Motion

Motion can be defined as the change in position of an object with regard to time. For instance, a plate or a book falling off a table, flowing water from a tap, or windows rattling against each other, all are exhibitions of motion. Even the air that surrounds us exhibits motion to some extent. The universe we inhabit is in constant motion, indicating that it is continually moving. The smallest and most fundamental particle of any matter, an atom, is in continuous motion. Every physical process in nature, a part of the universe, comprises some motion. The motion can be swift or slow, but there is no doubt that motion exists worldwide. It is crucial to pay due attention to the study of motion because it is of utmost importance in physics. Motion can be mostly described in the following terms:

• Distance: the total length that is covered during the process of motion        

• Displacement: the shortest distance that can be measured between the initial point and the last point

• Speed: the rate at which the motion occurs              

• Time: how long it takes for the motion to occur                

Both distance and displacement are used to describe a particular change in position. For instance, the distance between two points, namely A and B cannot be easily defined as that would require us to know what path is considered. It might or might not be the same distance for all the possible paths. However, in the case of displacement, a definite answer can always be given because it refers to one straight line joining the two points. Displacement is thus the shortest path from points A to B, with a specific direction.

Types of Motion

Various objects worldwide move in different motions. Some move in a circular line while others move in a straight line. According to the nature of the movement, motion can be classified into three types which are given as follows:

• Linear motion

• Rotary motion

• Oscillatory motion

Linear motion 

Linear motion refers to the motion wherein the particles move from one point to another in either a straight or circular line. The linear motion depending on the path of motion that is followed by the particles can be further divided into two types:

• Rectilinear motion – the path of the motion taken by the particles is a straight path.

• Curvilinear motion – the path of the motion taken by the particles is a curved path.

Some examples of linear motion can be a train moving along the railway track, the motion of a football being kicked across the field, and the motion of a car on a roundabout road or a straight flyover. 

Rotatory motion 

The rotary motion refers to the motion that occurs when a particular body or object rotates on its own axis. Some examples of the rotatory motion are given as follows:

• The motion of our planet earth about its own axis and around the sun is the perfect example of rotary motion. This is why the phenomenon of the earth spinning on its axis is called rotation. 

• The motion of the wheels and the steering wheel of a car, while it is being driven, are also other examples of rotatory motion. This is because the objects are rotating or spinning about their own axis. 

Oscillatory motion 

Oscillatory motion is the motion of a body about its mean position. Some examples of  oscillatory motion are given as follows:

• The motion of a child on a swing in a playground when it is being pushed by someone behind it is an example of oscillatory motion. This is because the swing moves to and fro about its mean position.

• The motion of the pendulum of a clock is another suitable example of oscillatory motion as it moves to and fro about its mean position.

• The motion of the string of a guitar when it is being strummed by a guitarist moves to and fro about its mean position, resulting in an oscillatory motion.

Examples of Motion

Different forms of motion permeate our daily lives. There can be numerous examples found in our day-to-day activities, proving that motion and movement are everywhere. Some of these examples are listed below as follows:

• The daily functions of human beings, such as walking, running, cycling, and swimming involve motion. All of the above-mentioned activities involve a change in the position of the object carrying them out.

• The motion during the flow of air inside and outside of our lungs is also a great example.

• The several automobiles that are found on all roads carry passengers from one place to another, that is, the place of their pick up to their destination, exercise motion as well. In such cases of vehicles, the position of the passengers is changed from one place to another.

Newton’s Three Laws of Motion

The three laws of motion by Newton help us in understanding how various objects behave when they are standing still, moving, or when forces are acting upon them.

The first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object cannot start, stop, or change directions, all by itself. Some outside force needs to be acted upon for it to cause a change in the state of motion.

The second law of motion states that the acceleration that is produced by a particular object produced by a net force is directly proportional to the net force’s magnitude, in the same direction as that of the net force, and it is inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

The third law of motion states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. This law is also known as action-reaction law. 

These three laws of motion are extremely important because they can be applied to everything we do in real life. Due to the understanding of these laws, we can understand why we can stay still or move. 

Conclusion: 

Thus, in this article, we covered the definition of motion along with its various types and examples. We also covered Newton’s three laws of motion. Through this information, we hope that you found studying the topic of motion easier and much more interesting!