Types of Motion: Introduction, Parameters, Examples

Motion is the change of a body’s position or orientation over time. The motion of humans and animals illustrates how everything in the cosmos is always moving. In addition, the fundamental unit of matter, the atom, is in a constant state of motion. This means that every single physical process in the cosmos has a motion of some kind, whether it be quick or slow.

When you contrast an object’s current position with its prior position, you can detect any movement in the object. A motion is defined as any shift in an object’s location with regard to time. While some objects, like the Earth, seem to be still, they are actually in motion. There are many things that you can see moving. Everything that appears stationary on Earth is in motion because the Earth is moving (i.e., Rotation and Revolution).

What Are the Types of Motion?

The description above makes it quite clear that we can identify any movement in the object by contrasting its current position with its previous position. A motion is defined as any shift in an object’s location with regard to time. Now, let us check the types of motion in Physics:

Linear Motion: The particles in linear motion go in a straight or curved route between two points. According to the motion’s path, linear motion is further split into the following categories:

1. Rectilinear Motion: This type of motion follows a straight line as it moves.
2. Curvilinear Motion: This type of motion follows a curved route.

Linear actuators, which allow you to locate vehicles such as cars, bicycles, trains, and other vehicles moving in a single straight route, are one of the great instances of linear motion. However, because the road or rail track is perfectly round, it will be referred to as linear motion. Even pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric linear cylinders with linear motion are available. In manufacturing, automation, robotics, etc., linear motion is extremely important.

Rotatory Motion: A type of motion known as rotary motion involves the object moving in a circle. This type of motion occurs when an object rotates about its axis or location. The earliest type of motion that scientists in ancient times created was the rotating motion. You might find the following examples helpful in understanding the rotatory motion:

1. An excellent example of rotary motion is the Earth rotating on its own axis around the sun.
2. Another example is the way an automobile’s wheels and steering wheel move when it is in motion while being driven. Each is rotating along its own axis, as you will discover. The car’s engine operates similarly since it also moves independently of the vehicle. Similar to linear cylinders, rotary actuators are now widely used across a variety of sectors. These cylinders come in electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic versions.

Oscillatory Motion: This third type of motion is distinguished by the item’s motion as oscillations to the front and back. An object moving around its mean location is referred to as oscillatory motion in other words. After a certain amount of time, if an object’s motion cycle repeats, it appears to be oscillating. The object’s motion in this is referred to as oscillation. This is because the motion is repeated after a predetermined amount of time. A few examples of an oscillating motion include:

1. When a baby swings back and forth while maintaining its fixed position.
2. Another example of periodic motion is a table fan.
3. An oscillating motion is present in both rotary and linear actuators.
4. As a result of particle oscillation, sound waves are created.
5. When a sitar or guitar is struck, the strings travel back and forth roughly at their average position (i.e., oscillatory motion).

Periodic Motion: Motion that is repeated at regular intervals is referred to as periodic motion. A bouncing ball, a rocking rocker, a swing in motion, a water wave, a vibrating tuning fork, etc. are a few instances of this motion. We know that motion of an item is the change in orientation or position of a body with regard to time, and this change can be slow or quick.

Parameters in Motion

Motion can be observed in a book dropping off a table, water running from the faucet, rattling windows, etc. Even the air we breathe has a motion to it! The entire universe is in motion. Our universe is always expanding and contracting. The atom, which is the fundamental unit of matter, is also constantly in motion. Every physical process in the universe involves motion of some kind.
Motion can be quick or slow, but the motion is still present. Due to the significance of motion in the physical world, it is crucial that we pay proper attention to the study of motion. Generally speaking, the following phrases are used to describe motion:

• Distance
• Displacement
• Speed
• Time

The change in position is described in terms of distance and displacement. Now, we are unable to provide a precise answer to the question of how far something is from another since it depends on the route followed. For all three approaches, it might or might not be the same. But since a straight line connects the two points, we can always provide a definitive answer for displacement. In other words, displacement is nothing more than the distance that can be travelled in the quickest time between two spots, in this case, Path 2. We can also see that it has a certain direction from A to B.

Distance travelled = Total path length covered

= d + d

= 2d

Examples of Motion

Let us understand the types of motion with the help of some examples:

• Motion is a part of many of our daily actions, including jogging, walking, and closing doors. The object used in these activities moves into a new position.
• Another example of motion is the passage of air in and out of our lungs.
• The vehicles that transport passengers between the point of pickup and the destination have motion. In this instance, the passengers’ positions are switched around.
• The troops marching along in a straight line.
• Objects falling from a specific height in motion
• Satellites’ orbiting around planets.
• The turning of an automobile onto a curving track.
• Movement of a large wheel.
• Wheel rotation of a moving vehicle.
• Simple pendulum motion.

We hope this article on Types of Motion has been helpful to you. Stay tuned to Embibe for such informative articles. Happy learning!