational motion.
Rotational Motion
In Rotational motion, the object moves along a circular path about a fixed axis. For example, the Rotational motion of the Earth, Moon, Top and others is the form of the Rotational Motion.
Periodic Motion
Periodic motion is the type of motion that repeats itself after certain intervals of time. For example, the motion of the Earth around the Sun, the motion of the comments, and the motion of the Moon around the Earth exhibit periodic motion.
Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion is a specific type of periodic motion in which the particle moves to and fro around a fixed point. Like in the case of a simple pendulum.
Oscillatory Motion
The to-and-fro motion of an object is called the Oscillatory Motion it is repetitive in nature it repeats itself within a fixed time frame. Mechanical oscillations are called vibrations. For example the motion of the guitar strings and other.
Projectile Motion
When an object has both horizontal displacement as well as vertical displacement then it is said to be in Projectile motion. For example, the movement of the bullet fired from the gun, and a stone thrown in the air also follows the projectile motion.
Types of Motion as per State of Motion
There are two types of Motion on the basis of State of Motion
- Uniform Motion
- Non-Uniform Motion
Now let’s learn about them in detail.
The uni-dimensional motion of an object where it travels with uniform speed all along the path is called Uniform motion. Since the body covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, the velocity of the body remains constant. The speed of an object remains the same during all time frames, the average speed of the object is equivalent to its actual speed. No acceleration is attained by the object in the case of uniform motion. For instance, a car travelling 20 km in the first hour, 20 km in the next hour, and so on continue with this throughout its motion.
Examples of Uniform Motion
Various examples of the objects performing the uniform motion are,
- The hands of the clock cover equal distances.
- A car going along a straight level road at a steady speed.
- An aeroplane flying at a steady speed in the air.
The uni-dimensional motion of an object where it travels with a varying speed all along the path is called Non-Uniform motion. Since the body covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time, the velocity of the body remains modified. The speed of an object changes during the time frames, and the average speed may be different from its actual speed. Acceleration or deceleration is attained by the object in the case of non-uniform motion. For instance, a car travelling 20 km in the first hour, 30 km in the next hour, and so on. Continuing with a varying speed throughout its motion.
Examples of Non-Uniform Motion
Various examples of the objects performing the non-uniform motion are,
- A racing car
- A ball bouncing at different intervals
- Two cars colliding with each other
Also Read, Difference Between Uniform and Non-Uniform Motion
Types of Motion as Per Directions
There are three types of motion in physics as per the direction of motion that are,
- One Dimensional Motion
- Two Dimensional Motion
- Three Dimensional Motion
Now let’s learn about them in detail.
One Dimensional Motion
Whenever anyone out of the three coordinate spaces representing the position of the object undergoes any change (shape, speed, distance) with respect to time, then that motion is called one-dimensional motion, or uni-dimensional motion.
Examples of One Dimensional Motion
Examples of One Dimensional Motion are,
- The motion of a steel block in a straight line,
- Object freely falling under the effect of gravity.
- A man walking through a straight lane
Two Dimensional Motion
Whenever any pair out of the three coordinate spaces representing the position of the object undergoes any change (shape, speed, distance) with respect to time, then that motion is called two-dimensional motion, or bi-dimensional motion.
Examples of Two Dimensional Motion
Examples of Two Dimensional Motion are,
- Movement of a train along a zigzag track.
- The rotation of the planets around the sun
Three Dimensional Motion
Whenever all the three coordinate spaces representing the position of the object undergoes any change (shape, speed, distance) with respect to time, then that motion is called three-dimensional motion. The body tends to undergo movement within a planar structure.
Examples of Three Dimensional Motion
Examples of Three Dimensional Motion are,
- Objects flying in arbitrary paths in the sky.
- The motion of atoms inside a gas molecule.
Laws of Motion
Laws of motion also known as Newton’s Laws of Motion are the basic laws that help us to understand the motion of any object. These laws are valid for each inertial frame of reference. The three laws of motion are:
First Law of Motion: Also known as Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object stays in an existing state of motion or rest unit unless a net external force is applied to it.
Second Law of Motion: Also known as Newton’s Second Law of Motion states that the change in momentum of the object with respect to time is equal to the net force applied.
Third Law Motion: Also known as Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Equations of Motion
There are three equations of motion. These are mentioned below:
First Equation of Motion: It is used to find the final velocity of an object if its initial velocity, acceleration and time is given. Mathematically it is represented as v = u + at
Second Equation of Motion: It is used to find the distance if the initial velocity, acceleration and time is given. Mathematically it is given as s = ut + 1/2at2
Third Equation of Motion: In this equation, the difference of squares of final and initial velocity is equal to twice the product of acceleration and distance. Mathematically it is given as v2 – u2 = 2as
Differentiate Between Periodic and Non-Periodic Motion
The difference between periodic and non-periodic motion can be understood by the following table:
| Periodic Motion | Non-Periodic Motion |
| In periodic motion, the same path is followed after a fixed time interval. | In non-periodic motion, the path followed by the object is not fixed and can be random. |
| The position of the object after a specific period of time can be guessed. | The position of the object after a specific period of time cannot be guessed. |
| Examples: Oscillatory motion, Motion of planets around the sun, etc. | Examples: The motion of vehicles, the motion of bees, etc. |
Also, Check,
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What is Frequency?
Frequency is the rate at which the repetitive event that occurs over a specific period. Frequency shows the oscillations of waves, operation of electrical circuits and the recognition of sound. The frequency is the basic concept for different fields from physics and engineering to music and many mor
9 min read
Amplitude, Time Period and Frequency of a Vibration
Sound is a form of energy generated by vibrating bodies. Its spread necessitates the use of a medium. As a result, sound cannot travel in a vacuum because there is no material to transfer sound waves. Sound vibration is the back and forth motion of an entity that causes the sound to be made. That is
5 min read
Energy of a Wave Formula
Wave energy, often referred to as the energy carried by waves, encompasses both the kinetic energy of their motion and the potential energy stored within their amplitude or frequency. This energy is not only essential for natural processes like ocean currents and seismic waves but also holds signifi
7 min read
Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion is a fundament concept in the study of motion, especially oscillatory motion; which helps us understand many physical phenomena around like how strings produce pleasing sounds in a musical instrument such as the sitar, guitar, violin, etc., and also, how vibrations in the memb
15+ min read
Displacement in Simple Harmonic Motion
The Oscillatory Motion has a big part to play in the world of Physics. Oscillatory motions are said to be harmonic if the displacement of the oscillatory body can be expressed as a function of sine or cosine of an angle depending upon time. In Harmonic Oscillations, the limits of oscillations on eit
10 min read
Sound
Production and Propagation of Sound
Have you ever wonder how are we able to hear different sounds produced around us. How are these sounds produced? Or how a single instrument can produce a wide variety of sounds? Also, why do astronauts communicate in sign languages in outer space? A sound is a form of energy that helps in hearing to
6 min read
What are the Characteristics of Sound Waves?
Sound is nothing but the vibrations (a form of energy) that propagates in the form of waves through a certain medium. Different types of medium affect the properties of the wave differently. Does this mean that Sound will not travel if the medium does not exist? Correct. It will not, It is impossibl
7 min read
Speed of Sound
Speed of Sound as the name suggests is the speed of the sound in any medium. We know that sound is a form of energy that is caused due to the vibration of the particles and sound travels in the form of waves. A wave is a vibratory disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another point wit
12 min read
Reflection of Sound
Reflection of Sound is the phenomenon of striking of sound with a barrier and bouncing back in the same medium. It is the most common phenomenon observed by us in our daily life. Let's take an example, suppose we are sitting in an empty hall and talking to a person we hear an echo sound which is cre
9 min read
Refraction of Sound
A sound is a vibration that travels as a mechanical wave across a medium. It can spread via a solid, a liquid, or a gas as the medium. In solids, sound travels the quickest, comparatively more slowly in liquids, and the slowest in gases. A sound wave is a pattern of disturbance caused by energy trav
5 min read
How do we hear?
Sound is produced from a vibrating object or the organ in the form of vibrations which is called propagation of sound and these vibrations have to be recognized by the brain to interpret the meaning which is possible only in the presence of a multi-functioning organ that is the ear which plays a hug
7 min read
Audible and Inaudible Sounds
We hear sound whenever we talk, listen to some music, or play any musical instrument, etc. But did you ever wondered what is that sound and how is it produced? Or why do we hear to our own voice when we shout in a big empty room loudly? What are the ranges of sound that we can hear? In this article,
10 min read
Explain the Working and Application of SONAR
Sound energy is the type of energy that allows our ears to sense something. When a body vibrates or moves in a ‘to-and-fro' motion, a sound is made. Sound needs a medium to flow through in order to propagate. This medium could be in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid. Sound propagates through a
8 min read
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is the pollution caused by sound which results in various problems for Humans. A sound is a form of energy that enables us to hear. We hear the sound from the frequency range of 20 to 20000 Hertz (20kHz). Humans have a fixed range for which comfortably hear a sound if we are exposed
8 min read
Doppler Effect - Definition, Formula, Examples
Doppler Effect is an important phenomenon when it comes to waves. This phenomenon has applications in a lot of fields of science. From nature's physical process to planetary motion, this effect comes into play wherever there are waves and the objects are traveling with respect to the wave. In the re
7 min read
Doppler Shift Formula
When it comes to sound propagation, the Doppler Shift is the shift in pitch of a source as it travels. The frequency seems to grow as the source approaches the listener and decreases as the origin fades away from the ear. When the source is going toward the listener, its velocity is positive; when i
3 min read
Electrostatics
Electrostatics
Electrostatics is the study of electric charges that are fixed. It includes an study of the forces that exist between charges as defined by Coulomb's Law. The following concepts are involved in electrostatics: Electric charge, electric field, and electrostatic force. Electrostatic forces are non con
14 min read
Electric Charge
Electric Charge is the basic property of a matter that causes the matter to experience a force when placed in a electromagnetic field. It is the amount of electric energy that is used for various purposes. Electric charges are categorized into two types, that are, Positive ChargeNegative ChargePosit
8 min read
Coulomb's Law
Coulomb’s Law is defined as a mathematical concept that defines the electric force between charged objects. Columb's Law states that the force between any two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of the charge but is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between t
9 min read
Electric Dipole
An electric dipole is defined as a pair of equal and opposite electric charges that are separated, by a small distance. An example of an electric dipole includes two atoms separated by small distances. The magnitude of the electric dipole is obtained by taking the product of either of the charge and
11 min read
Dipole Moment
Two small charges (equal and opposite in nature) when placed at small distances behave as a system and are called as Electric Dipole. Now, electric dipole movement is defined as the product of either charge with the distance between them. Electric dipole movement is helpful in determining the symmet
6 min read
Electrostatic Potential
Electrostatic potential refers to the amount of electrical potential energy present at a specific point in space due to the presence of electric charges. It represents how much work would be done to move a unit of positive charge from infinity to that point without causing any acceleration. The unit
12 min read
Electric Potential Energy
Electrical potential energy is the cumulative effect of the position and configuration of a charged object and its neighboring charges. The electric potential energy of a charged object governs its motion in the local electric field. Sometimes electrical potential energy is confused with electric po
15+ min read
Potential due to an Electric Dipole
The potential due to an electric dipole at a point in space is the electric potential energy per unit charge that a test charge would experience at that point due to the dipole. An electric potential is the amount of work needed to move a unit of positive charge from a reference point to a specific
7 min read
Equipotential Surfaces
When an external force acts to do work, moving a body from a point to another against a force like spring force or gravitational force, that work gets collected or stores as the potential energy of the body. When the external force is excluded, the body moves, gaining the kinetic energy and losing a
8 min read
Capacitor and Capacitance
Capacitor and Capacitance are related to each other as capacitance is nothing but the ability to store the charge of the capacitor. Capacitors are essential components in electronic circuits that store electrical energy in the form of an electric charge. They are widely used in various applications,
11 min read