Types of motion
Watch the path of moving things, from a falling stone to a spinning prayer wheel and a swinging ping, and sort them by their type of motion.
Core concept
Motion can be linear, circular, rotational, oscillatory or random, depending on the path an object follows
Topic: Motion
An object is in motion when its position changes with time. Motion is grouped by the path. In linear (rectilinear) motion an object moves along a straight line. In circular motion it moves around a circle about a centre outside itself. In rotational motion it spins about an axis through itself. In oscillatory motion it moves to and fro about a middle position, again and again. In random motion it changes direction and speed: How far something travels in a certain time, like kilometres per hour. All key words without any pattern.
What you will learn
- Describe linear, circular, rotational, oscillatory and random motion.
- Identify the type of motion of everyday objects.
- Tell circular motion from rotational motion.
Before you start
- Know what it means for an object to move.
Materials
- Pictures or short videos of moving things
Equipment
- A stone on a string, a spinning top and a simple pendulum to try in class
Procedure
- Choose a card and watch the path it follows.
- Place each card under the right type of motion.