Motion in Physics - Definition, FAQs

Motion in Physics - Definition, FAQs

Vishal kumarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 04:32 PM IST

What is motion in Physics?

Motion definition physics: Motion in physics, movement is a phenomenon in which an object over time changes position. In terms of movement, distance, speed, acceleration and time, motion is described quantitatively.

Three laws of motion

The movement of huge bodies is described in physics by two related sets of mechanical rules. Classical mechanics describe motion in the Universe for all huge as well as recognisable items

The three rules of classical mechanics were formulated by Newton as well as Euler historically:

The three equations of motion are as follows:

1. $v=u+a t$
2. $S=u t+\frac{1}{2} a t^2$
3. $V^2=u^2+2 a s$

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Newton's 1st law of motion or law of inertia.

"Everything continues to be in its state of rest or uniform motion along a straight line unless driven to act otherwise by some other body," Newton's first law states. The property of a body that resists changes in its state of rest or uniform motion is known as inertia. If the total external force is zero, an object in uniform motion will remain in uniform motion, and an object at rest will remain at rest.

Newton's second law of motion

The vector sum of the forces F on an object in an inertial reference frame equals the object's mass m multiplied by its acceleration.

F=ma

It is a vector quantity

SI Unit Newton (N)

Newton's third law of motion

When one body puts a force on another, the second body simultaneously exerts a force on the first body that is equal in size and opposite in direction.

Action = -reaction

Translational motion

The driving force F is balanced in translational motion by a resisting force Fr generated by the driven machine and an inertia force Ma generated by the change in speed, or

F-Fr=Ma=Mdv/dt

Where M is the mass given in kilogrammes the velocity v in metres per second, the acceleration an in metres per second2, and the force F in Newton (N)

Oscillatory motion

Periodic or oscillatory motion is defined as a motion that repeats itself. Due to a restoring force or torque, an object in such motion oscillates around an equilibrium position. No matter which direction the system is moved, such force or torque tends to restore (return) the system to its equilibrium position.

NCERT Physics Notes:

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Rotational motion

In rotational motion, the driving torque Tm (often generated by an electric motor) is balanced by a resisting torque TL (typically generated by the load and referred to as the motor shaft) and inertia or dynamic torque Jdω/dt.

$\mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{M}}-\mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{L}}=\mathrm{Jd} \omega / \mathrm{dt}$.

Where $J$ is the moment of inertia given in $\mathrm{kg}^* \mathrm{~m}^2$ It is also known as a flywheel.

Torque or moment, where $T$ is the torque in $N^* m$. The signs to be associated

With $T_M$ and $T_L$ in Eq. (2) are determined by the driving motor's operating regime and the nature of the load torque.

Relativistic mechanics

Modern kinematics evolved from the study of electromagnetic and refers to all velocities v in terms of their ratio to the speed of light c. Velocity is thus understood as rapidity, the hyperbolic angle for which the hyperbolic tangent function tan h = v/c. Acceleration, or a change in velocity, affects rapidity according to Lorentz transformations. This branch of mechanics is known as special relativity. W. K. Clifford and Albert Einstein both attempted to incorporate gravity into relativistic mechanics. The development employed differential geometry to describe a curved cosmos with gravity; the research is known as general relativity.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does understanding motion contribute to broader concepts in physics?
A:
Understanding motion is fundamental to many areas of physics. It forms the basis for studying forces, energy, momentum, and more complex systems in classical and modern physics. Motion concepts are essential for fields ranging from engineering to astrophysics.
Q: How does motion in a straight line differ from circular motion?
A:
Motion in a straight line involves movement along a single axis, with potential changes in speed but not direction. Circular motion involves constant change in direction (and thus velocity) even if speed remains constant.
Q: How do initial conditions affect the motion of an object?
A:
Initial conditions, such as starting position, velocity, and acceleration, determine how an object will move. They are crucial for predicting future positions and velocities using equations of motion.
Q: How do position, displacement, and distance differ?
A:
Position is the location of an object relative to a reference point. Displacement is the change in position and has direction. Distance is the total length of the path traveled, regardless of direction.
Q: What causes objects to change their state of motion?
A:
According to Newton's First Law, objects change their state of motion (or rest) when an unbalanced force acts upon them. This could be due to applied forces, friction, gravity, or other interactions.
Q: What is the concept of instantaneous speed and how does it differ from average speed?
A:
Instantaneous speed is the speed of an object at a particular instant or point in time. It's calculated as the limit of average speed as the time interval approaches zero. Average speed considers the total distance traveled over a larger time interval.
Q: How do we analyze motion when acceleration is not constant?
A:
When acceleration is not constant, we can't use simple kinematic equations. Instead, we need to use calculus, breaking the motion into small intervals where acceleration can be approximated as constant, or use more advanced mathematical techniques.
Q: What is the importance of vector addition in understanding complex motions?
A:
Vector addition is crucial for analyzing motions that occur in multiple dimensions or when multiple forces act on an object. It allows us to combine different components of motion or forces to determine the resultant motion or net force.
Q: How does the principle of superposition apply to motion?
A:
The principle of superposition in motion states that when two or more motions occur simultaneously, their individual effects can be added vectorially to determine the resultant motion. This is particularly useful in analyzing complex motions.
Q: What is the role of dimensional analysis in solving motion problems?
A:
Dimensional analysis helps verify the correctness of equations and calculations in motion problems. It ensures that the units on both sides of an equation match and can help in deriving relationships between different physical quantities.