Classify motion into linear, circular, and oscillatory/periodic categories.
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Visual comparison of the three motion types.
Notice how the physical path drawn out in space defines the type of motion.
Defining linear and circular motion.
When an object moves along a straight path, its motion is called linear motion. If you drop an eraser from a height or watch an orange fall directly down from a tree, you are observing linear motion. Other examples include pushing a heavy box in a straight line or students marching in a parade.
Defining oscillatory and periodic motion.
When an object moves to and fro about a fixed position, its motion is called oscillatory motion. Think of a child on a playground swing, or a thin metal strip pressed firmly to a table edge that is plucked to vibrate up and down.
Summary grid of motion types and traits.
Diagram of a rollercoaster to analyze motion.
A single object can change its type of motion as its track changes shape.
Match rollercoaster segments to their motion type.
Terms
Definitions