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Grade 7 Beginner About 10 min Version 1 Awaiting review Premium

Types of 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 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

  1. Choose a card and watch the path it follows.
  2. Place each card under the right type of motion.